Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect juicy turkey without the hassle of roasting an entire bird, then I’ve got a gem for you. This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is a total game changer — it’s bursting with flavor, super tender, and surprisingly straightforward to make. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it becoming your go-to roast for both holidays and weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe plays an important role in building up layers of flavor. I always recommend fresh herbs when you can get them—they really brighten the whole dish and make all the difference compared to dried versions.

• Bone-in turkey breast: Using bone-in turkey breast keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor; a half breast works perfectly for most households.
• Butter: Softened butter is perfect for mixing with herbs and garlic, and it helps crisp the skin when roasting.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch, making the flavors bold and vibrant.
• Sage leaves: Sage brings an earthy, savory note that complements turkey wonderfully.
• Rosemary leaves: Rosemary adds a piney fragrance that’s iconic in poultry dishes.
• Thyme leaves: Thyme’s subtle lemony-herbal tone deepens the flavor complexity.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley lightens the herb blend with a bit of brightness and color.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the herb and meat flavors.
• Pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the savory herbs perfectly.
• Rosemary sprigs (optional): Lovely for garnish and a hint of fresh fragrance when serving.
• Cooking spray: Keeps the baking dish non-stick for easy cleanup.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it. Whether you love bold flavors or like to keep things simple, adding your own twist is a breeze and actually kind of fun!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb butter for a subtle warmth that my family goes crazy for.
• Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest mixed with the herbs adds freshness — perfect in spring or summer.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for olive oil and it still turns out beautifully moist and flavorful.
• Smoky Twist: Smoked paprika mixed with the herbs brings a tiny smoky note that’s unexpected but delightful.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature — 450 degrees F is the magic number here. Spritz your baking dish with cooking spray so the turkey won’t stick, which will make cleanup so much easier. Preheating at a high temp helps kickstart the browning process, giving you that gorgeous golden skin we all love.

Step 2: Mix the Herb Butter

Combine the softened butter with minced garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until you get a harmonious blend of herbs and spices evenly spread throughout the butter. This is the heart of flavor for your turkey, so don’t rush it! I like pressing the flavors in with the back of a spoon to really mix the garlic and herbs well.

Step 3: Spread the Butter Under the Skin

This is a step I discovered really changed the texture and juiciness. Gently loosen the skin of your turkey breast by sliding your fingers or a butter knife between the meat and skin. Take half of the herb butter and spread it evenly underneath the skin — this keeps the meat moist and infuses flavor right where it counts.

Step 4: Coat the Skin with Remaining Butter and Bake

Now spread the other half of the butter mix on top of the turkey’s skin. Place the turkey into your prepared baking dish, then pop it into the oven. Roast at 450 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, until the skin just starts to brown and crisp up nicely. This is where the aroma fills your kitchen and gets everyone excited!

Step 5: Lower the Temperature and Continue Roasting

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Roast the turkey breast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices to keep it juicy. This slow roasting ensures your turkey cooks evenly and stays tender. Remember, patience here pays off!

Step 6: Check Temperature and Rest

Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature in the thickest part. When it hits at least 160 degrees F, take it out and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes — this is key! Carryover heat will bring it to 165 degrees, guaranteeing moist, perfectly cooked turkey. I learned this resting step the hard way and it really makes all the difference.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this turkey with fresh rosemary sprigs, not just for looks but because their herbal fragrance perfectly complements the dish. A sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

For a classic combo, I pair this roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes and green beans sautéed in garlic. Sometimes I throw in a simple cranberry sauce or a bright citrusy salad to cut through the richness, which creates a balanced plate your whole family will enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving this for holidays, I like to arrange sliced turkey breast on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and scattered rosemary sprigs. Adding a drizzle of pan jus makes everything look even more appetizing and highlights that gorgeous herb crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays tasty for up to four days. Slicing it thin before storing helps it reheat evenly without drying out, which is a huge win for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This turkey freezes really well—just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or use freezer bags. When I’ve defrosted it, it still tastes fresh and delicious, making it a great make-ahead option if you want to prep for a crowd or save leftovers.

Reheating

I gently reheat slices covered with foil in a 325-degree oven, which keeps the meat moist without overcooking. For a quick option, reheating in a covered skillet with a splash of broth works wonders to restore juiciness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I love how this Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs Recipe delivers such rich flavors without the fuss of a full turkey roast. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it always impresses with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and delicious roasting turkey can be!

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