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Garlic Butter Turkey Breast in the Oven

Garlic butter turkey breast roasts in the oven until the skin is golden and the meat reaches 165°F. Fresh thyme and rosemary flavor the butter, which is spread under and over the skin for a tender, aromatic roast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Resting 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 turkey breast 4- to 5-pound, bone-in, skin-on, thawed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch roasting pan

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Set a rack in a 9x13-inch roasting pan.
  3. Stir together the butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  5. Gently loosen the skin.
  6. Spread about half the garlic butter under the skin and the rest over the outside.
  7. Set the turkey breast skin-side up on the rack.
  8. Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone reads 165°F; tent loosely with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
  9. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

For the most reliable doneness, insert the thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze them; use plant-based butter for a dairy-free swap.