If you’re craving a roast turkey breast that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly juicy, then this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the garlic-infused herb butter seeps under the skin, keeping the meat tender and packing every slice with awesome goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive occasion, you’ll find this recipe is a game-changer in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful: The garlic herb butter under the skin bastes the turkey as it roasts, locking in moisture and boosting taste.
- Simple but impressive: Minimal ingredients, mostly fresh herbs, yet it delivers restaurant-worthy results.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it up to 24 hours in advance, which means less stress on the day.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special holiday, it pleases everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients work beautifully together for this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe. Fresh herbs are key here, giving the butter that irresistible earthy aroma, while the garlic adds a punch that truly complements the turkey.
- Turkey breast (skin on, bone in): The bone ensures extra flavor and the skin helps crisp up beautifully while keeping the meat moist.
- Salt: I use a bit both in the butter and rubbed on the turkey – seasoning is essential for depths of flavor.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best, it adds a subtle kick that balances the garlic and herbs.
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley): These lend a wonderful, fresh scent and flavor; I always prefer fresh but dried can work in a pinch.
- Garlic cloves: Two ways here – smashed to roast underneath the turkey and minced for the butter mixture, for layers of flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened so it mixes well with the herbs and garlic, creating that dreamy, spreadable texture.
Variations
I love adapting this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe depending on the season and what flavors I want to highlight. It’s a super flexible dish that really welcomes your creative twists!
- Herb swap: Sometimes I swap parsley for basil or add a touch of tarragon for a slightly sweeter, more delicate profile – it gives the butter a unique twist.
- Spicy kick: For a bolder flavor, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the butter mix really wakes things up and my family goes crazy for it.
- Butter alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, I’ve had success using ghee or a plant-based butter; both give great richness without compromising moisture.
- Garlic quantity: Adjust the garlic intensity to your liking – I sometimes add more if I’m feeding garlic lovers!
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bring Turkey to Room Temperature
First things first, take your turkey breast out of the fridge about 45 minutes before roasting (30 minutes if it’s really warm in your kitchen). This helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy. I learned the hard way that starting with cold meat results in uneven cooking and dryness, so trust me, don’t skip this!
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Herb Bed
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and position the rack in the lower-middle section. Lay your smashed garlic cloves and fresh herb bunch right in the center of your roasting pan – this creates an aromatic bed for the turkey to sit on.
Step 3: Make the Herb Butter
Mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh herbs. I like using my hands here—it feels so satisfying to blend everything until it’s fully combined and smelling heavenly.
Step 4: Loosen the Skin and Spread the Butter
Now, here’s a little trick I want to share: use an upside-down teaspoon to carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast flesh. It’s easiest to slide under that thin translucent layer just beneath the skin. Then generously smear about two-thirds of your herb butter under the skin—the butter will baste the meat during cooking, keeping it wonderfully moist.
Step 5: Butter the Underside and Skin
Flip your turkey breast upside down and rub the reserved butter on the underside. Then place it in the pan, skin side up, on top of the garlic and herb bed. Use the remaining butter to lightly smear the skin—not too much here; you don’t want the herbs to burn during roasting.
Step 6: Roast and Rest
Pop the turkey in your preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 160°F (71°C). Resting your turkey after roasting is key—I usually tent it loosely with foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices so every slice is juicy and tender.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the meat rest before carving retained juices better than I expected—it really makes a difference for moist turkey.
- Room Temperature Matters: Bringing the turkey out before cooking ensures even roasting and less chance of dry spots.
- Butter Under the Skin: Spreading the butter beneath the skin is my secret to juicy, flavorful meat every time—hands down the method to master.
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: I avoid higher temps than recommended to prevent burning the butter and herbs, which keeps the flavors fresh and crisp.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish the turkey with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves just before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes, a few roasted garlic cloves taken from the pan tossed on top add an irresistible touch.
Side Dishes
My family and I go nuts for creamy mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables alongside this turkey breast. Green beans sautéed in garlic butter or a fresh cranberry sauce also balance the rich, buttery flavors perfectly. These pairings make a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I love slicing the turkey breast and arranging it on a platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges for a bit of brightness. It’s not just pretty, but guests love squeezing fresh lemon over their plate to add a zesty contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the feast, I let the leftover turkey cool completely, then slice it and pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second-day dinners.
Freezing
If I want to save turkey longer, I slice and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags with parchment paper between slices. It freezes well without drying out, and I’ve had good luck thawing overnight in the fridge for later use.
Reheating
For reheating, I usually warm slices gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F, with a splash of broth to keep things moist. This method brings back that that fresh-out-of-the-oven tenderness without drying the meat out.
FAQs
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available, though fresh herbs give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh to avoid overpowering the butter.
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How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The best way is using a meat thermometer; the thickest part of the breast should reach 160°F (71°C). Once out of the oven, the temperature will rise slightly during resting, carrying it safely to 165°F.
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Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the turkey with the herb butter under the skin and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before roasting. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before cooking for best results.
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What should I serve alongside this garlic herb butter roasted turkey breast?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce complement the rich flavors perfectly. For a lighter touch, garlic sautéed green beans or a fresh salad also work nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is definitely a keeper in my kitchen, and I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how incredible it tastes. It’s one of those recipes that tastes way more complicated than it actually is, and that always impresses my family and friends. So, next time you want a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with a buttery herb kick, give this method a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6-8 people)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent turkey breast infused with a flavorful garlic herb butter spread beneath the skin. Roasted to juicy perfection with fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley, this dish is ideal for a special occasion or holiday meal. The herb and garlic butter bastes the meat during roasting, ensuring moist and tender turkey with a delicious pan sauce.
Ingredients
Turkey and Herbs
- 2.5 – 3 kg / 5-6 lb single turkey breast (skin on, bone in, not brined)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 rosemary sprigs
- 8 sage sprigs
- 10 thyme sprigs
- 12 garlic cloves, smashed
Garlic Herb Butter
- 150 g / 5 oz (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 tsp table salt or 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Remove fridge chill: Take the turkey breast out of the fridge 45 minutes before cooking, or 30 minutes if the environment is very hot, to allow it to reach near room temperature.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C / 390°F with the rack positioned in the lower middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Prepare herbs and garlic: Place the smashed garlic cloves and the bunch of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme in the center of a baking dish to create an aromatic bed for the turkey.
- Mix garlic herb butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and all the chopped fresh herbs until thoroughly blended.
- Loosen the skin: Using the back of a teaspoon, carefully loosen the thin skin layer from the turkey breast flesh, focusing on the upper half to allow butter to be spread underneath.
- Apply butter under skin (top side): Use about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter to smear evenly under the loosened skin on the top half of the turkey breast, preferably with your hands to spread it fully.
- Butter underside: Flip the turkey breast over and spread the remaining butter (minus approximately 2 tablespoons) underneath the skin on the underside of the breast.
- Place turkey on herbs: Position the turkey breast skin side up on top of the garlic and herb bed in the baking dish.
- Butter the surface skin: Use the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter to lightly smear on the skin surface, being careful not to overdo it to prevent herb bits from burning.
- Optional make-ahead: At this point, the turkey can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Before cooking, remove it from the fridge 45 minutes in advance to come to room temperature.
- Roast turkey: Place the dish with the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 90 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is reached using a meat thermometer.
- Rest before serving: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute prior to carving.
Notes
- Watch the recipe video for helpful tips on loosening the skin and applying the butter.
- Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure perfectly juicy turkey without overcooking.
- Fresh herbs really elevate the flavor but dried herbs can be substituted at about one-third the quantity.
- The garlic herb butter not only flavors the turkey but also creates a delicious pan sauce that can be served alongside.
- This method ensures a moist, tender breast with a beautifully flavorful and aromatic crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 336 g
- Calories: 598 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
