Ingredients
Scale
- 5-pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring to Room Temperature:
- Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the turkey from drying out.
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray. Spread the lemon slices evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Make the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Mix until well blended.
- Prepare the Turkey:
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat. Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin. Secure the skin over the butter with wooden picks to keep it in place.
- Place the turkey, breast side up, on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish.
- Spread the remaining butter mixture evenly over the skin. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey in the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
- Rest the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat when carving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carve the turkey breast and serve warm. Pair with your favorite gravy, cranberry sauce, or seasonal side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the turkey is at room temperature before cooking to avoid uneven roasting.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting is crucial for retaining its juices.
- Monitor Closely: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The ideal temperature is 165°F for perfectly cooked turkey breast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes