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Cozy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

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A perfectly portioned, juicy turkey breast with herb butter that makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Ideal for a quiet date night or a small Thanksgiving for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 to 2½ pounds / 900g to 1.1kg)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth or turkey stock
  • ½ small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. While it heats, take your turkey breast out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined and fragrant.
  3. Prep the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Place it in your roasting pan or baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the skin and rub it in gently. Season the entire breast with a little extra salt and pepper, including the underside.
  4. Apply the herb butter: Using your fingers or a spatula, carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast from the meat, creating a pocket. Spoon about half of the herb butter under the skin, spreading it evenly over the meat. Then spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  5. Add aromatics to the pan: If using, scatter the quartered onion and rosemary sprigs around the turkey in the pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan—not over the turkey.
  6. Roast the turkey: Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 50 to 65 minutes, depending on the size of your breast. Check the temperature after 45 minutes using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for 160°F (71°C). If the skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Rest the turkey: Once it hits 160°F, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
  8. Make a quick pan sauce (optional): While the turkey rests, place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of white wine or a little more broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then strain into a small bowl or gravy boat.
  9. Slice and serve: Carve the turkey breast against the grain into thick, even slices. Arrange on a warm plate and drizzle with the pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step—it lets the juices redistribute. Use a meat thermometer for best results. If the skin browns too quickly, tent with foil. The pan drippings can be saved for gravy or soups.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey breast, turkey for two, small turkey breast, cozy turkey recipe, date night dinner, Thanksgiving for two

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/cozy-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast-for-two/