Keto Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
A juicy, herb-infused turkey breast with crispy skin – perfect for a low-carb feast.
Key Info:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Total Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 42g
- Carbs: 1g
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dietary Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Equipment Needed:
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer (essential for perfect doneness)
- Basting brush
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Optional: Fat separator, kitchen twine
Ingredients:
For the Turkey:
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (2.7-3.2kg/6-7lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Herb Butter:
- 115g/½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
Method:
- Preheat oven to 230°C/450°F
- In a bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and seasonings until well mixed
- Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels
- Carefully loosen skin from meat using your fingers, being gentle to avoid tearing
- Spread 2/3 of herb butter mixture under the skin, covering as much meat as possible
- Rub remaining butter over the skin and season generously with salt and pepper
- Place turkey breast-side up on roasting rack
- Roast at 230°C/450°F for 20 minutes until skin begins to brown
- Reduce temperature to 165°C/325°F and continue roasting for 1-1.5 hours
- Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F at the thickest part
- Rest for 15-20 minutes before carving
Crucial Tips:
- Let butter soften completely before mixing
- Don’t skip the initial high-temperature roast – it’s key for crispy skin
- Always use a meat thermometer
- Never cut into the turkey without resting first
Storage & Scaling:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours
- Keeps for 3-4 days in airtight container
- For larger breasts, add 20-30 minutes per pound
- Scale herb butter using 1 Tbsp per pound of turkey
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t guess the temperature – use a thermometer
- Avoid opening the oven frequently
- Don’t skip basting
- Never stuff a turkey breast – cook stuffing separately
Variations:
- Mediterranean: Add oregano and lemon juice
- Spicy: Include red pepper flakes
- Traditional: Use only sage and thyme
- Citrus: Add orange zest and juice