Introduction

A perfectly roasted turkey breast is the epitome of a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both elegant and simple. This Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe takes a tender, juicy turkey breast and elevates it with a fragrant herb and garlic butter rub. Roasting it slowly allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, creating a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat succulent inside.

This dish is ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion when you want the classic flavor of turkey without the complexity of a whole bird. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and produces a gorgeous centerpiece for your table.

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because:

The herb and garlic rub gives the turkey a restaurant-quality flavor without complicated steps.
The meat is always juicy and tender, never dry, thanks to careful roasting.
The aroma of garlic and fresh herbs roasting in the oven fills the entire house — instantly comforting.
It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for weekday meals or festive dinners.
Leftovers are easy to repurpose into sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Why It’s a Must-Try

The perfect balance of herbs and garlic makes this turkey breast unforgettable.
It’s a healthier alternative to fried or heavily sauced meats.
Easy for small gatherings — no need for a huge whole turkey.
The crispy, flavorful skin makes it picture-perfect for presentation.
Works beautifully with both classic sides and more modern, creative accompaniments.

Preparation and Cooking Details

Feature	Detail
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings	6–8 servings
Calories	~280 calories per serving

Course & Cuisine

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Classic Roast

Ingredients

Turkey Breast:

1 (4–5 lb) boneless or bone-in turkey breast
3 tbsp olive oil or softened butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
½ cup chicken broth or white wine (for roasting pan)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
Lemon slices

Cooking Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
Make Herb-Garlic Rub: In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or butter), garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Apply Rub: Rub mixture generously all over turkey breast, including under the skin if possible.
Roasting Pan Prep: Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the pan.
Roast: Roast uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices.
Rest Turkey: Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Mince garlic, chop herbs, measure spices, and preheat oven.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey

Pat dry and place in roasting pan.

Step 3: Apply Herb-Garlic Rub

Mix oil/butter with herbs and spices. Massage over skin and under if possible.

Step 4: Roast

Pour broth/wine into pan for moisture. Roast uncovered.

Step 5: Baste and Monitor

Baste every 20–30 minutes for golden, crispy skin. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Cover with foil and let rest. Slice against the grain for juiciness.

How to Serve

Slice turkey breast and arrange on a platter.
Drizzle with pan juices or gravy.
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
Pair with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce.

Recipe Tips

Don’t skip resting — it keeps juices locked in.
Insert thermometer under thickest part to avoid overcooking.
Basting helps crisp skin but don’t open oven too frequently.
Optional brine overnight enhances flavor and juiciness.
Bone-in turkey breast tends to be juicier than boneless.

Variations

Variation	How to Adjust
Lemon-Herb Turkey	Add lemon zest to herb rub; place lemon slices under skin
Spicy Garlic Turkey	Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to rub for subtle heat
Butter-Basted Turkey	Use melted butter instead of olive oil for richer flavor
Garlic-Parmesan Crust	Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into rub for a golden crust
Brined Turkey	Brine 8–12 hours for extra juiciness and depth of flavor

Freezing & Storage

Method	Time	Notes
Refrigerator	3–4 days	Store sliced or whole in airtight container
Freezer	2–3 months	Wrap tightly in foil and freezer-safe bag; thaw overnight in fridge
Reheating	Gentle oven 300°F (150°C) covered with foil	Add splash of broth to keep moist

Special Equipment Needed

Roasting pan
Rack (optional, for even cooking)
Meat thermometer
Small bowl for herb-garlic rub
Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a frozen turkey breast?
Yes, but fully thaw in refrigerator before roasting (allow 24 hours per 5 lbs).

Q2: Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, use 1 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, parsley each.

Q3: How do I get crispy skin?
Pat skin dry, rub with fat, roast uncovered, and baste periodically.

Q4: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, roast, slice, and store. Reheat gently with broth.

Q5: What sides pair well with this turkey breast?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and gravy.

Conclusion

This Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a simple, flavorful, and elegant centerpiece for any occasion. It delivers tender, juicy meat with a golden, aromatic crust — satisfying both family and guests. Whether for a small gathering or a holiday feast, this recipe ensures a beautifully roasted turkey breast every time.