This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is the epitome of comfort and flavor. The herb-infused butter creates a crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender. The garlic and fresh herbs elevate the dish, making it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or family gathering.
Paired with roasted vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this turkey breast is a complete, flavorful meal that will impress your guests. The simple yet delicious ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread. You’ll want to make this turkey breast a regular in your meal rotation!
Full Recipe:
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1 (5-6 lbs) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
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2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, quartered
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2 carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, smashed
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a herb-infused butter.
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Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter directly under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the skin of the turkey.
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Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan. Scatter the quartered onion, carrots, celery, and smashed garlic around the turkey.
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Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
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Roast the turkey breast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Once done, let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a perfect dish for those seeking a flavorful, tender, and juicy turkey breast with crispy, golden skin. Unlike whole roasted turkeys, which can take hours to cook, this recipe focuses on a simpler and quicker preparation, allowing you to enjoy all the rich flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s a dish that combines the richness of butter, the aromatic depth of garlic, and the freshness of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a Sunday family dinner, or a simple weeknight meal, this roasted turkey breast is bound to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why Choose Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast?
Many people shy away from roasting turkey because they believe it requires a lot of time and effort. However, this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast proves otherwise. The recipe offers a much more manageable alternative to traditional whole turkey. With the turkey breast, you can enjoy all the classic flavors without the long wait or the need for an enormous oven space. This recipe ensures a moist, juicy turkey with crispy skin and an intoxicating herb-butter flavor that is perfect for a variety of occasions.
One of the main advantages of using turkey breast is that it cooks faster than a whole bird. You get a delicious roasted meat without the time-consuming carving and basting typically required for a whole turkey. Plus, turkey breasts are easier to handle and slice, making them a practical choice for anyone who wants a stress-free cooking experience.
The Perfect Herb-Butter Combination
What truly sets this roasted turkey breast apart is the flavorful garlic herb butter. The butter is infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with minced garlic and lemon zest. This mixture is rubbed directly under the skin and generously applied to the outside of the turkey. The butter melts during roasting, creating a golden, crispy skin while also infusing the meat with rich, savory flavors. The garlic and herbs provide a balance of warmth and freshness, which elevates the natural taste of the turkey.
The combination of butter and herbs ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. The use of fresh herbs is key here, as they add brightness and depth to the dish. The garlic offers a subtle sweetness, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the butter, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
The Health Benefits of Turkey
Turkey, especially turkey breast, is an excellent source of lean protein. It’s lower in fat compared to other meats, making it a great option for those who want a protein-packed meal without the extra calories. In addition, turkey is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and selenium. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy metabolism, immune function, and cell repair.
Turkey breast is also a good choice for those following a lower-fat diet. By choosing skinless turkey or removing the skin after roasting, you can further reduce the fat content. While this recipe calls for skin-on turkey, the fat rendered during the roasting process adds flavor to the meat without making it overly greasy, especially when balanced with the fresh herbs.
The garlic and herbs used in this recipe also contribute to its health benefits. Garlic, for example, is known for its immune-boosting properties and has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and improve overall health.
How to Prepare Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
One of the great things about this recipe is its simplicity. With a few essential ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. Start by preparing the garlic herb butter, making sure to soften the butter before mixing in the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a smooth and aromatic butter mixture.
Once the turkey breast is prepared, you’ll rub the herb butter under the skin, ensuring that the flavor seeps into the meat. After applying the butter, it’s time to season the turkey with salt and pepper before placing it in the oven to roast. Roasting the turkey at a moderate temperature allows it to cook through while achieving that beautiful, crispy skin.
The vegetables—onion, carrots, celery, and garlic—placed around the turkey in the roasting pan not only enhance the flavor but also create a wonderful aroma as they cook. They serve as a natural roasting rack, elevating the turkey breast off the bottom of the pan, which ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic holiday dinner, you can serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. For a more casual meal, try pairing it with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even stuffing. The rich, savory flavor of the turkey complements a wide range of sides, making it perfect for any occasion.
If you’re preparing this dish for a holiday feast, it’s also an excellent alternative to serving an entire turkey. Since turkey breasts are smaller, you can easily make multiple breasts depending on the number of guests. This ensures that everyone gets their fair share of juicy turkey without having to carve through a large bird.
Tips for the Best Roasted Turkey Breast
To ensure the best results, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your turkey breast is at room temperature before roasting. Cold meat placed in the oven can cook unevenly, so letting it sit out for about 30 minutes will promote even cooking.
Second, don’t skip the resting time after the turkey is done cooking. Letting the turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the meat stays moist and tender.
Third, consider basting the turkey with the pan juices a couple of times during cooking. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the skin. However, if you prefer a crispier skin, you can skip this step and let the turkey roast undisturbed.
Conclusion
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a delicious and simple dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a perfect balance of rich flavor and tender meat. With its juicy, flavorful turkey breast and golden, crispy skin, this dish will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. It’s easy to make, full of health benefits, and incredibly satisfying—a must-try for any home cook.
This dish also makes for excellent leftovers. Sliced turkey breast can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even added to soups and stews. The possibilities are endless, making this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast a great investment for your weekly meal planning.
Let the Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast be your go-to recipe for delicious, flavorful turkey that’s perfect for any meal or gathering.