Succulent Turkey Breast Recipe

Succulent Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe for Any Occasion

Succulent and aromatic, this herb-roasted turkey breast recipe delivers a mouthwatering centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fragrant herbs infuse every tender slice with robust flavor and irresistible charm.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality results to the dinner table.

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage dance together, creating a symphony of earthy notes that complement the delicate turkey meat.

A blend of seasonings and careful roasting technique ensures a perfectly golden, juicy turkey breast every single time.

The recipe promises a stress-free cooking experience with maximum deliciousness.

Serve this show-stopping turkey and watch as your guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes into an Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for herb mixture and helps create golden, crispy skin.
  • Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic punch that complements the turkey's mild flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the meat and balance flavors.
For Fresh Herbs:
  • Sage Leaves, Thyme Leaves, Rosemary Leaves, Parsley: Infuse the turkey with bright, earthy aromatics and create a classic herb profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Rosemary Sprigs: Offers beautiful garnish and additional subtle herb fragrance when serving.
For Preparation Essentials:
  • Turkey Breast: High-quality, bone-in cut ensures juicy meat and robust flavor.
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps create smooth, even cooking surface.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need for Herb-Roasted Turkey

  • Baking Dish: Large, sturdy dish to hold and roast the turkey breast.
  • Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining herb butter mixture.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for herbs and seasonings.
  • Whisk or Fork: Blend butter and herb mixture smoothly.
  • Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking turkey's internal temperature.
  • Sharp Knife: For loosening turkey skin and garnishing.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers turkey during resting period.
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents turkey from sticking to baking dish.
  • Basting Brush (optional): Helps spread pan juices over turkey.

How to Roast the Perfect Herb Turkey Breast

  • Oven Preparation Warmth creates the perfect cooking environment for a succulent turkey. Set the oven to a toasty 450 degrees and lightly grease a spacious baking dish.
  • Herbal Magic Blend aromatic herbs and rich butter into a fragrant mixture that will infuse the turkey with incredible flavor. Mix fresh herbs with softened butter until they create a harmonious spread.
  • Skin Massage gently separate the turkey's skin from the meat, creating pockets for the herbal butter. Lovingly spread half the herbal mixture underneath the skin and the remaining portion on top for maximum flavor coverage.
  • Roasting Transformation place the seasoned turkey in the prepared dish and let the initial high heat create a beautiful golden exterior. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the skin develops a rich, appetizing brown color.
  • Gentle Cooking Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue the cooking journey. Allow the turkey to slowly roast for about 75 minutes, occasionally basting to keep the meat wonderfully moist.
  • Temperature Check use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Remove the turkey when it reaches 160 degrees, guaranteeing a safe and delicious meal.
  • Resting Period cover the turkey with foil and let it relax for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and flavorful.
  • Final Touch garnish with delicate fresh rosemary sprigs, transforming your turkey into a stunning centerpiece ready to delight your guests.

Flavoring Ideas and Roasting Tips for Herb Turkey Breast

  • Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano, marjoram, or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Before roasting, soak the turkey breast in a brine solution for 4-6 hours to enhance moisture and infuse deeper flavors throughout the meat.
  • For health-conscious cooks, replace salt with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and garlic powder to maintain delicious taste without extra sodium.
  • Prepare the herb butter mixture up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before cooking.
  • Enhance the turkey's richness by basting with a splash of white wine or chicken broth during roasting to add extra depth and prevent dryness.

Serving Suggestions for Your Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

  • Festive Family Feast: Pair this herb-roasted turkey breast with classic mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a traditional holiday meal that brings everyone together.
  • Rustic Dinner Plate: Slice the turkey and serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and butternut squash for a hearty and colorful plate.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Transform leftover turkey into delicious sandwiches by layering thin slices on crusty bread with a spread of herb-infused mayonnaise and crisp lettuce.
  • Salad Topper: Chop cooled turkey into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle over a mixed green salad with dried cranberries and toasted almonds for a light and refreshing lunch option.

Keeping Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Juicy After Serving

  • Smart Meal Planning
  • Weekend Prep Power: Slice leftover turkey and store in airtight containers for quick lunch sandwiches throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.
  • Smart Portion Strategy: Cut turkey breast into smaller sections before refrigerating, allowing flexible meal portions for individual or family servings without repeated reheating.
  • Flavor Boost Storage: Wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture and prevent flavor loss, keeping meat tender for 3-4 days in refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze sliced turkey in sealed freezer bags with labeled date, ensuring maximum freshness up to 3 months for future meal planning and quick protein options.
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Succulent Turkey Breast Recipe

Succulent Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Succulent herb-roasted turkey breast invites home cooks to embrace festive flavors with minimal effort. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic infuse each tender slice, promising a memorable centerpiece you’ll savor alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 lbs (2.7 kg) bone-in turkey breast
  • 5 tbsps (75 mL) butter, softened
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp sage leaves, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp thyme leaves, finely minced
  • 1.5 tsps rosemary leaves, finely minced
  • 2 tbsps parsley, finely minced
  • Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 450°F (232°C) and coat a large baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a perfect roasting environment.
  2. Herb Infusion: Craft an aromatic butter blend by thoroughly mixing softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until uniformly combined.
  3. Skin Preparation: Delicately detach the turkey breast skin, creating a subtle pocket for the herb butter without compromising the skin’s integrity.
  4. Seasoning Application: Generously massage half the herbed butter underneath the loosened skin, then lavishly coat the exterior surface, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
  5. Initial Roasting: Position the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up in the prepared dish and roast at 450°F for 15-20 minutes, developing a golden, crisp exterior.
  6. Temperature Reduction: Lower the oven to 350°F (177°C) and continue roasting for approximately 1 hour, periodically basting with pan juices to maintain moisture and intensify flavor.
  7. Temperature Monitoring: Utilize a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the breast’s thickest section.
  8. Resting Phase: Shield the roasted turkey with aluminum foil, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes, which enables temperature stabilization and ensures juicy, tender meat.
  9. Serving Presentation: Adorn with fresh rosemary sprigs and slice against the grain, creating an elegant and flavorful centerpiece.

Notes

  • Prep Skin Carefully: Gently separate turkey skin without tearing to create a perfect butter pocket for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
  • Basting is Critical: Regular basting every 20-25 minutes helps maintain moisture and develops a rich, golden-brown exterior with deep flavor complexity.
  • Resting Matters: Letting the turkey rest under foil allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains incredibly tender and succulent when served.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 575 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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