I so look forward to our Thanksgiving turkey dinner each year and all the delicious sides! But what if you don’t want to deal with roasting a whole turkey? Maybe a turkey breast is just the ticket for smaller gatherings. I always plan on 1/2 lb. per serving, and a whole breast is more than enough for 6-8 people.
I prepare the breast the same way I would a whole turkey. Nothing fancy, just rub the breast with herbed butter, cover with cheesecloth and roast it. You can do this!
I am so lucky to still have chives and rosemary growing in my garden in late November, but if you don’t grow your own herbs, either grab some at the market or use a smaller amount of dried.
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Ingredients:
- 8-10 lb. turkey breast, thawed
- 1/2 stick butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp. lemon peel
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1 tbsp. fresh chives (or 1 tsp. dry)
- 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp. dry)
- 1 cup chicken broth, or use white wine, or water
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1/2 sweet onion
Preparation:
Mince the herbs and combine with the lemon peel and softened butter.
Preheat the oven to 325º and spray a small roasting pan and rack with cooking spray. Chop the onion, celery and carrot and add to the bottom of the pan. Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels. The breast will usually have a pop-up thermometer, if not use a meat thermometer (I used both just to be on the safe side).
Rub the breast all over with the butter mixture and cover with cheesecloth. Pour 1 cup of liquid (chicken broth, wine, water or combination) into the bottom of the pan.
Roast for 25 minutes per pound, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest section registers 165º. The pop-up thermometer was spot on, but I was still glad that I used my own.
Tent with foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests.
That’s all there is to it, slice and serve.
Enjoy with Gluten Free Roast Turkey Gravy and be sure and check out my Gluten Free Ramekin Stuffing Cups!
Notes ♪♫ White meat lovers will love this easy meal. For all the dark meat lovers out there be sure and check out my from scratch Gluten Free Roast Turkey Gravy made with legs or thighs, or for ultimate ease try my Crock-Pot Turkey Drumsticks. Happy Thanksgiving to all from My Gluten Free Cucina!
You can make each layer from scratch for a casual take on the traditional Thanksgiving meal or throw it together the next day with your Thanksgiving leftovers!
