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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Breast Recipe

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Thanksgiving turkey breast brings festive flavors to home kitchens with ease. Succulent meat seasoned with herbs and roasted to golden perfection promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 lbs (2.72 kg) turkey breast, bone-in
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) garlic herb butter
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Skin Preparation: Delicately create a butter pocket by gently separating turkey breast skin from meat without damaging the membrane, ensuring even butter distribution.
  2. Butter Application: Massage softened butter beneath the skin and across the exterior, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage for a golden, crispy finish.
  3. Baking Setup: Position seasoned turkey breast on a foil-lined tray, optimizing heat circulation and simplifying post-cooking cleanup.
  4. Initial Roasting: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C), placing rack centrally, and roast for 20 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  5. Temperature Reduction: Lower oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue cooking for approximately 75 minutes, periodically basting with pan drippings to maintain moisture.
  6. Skin Protection: If skin darkens rapidly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while ensuring thorough cooking.
  7. Temperature Verification: Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
  8. Resting and Serving: Allow turkey breast to rest 10-15 minutes, tented with foil, for juice redistribution, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before presenting.

Notes

  • Skin Separation Technique: Carefully create a butter pocket under the skin without tearing the delicate membrane, ensuring even butter distribution and maximum flavor infusion.
  • Butter Application Strategy: Massage softened butter both under and over the skin to guarantee a golden, crispy exterior and rich, moist interior that locks in tremendous flavor.
  • Temperature Control Mastery: Use a two-stage roasting method with high initial heat for caramelization, then lower temperature for consistent cooking, preventing dry or undercooked meat.
  • Moisture Preservation Hack: Regularly baste the turkey breast with pan drippings and use foil tenting if needed to maintain juiciness and prevent excessive browning during the roasting process.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg