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Perfect Honey Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe Easy Herb Butter

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This honey glazed turkey breast with herb butter is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve pulled off something special, even when it’s just a regular weeknight. The crackling skin, the tender meat, and the way the honey glaze catches the light make it a meal that asks to be lingered over.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (5 to 6 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (optional)
  • Aromatics: halved onion, garlic cloves, rosemary sprig (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed. Scrape into a rough log on plastic wrap, roll up, twist ends, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
  2. Prep the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes to take the chill off. Gently loosen the skin from the meat using your fingers, creating a pocket without tearing the skin.
  3. Apply the herb butter: Slice the chilled butter log into thin pats and slide them under the skin, spreading evenly. Press the butter flat against the meat from outside the skin. Rub any remaining butter over the outside. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Make the honey glaze: Combine honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until butter melts and mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Do not let it boil. Set aside.
  5. Roast the turkey breast: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pour broth (if using) and aromatics into the pan. Roast for 45 minutes without touching.
  6. Apply the glaze: After 45 minutes, brush a thin layer of honey glaze over the skin. Return to oven and continue roasting, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part. Total roasting time is about 75 to 90 minutes for a 5-pound breast.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove turkey from oven and let rest on the pan for at least 15 minutes. The temperature will climb to 160°F (71°C) during resting. Carve against the grain into thick slices and spoon pan juices over the top.

Notes

Patting the skin dry is crucial for crispy skin. Use a thermometer, not a timer, to check doneness. Let the glaze build in layers for a crackling shell. Resting is not optional—it allows juices to redistribute. Save pan drippings for an easy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey glazed turkey breast, herb butter turkey, roasted turkey breast, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey, juicy turkey breast

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