This roasted turkey breast with herb butter is the perfect dish for smaller holiday feasts or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, it’s a moist, tender, and aromatic alternative to a full turkey roast. Easy to prepare, it’s sure to impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Moist: The herb butter infuses the turkey with delicious flavor and keeps it juicy.
- Perfect for Smaller Feasts: Great for intimate holiday gatherings or everyday meals.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs for an elegant dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the herb mix or add your favorite spices.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep with impressive results!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 turkey breast (4–6 pounds, bone-in and skin-on)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Prep the Turkey Breast
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Carefully loosen the skin from the meat using your fingers, being gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
3. Apply the Herb Butter
- Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, evenly distributing it over the turkey breast meat. Spread the remaining butter over the skin.
4. Roast the Turkey
- Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a baking dish or roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.
- Baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
5. Rest and Serve
- Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Citrus Blend: Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the herb butter.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the amount of garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
- Different Herbs: Substitute parsley, tarragon, or oregano for the herbs.
- Gluten-Free Gravy: Use the pan drippings to create a simple gluten-free gravy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a covered dish with a splash of chicken broth in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze turkey slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless turkey breast?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time as boneless breasts cook faster.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs instead. Use 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp dried sage, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
3. How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
5. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a fresh salad.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the turkey with the herb butter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before roasting.
7. Can I baste the turkey with broth?
Yes, chicken or turkey broth works well for basting if you want extra moisture.
8. Can I cook this turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. How can I ensure the skin gets crispy?
Roast uncovered and pat the skin dry before applying the herb butter.
10. Can I use this recipe for a whole turkey?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time based on the weight of the turkey.
Conclusion
This roasted turkey breast with herb butter is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and tender, juicy meat, it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table or weeknight dinner. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and savor the taste of a perfectly roasted turkey breast!
Print
Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This roasted turkey breast, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon zest, is the perfect alternative for smaller gatherings or elegant weeknight dinners. Moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 turkey breast (4–6 pounds, bone-in or boneless)
Produce:
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lemon (zested and quartered)
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
2. Prep the Turkey Breast:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and loosen the skin gently with your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
- Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, massaging it evenly over the meat. Rub the remaining herb butter on the outside of the skin.
3. Roast the Turkey Breast:
- Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Arrange the quartered lemon around the turkey.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Adjust cooking time as needed. A boneless turkey breast may cook slightly faster.
- Make Ahead: Prep the herb butter up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using.
- Pan Gravy: Use the drippings in the roasting pan to make a quick gravy by deglazing with chicken or turkey stock and thickening with cornstarch or flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American