Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re looking to impress without the fuss, this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with fresh herbs, infused with garlic and lemon, and slow-roasted until juicy and tender. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just craving that cozy homemade roast, I promise you’re going to love how flavorful and ridiculously easy this comes together.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a fragrant herb crust that locks in flavor and moisture. I always suggest using fresh herbs when possible—they make a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.

• Bone-in turkey breast: I prefer bone-in because it keeps the meat juicier as it roasts and adds rich depth to the pan juices.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic, for that punch of robust flavor that pairs perfectly with herbs.
• Dry mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps balance the richness of the turkey.
• Rosemary leaves: Fresh and fragrant, rosemary really brings that classic roasted turkey vibe.
• Sage leaves: Chopped fresh sage gives an earthy, slightly peppery note that’s perfect here.
• Thyme leaves: Thyme’s delicate aroma layers beautifully with the other herbs.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those herb flavors.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a little bite and warmth.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps create an herb paste and promotes golden, crispy skin.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
• Dry white wine: Pours into the roasting pan to keep the meat moist and creates a delicious pan sauce base.

Variations

I love how flexible this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different herbs and seasonings, and honestly, it’s all tasty—you can easily tailor it to your family’s preferences.

• Add heat: Once, I added a pinch of smoked paprika and cayenne for a subtle kick, and my family went crazy for it.
• Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or sage, dried versions work fine—just use a bit less since they’re more concentrated.
• Make it citrusy: Sometimes, I add orange zest along with lemon juice for a lovely twist that feels so fresh.
• Ease it up for weeknights: Omit the wine if you prefer, and use chicken broth or water instead; it still turns out beautifully.

How to Make Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 325º F. While it’s heating up, take the bone-in turkey breast and place it skin side up on a wire rack inside a roasting pan. This setup helps air circulate around the turkey so it cooks evenly and the skin crisps up nicely without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make the Herb Garlic Paste

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, dry mustard, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. This combo creates a fragrant, flavorful paste that will infuse the turkey with deliciousness.

Step 3: Infuse the Turkey Breast

This is the game-changer step: carefully lift the skin of the turkey breast—you want to gently tease it away from the meat without tearing. Spread half of the herb paste under the skin so the meat absorbs all those herbal notes. Smear the remaining paste all over the top and skin of the turkey. This double layer ensures every bit of the breast is seasoned.

Step 4: Roast and Pour Wine

Pour the dry white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan; this keeps things moist and provides a fantastic base for pan juices later. Roast the turkey breast for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. You’re aiming for beautifully golden-brown skin and an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the breast. Make sure to check periodically—if the wine evaporates too soon, add a splash more to keep that moisture going.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, tent the turkey breast loosely with foil and let it rest for about 20 minutes. I can’t stress enough how this step helps the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy instead of dry. Then slice up and serve with those rich pan juices spooned over top.

How to Serve Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this turkey with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme for a pop of green and freshness on the plate. If you want to elevate things, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving really brightens up the flavors.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for herb roasted turkey breast include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips, and a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For some extra indulgence, a simple gravy made with the pan juices compliments this roast perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the sliced turkey breast on a large platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon wedges, and roasted garlic cloves. It creates a rustic, inviting centerpiece that makes guests feel right at home. I’ve even layered thin slices on crusty bread with cranberry sauce for a show-stopping open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the main meal, I wrap leftover turkey tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers and refrigerate it. Leftovers typically stay tender and delicious for up to 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

Freezing cooked turkey breast is a great option if you want to save some for later. I slice it first, then layer the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need without thawing the whole batch. It freezes well for about 2-3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend gently warming turkey slices in the oven at low heat (around 275°F) wrapped in foil to keep moisture locked in. You can also add a splash of broth or pan juices before sealing. Microwaving works for convenience but can dry the meat out, so do that sparingly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe turns out every single time—juicy, aromatic, and packed with flavor that feels like a hug from the inside. I remember the first time I made it for my family, and it quickly became a requested favorite, especially for holiday dinners or smaller gatherings. If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy turkey without the stress of carving a whole bird, this recipe has you covered. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how satisfying a perfectly roasted turkey breast can be!

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