Description

This roasted turkey breast recipe delivers juicy, herb-infused flavor and golden crispy skin — the perfect holiday centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make. With aromatic garlic-herb butter and step-by-step instructions, this foolproof method guarantees moist, flavorful results every time.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey:
1 whole or half bone-in turkey breast (4–6 lbs)
Substitution: Use turkey tenderloin for smaller portions (reduce cooking time)
For the Herb Butter:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
½ teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
Substitution Tips:
Use ½ teaspoon dried herbs if fresh unavailable
Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for dairy-free options

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Mix softened butter with garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to create the herb butter.
Step 3: Loosen the turkey skin carefully and spread one-third of the herb butter underneath. Rub the rest over the outside of the turkey.
Step 4: Place turkey breast in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast for 14–15 minutes per pound (approx. 1¾–2 hrs), or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Remove at 160°F to allow carryover cooking during rest.
Step 6: Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Resting is essential for juicy results. This recipe pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Category: Main Course, Holiday, Thanksgiving, Dinner
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 ounces
Calories: 195
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, thanksgiving turkey, holiday turkey, herb butter turkey, oven roasted turkey