Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast (Bone-In)
A holiday-worthy recipe for perfectly moist, bone-in turkey breast rubbed generously with a savory mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and softened butter for incredibly crispy skin.
Equipment
- Shallow Roasting Pan
- Wire Rack (for roasting)
- Meat Thermometer (instant-read)
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Herb Butter
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter completely softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Turkey
- 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (3 to 4 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken or turkey stock (for the roasting pan)
- 1 medium yellow onion quartered (optional, for the pan)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat the entire surface very dry using paper towels. A dry surface is critical for crispy skin. Allow the turkey breast to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the onion quarters (if using) and the chicken stock in the bottom of a shallow roasting pan fitted with a rack. If you do not have a rack, you can use large carrot and celery pieces as a base.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or a rubber spatula to thoroughly mash and mix until the butter is uniform and the herbs are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Apply the Herb Butter and Season
- Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat using your fingers, being careful not to completely tear the skin away. This creates a pocket for the butter.
- Take about two-thirds of the prepared herb butter and stuff it underneath the skin, directly onto the breast meat. Use your hands to massage the butter across the surface of the meat beneath the skin, creating an even layer.
- Rub the remaining one-third of the herb butter over the exterior of the turkey skin. Lightly drizzle the entire surface of the turkey with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season generously with additional salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roasting
- Place the prepared turkey breast skin-side up on the rack in the roasting pan. Place the turkey in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and roast for 15 minutes. The high heat sets the skin and begins the crisping process.
- After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) without opening the oven door. Continue roasting for another 60 to 105 minutes. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil. Baste once or twice during the last 30 minutes of cooking using the pan drippings and stock.
Step 4: Check Internal Temperature and Rest
- The turkey is finished cooking when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding the bone) registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once 165°F (74°C) is reached, immediately remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Tent the turkey loosely with foil and allow it to rest for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This rest period is essential for juicy meat.
- After resting, slice the turkey breast meat against the grain and serve immediately. Drizzle with pan juices or serve alongside homemade gravy.
Notes
Always use a reliable instant-read thermometer for poultry. If you wish to make gravy, reserve the pan drippings (separating the fat) after the turkey has been removed. You may need extra salt and pepper to season the exterior, as the initial herb butter mixture is primarily intended for the meat under the skin.