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
Units
Scale
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
