Description
Juicy oven‑roasted turkey breast seasoned with herbs and garlic, perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 whole turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds), bone‑in with skin on
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 lemon, zested and quartered
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a roasting pan with rack.
- Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently loosen skin over breast meat.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest.
- Rub half the herb butter mixture under the skin over the breast meat, and spread the remaining mixture evenly over the skin.
- Place lemon quarters and a few herb sprigs (optional) in the cavity beside the meat if bone‑in; set turkey breast skin‑side up on rack.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep the meat moist.
- Roast uncovered for about 2 to 2½ hours, or until an instant‑read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (not touching bone) reaches 160°F (71°C).
- If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest 15 to 20 minutes; carryover cooking will bring temperature to 165°F.
- Carve slices and serve with pan juices or gravy.
Notes
- Bone‑in breast helps retain moisture and flavor; boneless works too but cuts cook time by about 20–30 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried: substitute 1 Tbsp each of chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Make gravy by deglazing pan with wine or broth, then whisk in a little flour or cornstarch to thicken.
- Make‑ahead tip: apply herb butter up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated; roast when ready.
- Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches, salads, or soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz cooked meat
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg