Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull off, this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is an absolute winner. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a comforting Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers that golden, herb-infused perfection every time—and I can’t wait to share all my tips so your turkey turns out incredible, too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Make sure to use fresh herbs if you can—they really brighten the flavor and make all the difference!

• Bone-in turkey breast: I love using bone-in because it keeps the meat juicy and adds great flavor during roasting.
• Butter: Softened butter is key for spreading under and over the skin so the turkey stays moist and golden.
• Minced garlic: Adds a punch of savory garlic goodness without overpowering.
• Sage leaves: Finely minced, sage gives a wonderful earthy, slightly peppery note I find so comforting.
• Rosemary leaves: Use fresh and minced rosemary for a fragrant pine-like aroma.
• Thyme leaves: Thyme lends a subtle lemony-herbal hint that pairs perfectly with poultry.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright, green freshness to the mix.
• Salt: A good pinch ensures everything tastes balanced and accentuates the herbs.
• Black pepper: Just enough to add a little heat without stealing the spotlight.
• Cooking spray: Makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking in your baking dish.
• Rosemary sprigs (optional): Great for garnishing and adding a festive touch when serving.

Variations

Life’s too short for boring turkey, right? Once you’ve nailed this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe, you can easily personalize it to fit your mood or dietary needs—and I’ll share some of my favorite tweaks!

• Spicy Herb Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the butter mixture—my family loves the subtle heat.
• Citrus Herb Blend: Toss in some lemon zest into the butter for a zingy freshness that brightens the herbs.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for olive oil and it’s just as delicious but great if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Make it a One-Pan Meal: Arrange hearty root vegetables in the pan; they roast alongside the turkey, soaking up all those herb-infused juices.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, get your oven heated to 450°F and lightly spritz your baking dish with cooking spray. This initial high heat starts crisping the skin perfectly. I always do this early so I’m ready when the turkey goes in—no waiting around.

Step 2: Mix That Flavorful Butter

In a bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir it up until everything’s blended and that herb aroma fills your kitchen—this blend is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Get Under the Skin

This is my favorite part—and a game changer. Carefully loosen the skin of your turkey breast without tearing it. I learned the hard way on my first try! Use your fingers or a spoon handle to gently separate the skin from the meat, creating a pocket for the butter. Then, spread half of your herb butter under the skin and the rest on top. This double layer bastes the meat from inside and out.

Step 4: Roast High and Then Low

Place the turkey in your baking dish and roast at 450°F for 15-20 minutes until the skin starts turning golden brown. This initial blast gives it that crave-worthy crispness. Then lower the oven to 350°F and continue roasting for around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Don’t forget to baste occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist—it’s one of those small touches that makes a big flavor difference.

Step 5: Check the Temperature and Rest

Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the turkey breast—it should read at least 160°F before you pull it out. Then tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the internal temp hits 165°F. Resting is key—I’ve learned that rushing this step dries out the meat, but this pause lets juices redistribute for perfectly moist turkey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish things off by garnishing with rosemary sprigs if you like—adds a lovely herbal aroma and looks stunning on the table. Then slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs—they not only look beautiful but add that intoxicating piney aroma as you cut into your turkey. A sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving adds a fresh green pop that makes the dish feel lively and bright.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze, and a tangy cranberry sauce. I’ve found that some crusty bread to soak up all those herby pan juices is the perfect finishing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the sliced turkey breast atop a bed of wild rice mixed with toasted nuts and fresh herbs—adds texture and festive flair. Or arrange thick slices on a platter surrounded with roasted root vegetables and pomegranate seeds for a colorful, inviting centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, I store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the breast slices and pan juices separate for best results—reheat gently so the meat doesn’t dry out. I’ve found that refrigerated leftovers stay good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable! Slice the turkey into portions and freeze in freezer bags with a bit of reserved pan juices to maintain moisture. When frozen properly, I’ve had no problem enjoying this herb-roasted turkey even months later.

Reheating

To reheat without drying, I cover the turkey with foil and warm it gently in a low oven (around 325°F) for 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth to the pan can help keep it juicy, and always avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen the meat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe turns out every single time—it’s a comforting classic with so much personality from the fresh herb butter. When I first tried roasting turkey breast this way, it completely changed my mindset about turkey being dry or bland. Give it a shot, follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly delicious it is. Grab that thermometer, some fresh herbs, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!

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