The Perfect Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Herb-roasted turkey breast changes ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Aromatic and succulent, this delightful preparation elevates home cooking with remarkable simplicity.

Seasonal herbs infuse each slice with incredible depth and rich sensory memories.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this technique produces restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Delicate seasonings complement the meat’s natural qualities, creating a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to diverse palates.

Professional and home chefs alike appreciate the versatility of this classic preparation method.

Prepare to impress everyone around your dining table with this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Flavor-Packed Herbal Symphony: Butter blended with fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley creates an incredible aromatic explosion that transforms ordinary turkey into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The two-temperature roasting technique ensures perfectly golden crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender, making it nearly impossible to mess up this recipe.
• Quick and Impressive Meal Solution: Ready in just under two hours with minimal prep work, this herb-roasted turkey breast delivers stunning presentation and gourmet taste without complicated techniques, perfect for weekend family dinners or special gatherings.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: Delivering 34 grams of lean protein per serving, this recipe offers a heart-healthy protein option that supports muscle maintenance and provides essential nutrients without excess carbohydrates.

What You Need for Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Turkey Breast: A lean and flavorful cut perfect for roasting, choose a fresh or fully thawed turkey breast for best results.

• Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley: Classic herbs that provide aromatic and earthy flavors to enhance the turkeys taste.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor that complements the herbs and meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich, golden skin and helps distribute herbs evenly across the turkey.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup of the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the turkey during resting to retain moisture and heat.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Serves as a decorative and fragrant garnish for serving.

Step-by-Step Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 450 degrees F and lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Herb Butter Mixture

• Softened butter
• Minced garlic
• Chopped sage
• Chopped rosemary
• Chopped thyme
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant spread.

Step 3: Season the Turkey Breast

Gently separate the turkey breast skin from the meat using your fingers. Spread half of the herb butter mixture directly under the skin, then massage the remaining mixture over the outside of the turkey.

Step 4: Initial High-Temperature Roasting

Place the seasoned turkey breast in the prepared baking dish. Roast at 450 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until the skin starts to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Lower Temperature and Continue Roasting

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Continue roasting for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist.

Step 6: Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. Remove from the oven when it reaches at least 160 degrees F.

Step 7: Rest the Turkey

Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise, reaching the safe 165 degrees F during this time.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch. Slice and serve your perfectly roasted turkey breast.

Pro Tips for Perfect Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Choose Fresh Herbs: Select fragrant, vibrant herbs directly from your garden or farmers market for maximum flavor intensity.
• Massage Butter Mixture: Gently work herb-butter under the skin to ensure even seasoning and help create crispy, golden skin.
• Basting is Key: Regularly baste the turkey breast with pan juices to maintain moisture and develop rich, deep flavors during roasting.
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy turkey without risking dryness.
• Resting Period Matters: Allow the turkey to rest after cooking so juices redistribute, creating a more tender and succulent final dish.

How to Store and Reheat Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the meat will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious herb-infused flavor.
• Freezing: Slice the turkey thinly and wrap carefully in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Frozen turkey can last up to 4 months when stored in a sealed freezer bag, preserving its moisture and taste for future meals.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated turkey slices in the microwave using 30-second intervals, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a 325 degrees F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender.

Delicious Pairings for Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery herb blend in this turkey perfectly matches a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that complement the rich, aromatic herbs.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted with similar herbs like rosemary and thyme create a harmonious flavor profile that echoes the turkey's seasoning.
• Complement with Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, slightly sweet cranberry relish cuts through the turkey's richness and adds a bright, festive element that balances the savory herb butter.
• Match with Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty, earthy wild rice blend seasoned with similar herbs provides a textural contrast and enhances the turkey's herbal undertones without overwhelming the main dish.

Unique Twists on Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast to Try

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace traditional herbs with oregano, basil, and lemon zest for a bright, tangy Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that brings coastal freshness to your turkey.
• Smoky Southwest Sensation: Swap out current herbs for chipotle powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to create a bold, spicy southwestern-style roasted turkey breast with a rich, deep flavor.
• Maple Mustard Magic: Incorporate maple syrup and whole grain mustard into the butter mixture, adding a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting and creates a stunning golden-brown exterior.
• Asian-Inspired Infusion: Mix in ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil to transform the classic herb blend into an Asian-inspired marinade that delivers complex, umami-rich notes to the turkey breast.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast brings Mediterranean flavors to your holiday table. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic infuse tender meat with classic aromatic depth, ensuring a memorable centerpiece for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) bone-in turkey breast

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon sage leaves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, finely minced
• 1.5 teaspoons rosemary leaves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely minced
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) butter, softened
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) and generously spray a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create a fragrant herb blend by combining softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, finely chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Gently separate the turkey breast skin from the meat using clean fingers, being careful not to tear the delicate skin.
4. Distribute half of the herbed butter mixture underneath the loosened skin, ensuring even coverage, and spread the remaining butter across the exterior surface of the turkey breast.
5. Transfer the seasoned turkey breast to the prepared baking dish, positioning it skin-side up for optimal browning.
6. Roast in the hot oven for 15-20 minutes until the skin develops a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) and continue roasting for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8. Periodically baste the turkey with accumulated pan juices every 20-25 minutes to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
9. Check the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the breast; remove from oven when it reaches a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
10. Tent the roasted turkey breast loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes, during which the temperature will continue to rise to the safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
11. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and slice against the grain before serving to ensure tender, juicy portions.

Notes

• Herbs play a crucial role in transforming an ordinary turkey breast into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Butter mixture provides deep flavor penetration and helps create crispy, golden-brown skin.
• Temperature control is key to achieving perfectly cooked, juicy meat without drying out the turkey.
• Resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and succulent.
• Fresh herb garnish adds a vibrant visual appeal and extra layer of aromatic freshness to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg