Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving, especially when cooking for two. Moist, juicy turkey breast that is full of flavor and that turns out perfect every time.

Best of all it is incredibly easy to make. This recipe uses a simple blend of herbs, garlic and butter to create a delicious main dish that is perfect for small holiday dinner.

Once the turkey comes out of the oven let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, dressing, and gravy.

If you have any leftovers you can use it to make a delicious sandwich or wrap the next day. Or if you are still recovering from the filling holiday meal, use the meat to top a garden salad for a lighter option.

However, if you have had your fill of turkey and the thought of eating more just doesn’t sound appealing, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the meat in an air-tight container, label it with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Then pull the meat out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight. Then use the meat to make Turkey Stir-Fry, Turkey Stew, or whatever recipe that you prefer. It is a great way to get a delicious meal on the table with very little effort required.

HOW MUCH TURKEY PER PERSON

As a general rule when buying turkey, plan on 1 pound per person of bone in turkey breast. If you would like leftovers to enjoy later opt for 1½ pounds of bone in turkey breast per person.

Bone in turkey will give you more flavor and the meat will be much juicier than if you make a boneless turkey breast. However, if you insist on making a boneless turkey breast plan on ½ pound to ¾ pound per person.

Regardless of which type of turkey that you choose to make this herb turkey breast recipe the amount per person will vary on several factors. For example age and appetite play a big key role when determining the size that you will need,

In addition, the amount of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts offered at the table will also impact the need. Therefore it is best to use the above ratios as a guideline and compare them to who you are serving and what else is being served.

BEST WAY TO SEASON TURKEY BREAST

When it comes to seasoning a turkey breast there are several options. However, I have found that a simple herb butter provides plenty enough flavor and moisture to make the turkey breast turn out perfect every time.

Although, rather than slathering only the outer surface of the skin, it is important to apply the seasoning directly on the meat itself. In order to do this you must first separate the underneath surface of the skin away from the breast.

To do this gently pull up on the edge of the skin. Then use your hand to loosen the membrane that attaches the skin to the meat.

Keeping your fingers straight, slide your hand between the skin and breast. Then you can spread the herb butter directly on surface of the meat.

Once the butter melts it will penetrate into the meat, making it juicy and delicious.

COOKING TIME FOR HERB ROASTED TURKEY BREAST

Because this recipe is designed to serve two, it is best to use a half turkey breast for this recipe. Although you can make a whole turkey breast and save the leftovers for other recipes if you prefer.

However, if you do so you will need to double the butter and seasonings as well. Also the cook time will also need adjusted.

The recommended cook time for a bone in turkey breast is 20 minutes per pound when placed in a preheated oven set at 325°F.

Therefore, as you plan ahead for cooking time per pound, use this turkey breast roasting time chart as a rough guide for roasting:

BONE IN TURKEY BREAST

• 2 to 3-pound bone-in turkey breast half: Roast at 325°F for 60 to 75 minutes
• 4 to 6-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 1½ to 2¼ hours
• 6 to 8-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 2¼ to 3¼ hours

BONELESS TURKEY BREAST

• 1¼- to 1½ -pound boneless turkey breast half: Roast at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes
• 2½- to 3-pound boneless turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 40 to 60 minutes

WHEN IS THE HERB ROASTED TURKEY BREAST DONE?

Even when given the recommended cooking times for the Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, there is only one way to determine when the turkey breast is done. And that is with a food grade thermometer.

The turkey breast is ready to come out of the oven when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (but not touching the bone) reaches 160°F. Then when the turkey comes out of the oven and rests, it will continue to cook and reach the safe consumption temperature of 165°F.

However be sure to keep a close eye on the turkey breast. If it goes much past 165°F while still in the oven the meat will become too dry.

Therefore, I find it better to use an oven safe digital thermometer rather than an instant read digital thermometer to check for doneness. This way the thermometer probe stays inside the bird the entire time that it cooks.

Then I can check the digital display on the counter or the app on my cell phone to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast without opening the oven door. This also helps me plan when to prepare the side dishes so that everything comes out of the oven at the same time.

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lb bone in turkey breast (half turkey breast)
• 5 tablespoons butter softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Then spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

Place the butter, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley and salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine.

Loosen the skin of the turkey slightly away from the breast. Then spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin of the turkey breast. Then melt the other half of the butter and spread it on the outer surface.

Place the herb coated turkey breast in the baking dish and roast for 15-20 minutes. The skin will just begin to start to turn light brown in color.

Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue to bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Every 30 minutes baste the turkey breast with the pan drippings.

Check the internal temperature of the turkey by inserting a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Remove the turkey from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm. If you are looking for the perfect side dish to along with your Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, try this Thanksgiving Crouton Dressing Recipe!

Enjoy! Mary

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