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Best Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey for a Small Holiday Feast

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This small-batch roasted turkey breast is infused with garlic herb butter, delivering juicy meat and crispy golden skin in under 2 hours. Perfect for feeding 4-6 people without the stress of a full-size bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3-4 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until well combined and fragrant.
  3. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  4. Gently slide your fingers between the skin and the meat to loosen the skin, being careful not to tear it.
  5. Spread about three-quarters of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin, including the sides and underside.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over the top and rub it in gently.
  7. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the pan, not over the turkey.
  8. Roast for 60-75 minutes, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes. Start checking temperature at 60 minutes.
  9. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done when it reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes.
  11. Carve against the grain into thick, even pieces. Spoon pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat the turkey dry for crispy skin. Let the butter come to room temperature. Don’t skip the resting period. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Baste strategically (twice during cooking). If skin browns too fast, tent with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic herb butter roasted turkey, small batch turkey, roasted turkey breast, holiday turkey, Friendsgiving turkey, easy turkey recipe

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/best-garlic-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-for-a-small-holiday-feast/