Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy tender, juicy turkey without fussing over a whole bird, then this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s flavorful, simple, and perfect whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a festive gathering. I absolutely love how the fresh herbs and garlic marry with buttery crisp skin—your kitchen will smell incredible, and everyone will be asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a beautiful harmony of flavor and tenderness. I always suggest using fresh herbs if you can—fresh thyme and rosemary really make a difference in elevating the simple butter and garlic base.

• Half turkey breast: Look for a 3 to 4-pound breast with skin on for that crispy golden finish.
• Butter: Room temperature butter makes it easier to mix and spread evenly under and over the skin.
• Fresh thyme: Chopped finely to release its earthy aroma.
• Fresh rosemary: A little goes a long way—use sparingly for that pine-like fragrance.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor; skip the powder for best results.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Cracked black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and complements the herbs perfectly.
• Water: This helps keep the turkey moist in the roasting pan as it cooks.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your tastes. Whether you want it extra spicy or more herbaceous, go ahead and play around.

• Spicy Kick: I once added crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat, and my family couldn’t get enough of it.
• Citrus Twist: Try topping the turkey with a bit of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, sage or parsley work beautifully too.
• Vegetable Base: Instead of parchment, roast the turkey on a bed of onion, carrot, and celery to deepen the pan drippings flavor—trust me, it makes the gravy next-level.

How to Make Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Your Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, line your roasting pan or sheet pan with parchment paper—or if you want to up the flavor, lay down sliced onions, carrots, and celery like a cozy flavor bed for your turkey breast.

Step 2: Make the Herb & Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine your room temperature butter, fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Use your fingers or a spoon to mix until everything is well blended and the butter is soft and spreadable. I like to get my hands in there because it really helps incorporate all those wonderful aromas.

Step 3: Butter the Turkey Breast

Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it, and spread about half of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Then spread the remaining butter over the top of the skin, making sure it’s nicely coated with that herb goodness. Don’t forget to season well with salt and cracked black pepper—this is key for a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Roast Low and Slow, Then Crisp

Place the turkey breast skin-side up in the roasting pan. Pour one cup of water into the pan to keep the environment moist and catch drippings. Roast for about 15-20 minutes per pound—around an hour for a 3-4 pound breast. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to stay in control. Once the turkey hits 135°F, remove any cover if you used one, crank the oven up to 400°F, and roast another 15 minutes to crisp the skin beautifully. Pull it out when it hits 150°F and let it rest — it’ll carry overcook to a perfect 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Resting the turkey is not just a step, it’s a must! Tent it loosely with foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice against the grain and serve immediately, or save the leftovers for some seriously delicious sandwiches.

How to Serve Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a sprig or two of fresh thyme and a few lemon wedges on the side—it brightens up each plate and adds a fresh zing as you squeeze over your turkey slices. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top right before serving never hurts either!

Side Dishes

When I serve this turkey breast, my go-to sides are garlic mashed potatoes, roasted green beans with almonds, and a crisp garden salad. For holiday occasions, creamy stuffing and cranberry sauce are absolute winners that my family looks forward to every year.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the turkey breast and arrange it on a large platter nestled on a bed of fresh arugula or baby spinach, decorated with edible flowers or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. It’s both elegant and easy, impressing guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey breast wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the fridge. It stays juicy and delicious for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy that savory goodness way after the initial meal.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey first and separate portions with parchment paper before sealing them in freezer bags. This helps prevent the slices from sticking together and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend gently warming turkey slices in a low oven (around 275°F) covered with foil to keep moisture in, or briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top. Avoid overheating to keep the slices tender and juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s straightforward, comforting, and always comes out moist and flavorful, no matter how many times I make it. I know you’ll enjoy the way the herbs and garlic transform the turkey into something both classic and exciting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to roast turkey has been right here all along.

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