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Perfect Honey Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe with Fresh Herb Butter

honey butter roast turkey breast - featured image

A juicy and flavorful honey butter roast turkey breast infused with fresh herb butter, perfect for cozy dinners or small holiday feasts. This recipe delivers tender, moist turkey with a golden, sticky honey glaze and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (fresh or fully thawed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (leaves only)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (leaves only)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, honey, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Using a sharp knife, gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast starting at the thicker end, being careful not to tear it.
  4. Spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin evenly, then spread the remaining butter over the skin.
  5. Place the turkey breast in the roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season lightly with extra salt and pepper if desired.
  6. Roast the turkey breast for 60 to 75 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C). Start checking around 55 minutes.
  7. Baste once or twice during roasting with pan juices or leftover herb butter to keep the skin moist.
  8. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  9. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Carve the turkey breast against the grain and spoon any pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before roasting for even cooking. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat. Resting the turkey after roasting is essential to keep it juicy. Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities. Basting during roasting helps maintain moist skin. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, honey butter, roast turkey, fresh herb butter, holiday recipe, easy turkey recipe, juicy turkey, Thanksgiving, dinner