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Garlic Butter Turkey Breast in the Oven

Garlic butter turkey breast in the oven roasts with a savory herb butter under the skin and over the top for moist meat and crisp skin. Roast it in a 9x13-inch pan until the thickest part reaches 165°F, then rest before carving.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
resting 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 turkey breast 4- to 5-pound, bone-in, skin-on, thawed

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch roasting pan

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Set a rack inside a 9x13-inch roasting pan.
  3. Stir the softened butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme together in a small bowl.
  4. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread about half the butter mixture underneath.
  5. Spread the rest of the butter mixture over the skin.
  6. Set the turkey breast skin-side up on the rack.
  7. Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone reads 165°F.
  8. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil.
  9. Rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

For the most reliable result, check the thickest part with a thermometer without touching bone. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze them. For a dairy-free swap, use stick-style plant-based butter.