Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly juicy and flavorful way to cook turkey breast, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe. I absolutely love how the garlic and fresh herbs infuse every bite with a savory punch, while the butter keeps the meat tender and perfectly roasted. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and extra special because it’s surprisingly simple to nail at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference here. The combination of fresh herbs with plenty of garlic and good unsalted butter amps up the flavor and helps create that dreamy roasted crust. Don’t worry about fancy herb blends — I’ll show you exactly how to pull it all together without fuss.

• Turkey breast (skin on, bone in): Look for a single large breast with skin intact to help lock in moisture.
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley): Using fresh is worth it here — they bring vibrant aroma and bright notes to the butter.
• Garlic cloves (smashed and minced): Garlic is the star player, lending that irresistible savory depth.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Butter under the skin bastes the turkey as it cooks for juicy, golden perfection.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the turkey.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to swap herbs or spice it up to fit your style – the base method works beautifully no matter what.

• Lemon Twist: I sometimes add finely grated lemon zest to the butter mix for a fresh citrus brightness that complements the herbs perfectly.
• Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, using a teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, and sage works in a pinch—just crush them to release their oils before mixing.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter gives the turkey a subtle heat my family really enjoys.
• Garlic Lovers: When I want an extra garlicky punch, I add roasted garlic cloves to the herb butter—yep, it takes it to another level!

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Turkey and Oven

Start by taking your turkey out of the fridge about 45 minutes before you want to roast it — I’ve learned this step really helps it cook evenly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and place your rack in the lower middle position. This setup helps the turkey cook through without the skin getting too dark too soon.

Step 2: Prepare Your Herb Bed and Garlic

Place the bunch of fresh herbs and the smashed garlic cloves right in the middle of your baking dish. This not only flavors the turkey from underneath but also creates an aromatic base that elevates the whole roast. I like that it feels so natural and homey.

Step 3: Make That Garlic Herb Butter

Mix your softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily but not melting — I often give it a quick stir with a fork. It’s this butter that will turn your turkey from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 4: Loosen Skin and Butter It Up

Here’s a trick I learned from watching a great video demo: take a teaspoon upside down and gently slide it under the turkey skin to loosen it from the meat without tearing. This step is key because it allows you to spread the garlic herb butter right under the skin where it’s most effective. Use about two-thirds of the butter to coat the top side under the skin—use your hands for the smoothest, most even coverage.

Step 5: Butter the Underside and Assemble

Flip the turkey over and spread the remaining butter (except a small bit for the surface) under the skin on the bottom side. Place the turkey breast skin side up on the herb and garlic bed you arranged in the pan. Then smear the last bit of butter over the skin—just a thin layer to prevent the herbs on top from burning. I used to over-butter the skin and learned quickly that less is more.

Step 6: Roast and Rest

Pop the dish in the oven and let it roast for 90 minutes or until your meat thermometer reads 65°C (150°F) inside the thickest part of the breast. After pulling it out, tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes—I promise patience here pays off with juicy, tender slices every time.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a quick handful of freshly chopped parsley over the turkey when it’s ready to serve—adds a fresh pop of color and vibrant flavor. Sometimes I drizzle a little of the buttery pan sauce spooned from around the turkey for that extra oomph. The aroma when the garlic and herbs hit the plate honestly makes the whole dinner feel special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides to pair with this roasted turkey breast are garlic mashed potatoes (you can never have too much garlic here!), a simple green bean almondine, and a crisp, tangy cranberry sauce. Together, it feels like a cozy, complete meal every time. I also love roasted root vegetables tossed with thyme to echo the herb flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to carve the turkey breast into thick, juicy slices and fan them out on a large wooden board dotted with herb sprigs and small bowls of buttery pan sauce and cranberry sauce. It makes the meal feel festive and inviting—and guests always comment on how juicy the meat is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the turkey cool completely before slicing and storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen after a day. Just make sure to store the pan juices separately if you want to drizzle on top later.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, slice the turkey breast first and flash-freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can thaw only what you need and still enjoy moist, flavorful meat.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the turkey slices with foil and warm them gently in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth or leftover pan sauce helps keep the meat from drying out during reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe truly changed the way I approach turkey. I used to find turkey breast tricky to cook without drying out, but smearing that herb-packed butter right under the skin makes all the difference. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to for holidays, Sunday dinners, or when I want to impress guests without stressing out. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll find it as delicious and easy as I do—and your family will go crazy for the juicy, flavorful results!

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