Name: Dutch Oven Turkey Breast: Juicy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Every Occasion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 lbs turkey breasts (bone-in, skin-on); 2 yellow onions, quartered; 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks; 4 carrots, peeled and chunked; 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; ½ tsp salt, plus extra to taste; ⅓ tsp pepper, plus extra to taste; 2 garlic heads, halved; 1 lemon, sliced; 250 g unsalted butter, softened; 7–10 basil leaves; 10 rosemary sprigs (5 reserved); 15 thyme sprigs (5 reserved); Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1–2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp salt, plus extra to taste; ¼ tsp pepper

Description

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted, this Dutch Oven Turkey Breast is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With its golden, crisp skin and tender meat infused with garlic herb butter, this one-pot dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious—perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast:

5 lbs turkey breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
2 yellow onions, quartered
3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
4 carrots, peeled and chunked
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
½ tsp salt, plus extra to taste
⅓ tsp pepper, plus extra to taste
2 garlic heads, halved
1 lemon, sliced

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

250 g unsalted butter, softened
7–10 basil leaves
10 rosemary sprigs (5 reserved)
15 thyme sprigs (5 reserved)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1–2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt, plus extra to taste
¼ tsp pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the turkey breast from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat the skin dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish.

2. Preheat the Oven:
Adjust the oven rack to the second-lowest position and preheat to 350°F.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a Dutch oven, combine onions, carrots, and celery. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.

4. Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

5. Season the Turkey:
Gently loosen the turkey skin to create a pocket. Spread half the garlic butter mixture under the skin and the other half over the top of the turkey.

6. Assemble in the Dutch Oven:
Add garlic heads, lemon slices, and reserved rosemary and thyme to the Dutch oven. Place the seasoned turkey breasts on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle additional salt and pepper.

7. Roast the Turkey:
Cover the Dutch oven and roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound (about 2 hours) or until the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F.

8. Rest the Turkey:
Remove the turkey from the Dutch oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes to redistribute juices.

9. Make the Gravy:

Collect the drippings by pouring the liquid from the Dutch oven through a strainer. Supplement with chicken broth to make 2 cups if needed.
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Gradually whisk in the drippings, starting with 1 cup, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

Notes

Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the proper temperature.
Save the roasted vegetables for a delicious side or use them to enhance soups.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American