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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

A juicy bone-in turkey breast rubbed with garlic herb butter and roasted until golden. All the flavor of a whole turkey for a smaller holiday table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Resting 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Turkey:

  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (6 to 7 lb) thawed
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Herb butter:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

For the pan:

  • 1 onion thickly sliced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Take the turkey breast out of the fridge 30 to 45 minutes before roasting. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Mix the softened butter with the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary and lemon zest.
  • Pat the turkey very dry. Gently loosen the skin and spread about half the herb butter underneath. Rub the rest on top. Season all over with salt and pepper.
  • Spread the onion slices in a roasting pan or large skillet, set the turkey on top skin side up and pour the broth around it.
  • Roast about 2 to 2 1/2 hours (around 20 minutes per pound), basting once or twice. Tent with foil if the skin gets too dark.
  • It is done when an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part (not touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). Rest 15 to 20 minutes, then slice.

Notes

Make ahead: Make the herb butter up to 5 days ahead. You can rub the turkey with it the night before and keep it covered in the fridge.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm slices with a spoonful of broth, covered, at 325°F (165°C) for 15 minutes.
Variations: Use a boneless breast (cook time is shorter, about 1 1/2 hours), add orange zest instead of lemon, or brush with maple butter for the last 20 minutes.
Keyword bone-in turkey breast, herb butter turkey breast, roasted turkey breast, small thanksgiving