Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple showstopper that packs tons of flavor without the fuss of a whole bird, this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how juicy and fragrant this turkey breast turns out every single time — plus, it’s perfect for smaller gatherings or when you just want a delicious roasty meal without a week-long commitment. Stick around and I’ll walk you through my favorite way to get a golden crust, tender meat, and that irresistible herby garlic punch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients that work together for amazing flavor. Make sure to grab good-quality fresh herbs and real butter for that rich, juicy finish.

• Half turkey breast: Choose a fresh or thawed bone-in breast for the best flavor and even roasting.
• Butter: Room temperature butter blends easily and helps the herbs stick to the bird.
• Fresh thyme: I find fresh thyme gives a wonderful earthy note that dried just can’t match.
• Fresh rosemary: Adds a lovely piney aroma that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic is essential here for those savory, bold bursts of flavor.
• Salt: Don’t skimp – it enhances all the flavors and seasons the meat properly.
• Cracked black pepper: Adds just the right bit of punch and texture.
• Water: Used in the roasting pan to keep things moist and catch those flavorful drippings.

Variations

I love making this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe my own with a few tweaks depending on the season or the occasion. Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes — that’s what home cooking is all about!

• Adding citrus zest: I often add lemon or orange zest to the herb butter for a fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, mix in some smoked paprika or cayenne with the herbs for a smoky, warming twist.
• Herb substitutions: Don’t have fresh rosemary? Thyme and sage work wonders, too—experiment with what you have on hand.
• Diet-friendly option: Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter version that still keeps the turkey juicy.

How to Make Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan or roasting pan with parchment paper if you want an easy cleanup. If you’re feeling fancy or want extra flavor, I recommend placing the turkey breast on top of a bed of sliced onions, carrots, or celery — this not only keeps the meat elevated for even cooking but also adds to those tasty pan drippings you’ll love later.

Step 2: Mix Up Your Herb & Garlic Butter

Chop your fresh herbs and mince the garlic. Toss them into a bowl with the softened butter. I like to use my fingers here—it helps soften that butter just enough and really lets you combine everything nicely. The goal is to spread this fragrant butter under the skin and on top of the turkey breast skin for flavor that really seeps in and crisps up beautifully.

Step 3: Butter That Turkey Breast

Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast without tearing it, and spread a good layer of the herb garlic butter underneath. Then, slather the remaining butter right over the skin. This double butter layer is what keeps the meat juicy and gives you that golden, crisp crust that’s just irresistible.

Step 4: Roast Low and Slow, Then Finish Hot

Pop your turkey into the oven and roast it for about 15-20 minutes per pound — for me, that usually means around 1 hour for a 3-4lb breast. I check the internal temperature starting around 45 minutes in to avoid overcooking. When it nears 150°F, turn the heat up to 400°F and remove any covering to crisp up the skin for the last 15 minutes. This little trick gives you that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once your thermometer hits 150°F, take the breast out and tent it loosely with foil. I find letting it rest for about 15 minutes allows carryover cooking to bring it to the safe 165°F mark while keeping the juices locked in. Slice it warm to serve right away, or cool it down to use later—leftover turkey breast is always a delight!

How to Serve Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this turkey with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or even a few lemon wedges on the side. It adds a pop of color and a bright contrast to the rich, garlicky flavors. A drizzle of pan juices over the slices is a must in my book—don’t waste those!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe are simple and comforting—think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green bean almondine. For holiday meals, a classic stuffing and cranberry sauce never fail to complete the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the turkey sliced thin and fanned out on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a festive touch. Wrapping up leftover slices in warm flatbread with cranberry mayo makes for an easy, delicious leftover lunch idea your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way they stay moist and flavorful, perfect for quick sandwiches or adding to salads during the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, slice the turkey first and pack it in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. I’ve had great luck with freezing slices up to 3 months without losing quality—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the slices with foil and warm them gently in a 300°F oven or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep things moist. Steaming leftovers briefly works too—it keeps the meat tender without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I tried this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe—it was a revelation! Juicy, herby, and ridiculously easy to make, it quickly became my go-to when I wanted a comforting meal that didn’t take hours or a huge bird. If you want a delicious turkey that your family will go crazy for (and you can whip up on a weeknight), you’re gonna love giving this a try. Seriously, once you master this method, you might never go back to plain old turkey breast again.

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