Description
Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners. Featuring tender turkey breast infused with fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and a crisp golden crust, this recipe is simple to prepare yet offers gourmet taste. Ideal for any occasion, it roasts quickly compared to a whole turkey and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey
- 1 skin-on, bone-in turkey breast (about 3–4 pounds)
Garlic and Herbs Mixture
- 4–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb and Garlic Mixture: Finely mince garlic cloves and chop the fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Combine them with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create an aromatic blend for seasoning the turkey.
- Prep the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Carefully loosen the skin over the meat without tearing it, and gently rub half of the garlic and herb mixture directly onto the meat under the skin to infuse deep flavor.
- Season the Skin: Rub the remaining herb and garlic mixture thoroughly on the skin’s surface. Optionally, tuck a few sprigs of fresh herbs under the skin for extra fragrance during roasting.
- Roast the Turkey Breast: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Dot the surface evenly with pats of butter to encourage browning. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices can redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked and juicy results.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the turkey with the garlic and herb mixture overnight.
- Do not skip the resting stage; it helps the meat retain moisture when sliced.
- Patting the skin dry before seasoning is key to achieving crispy skin.
- Bring the turkey breast to room temperature about 30 minutes before roasting to promote even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg