Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a show-stopping main dish that’s both easy and bursting with flavor, this Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter is your new go-to! Whether it’s a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or quick family meal, this recipe delivers tender, juicy turkey with savory, aromatic herbs and a golden, buttery crust. Trust me—your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Super juicy and tender every single time—goodbye dry turkey!
- Garlic herb butter delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
- Ready in under 2 hours, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Fewer leftovers—ideal for small gatherings or meal prep.
- Pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to fresh green salads.
Ingredients for Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Directions: How to Make Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2: Preheat & Prep the Turkey Breast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Gently loosen the skin with your fingers.
Step 3: Butter Up the Turkey
Rub half of the garlic herb butter underneath the turkey skin, spreading it evenly. Smooth the remaining butter on top of the skin, then drizzle with olive oil.
Step 4: Roast the Turkey Breast
Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast uncovered for 1 hour and 30-45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30-40 minutes for best results.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices or your favorite gravy!
Notes for the Best Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Bring your turkey to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, broil the turkey on high for the last 3-5 minutes—but watch very closely!
- Check Serious Eats’ turkey breast roasting guide for more roasting tips.
Variations on Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Lemon Pepper: Swap in extra lemon zest and fresh cracked pepper for a bright, zesty flavor twist.
- Spicy Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the butter blend for a kick.
- Maple Glaze: Brush the turkey with 2 tablespoons maple syrup halfway through roasting for a touch of sweetness.
Required Equipment for Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Roasting pan with rack
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Aluminum foil
Storage Instructions for Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the turkey moist.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Try homemade cranberry sauce or pan gravy for extra flavor.
- Leftovers make awesome sandwiches or turkey salads for lunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Always use a meat thermometer—don’t rely on cooking time alone (see USDA guidelines).
- Let the turkey rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
- Season under and over the skin for the most flavorful results. Find more expert turkey tips at Bon Appétit.
FAQ: Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
- Can I use boneless turkey breast instead?
- Yes! Boneless breast will cook faster—reduce the roasting time and use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Do I need to brine the turkey breast?
- It’s optional; the garlic herb butter keeps it juicy, but a simple brine can add extra flavor and moisture if you have time.
- What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ones?
- Dried herbs work—just use half the amount listed for fresh to avoid overpowering the turkey.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 (3-pound) boneless turkey breast, skin-on
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
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2In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
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3Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast. Rub half of the garlic herb butter under the skin and the remaining butter over the top.
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4Brush the turkey breast with olive oil and place it in a roasting pan.
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5Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Baste once or twice with pan juices.
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6Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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