Go Back
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast (Crispy Skin)

A moist, flavorful bone-in turkey breast rubbed generously with aromatic herb butter and roasted using a high-heat start technique to achieve perfectly crisp skin, ideal for small holiday gatherings or weeknight meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Holiday, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

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
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Turkey
  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey stock for the roasting pan
  • 1 medium yellow onion quartered (optional, for the pan)
  • Extra kosher salt and pepper for external seasoning

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Roasting Rack
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step 1: Prep and Preheat
  1. 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.
  2. 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.)
Step 2: Prepare and Apply Herb Butter
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to thoroughly mix until the butter is uniform and the herbs are evenly distributed.
  2. Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat using your fingers, creating a pocket for the butter. Take about two-thirds of the prepared herb butter and stuff it underneath the skin, massaging it across the surface of the meat. 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 the Turkey
  1. 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.
  2. 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 (1.5 to 2 hours total). If the skin begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil. You may baste it once or twice during the last 30 minutes using the pan drippings and stock.
Step 4: Check Temperature and Rest
  1. The turkey is finished when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding the bone) registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Immediately remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a clean cutting board.
  2. Tent the turkey loosely with foil and allow it to rest for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Slice the turkey breast meat against the grain and serve immediately, optionally drizzling with any accumulated pan juices.

Notes

For the juiciest results, always use a reliable instant-read thermometer. If you plan to make gravy, save the pan drippings and onions; strain the liquid and use it as the base for a savory herb gravy. If the turkey is 4 lbs or heavier, expect the cook time at 350°F to lean closer to the 105-minute mark.