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Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This roast turkey breast recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful main dish perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion. The turkey breast is seasoned with a blend of butter, thyme, salt, and pepper, then roasted to a perfect golden brown. The method ensures a tender, moist result with crispy skin.

Ingredients

Turkey Breast and Seasonings

  • 4 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped thyme

Butter Mixture

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Place the oven rack in the lower third position and preheat the oven to 450ºF (232ºC).
  2. Season the surface: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Season the bottom side with about ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adjusting as needed for size. Flip the turkey breast so the skin side is facing up.
  3. Season under the skin: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and the chopped thyme. Gently loosen the skin from the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to detach the edges. Rub the butter and thyme mixture evenly under the skin.
  4. Brush with butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter and brush it evenly over the turkey skin. Then season the skin with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Roast the meat: Place the turkey breast on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 325ºF (163ºC) and continue roasting until the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 to 165ºF (72 to 74ºC), which will take an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
  6. Let it rest: Once done, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure the turkey is cooked safely and remains juicy.
  • Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing prevents the juices from running out and keeps the meat moist.
  • You can adjust the amount of thyme or other herbs to your taste for added flavor.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on oven accuracy and size of the turkey breast.