Description
Enjoy a juicy and flavorful roasted turkey breast, perfected with a buttery herb rub and served with rich homemade gravy. This easy-to-make recipe yields tender slices perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday roasts, offering a succulent centerpiece with crispy skin and savory accompaniments.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) bone-in turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs, for serving
Gravy Ingredients
- Drippings from the turkey - anywhere from 1/4 cup to 2/3 cup
- 16 ounces chicken or turkey stock
- 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet or inside a roasting pan to elevate the turkey for even roasting.
- Prepare the Turkey: Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and minced garlic until well combined into a paste.
- Season the Turkey: Place the turkey breast on the wire rack. Gently lift the skin and rub the butter mixture underneath, then spread the remaining mixture evenly over the surface, covering all sides.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey for about 90 minutes, turning the pan halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; once it reaches 165°F, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Resting helps retain juices and ensures tenderness.
- Prepare the Drippings: Strain the drippings through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove larger bits, setting aside the liquids for gravy.
- Make the Gravy Base: Heat the strained drippings in a saucepan over medium heat. Shake the stock and flour vigorously in a shaker cup until smooth to create a slurry.
- Add the Slurry to the Gravy: Gradually pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk for 10-20 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Keep warm on low heat until serving. Serve the sliced turkey with the warm gravy drizzled over, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Rest the turkey for 30 minutes post-cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices.
- Adjust gravy seasoning gradually, tasting as you go for personalized flavor.
- Leftover gravy can be enriched with additional stock or water when reheating for a better consistency.
- Stir continuously while making gravy to avoid lumps and obtain a smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg