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Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

A bone-in turkey breast coated beneath and over the skin with a savory blend of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, then roasted at two temperatures to create a beautifully browned exterior and tender, juicy meat.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Roasting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Turkey

  • One 6-pound bone-in turkey breast preferably a half breast for easier roasting
  • Nonstick cooking spray such as original Pam
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs optional, for finishing and garnish

For the Herb Butter

  • 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted or regular butter brought to room temperature until soft
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced fresh rosemary

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Thoroughly mist a baking dish with cooking spray to help prevent the turkey from adhering during roasting.
  • Place the softened butter in a bowl with the garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the herbs and seasonings are evenly dispersed throughout the butter.
  • Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast meat while keeping the skin attached. Spread approximately half of the herb butter directly over the meat beneath the loosened skin.
  • Distribute the remaining herb butter evenly across the outside of the turkey skin.
  • Set the seasoned turkey breast into the prepared baking dish. Roast at 450°F (232°C) for 15–20 minutes, stopping when the skin begins to develop a golden-brown color.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Continue roasting for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, occasionally spooning the accumulated pan juices over the turkey.
  • Begin checking the internal temperature after roughly 1 hour. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the breast without resting it against the bone.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven once the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
  • Loosely cover the roasted turkey breast with foil and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat before carving.
  • Transfer the rested turkey breast to a serving platter. Add fresh rosemary sprigs as a garnish, if desired, then carve the turkey into slices and serve.
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Notes

  • Fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor. When substituting dried herbs, use approximately one-third of the stated quantity for each fresh herb.
  • For added moisture during roasting, baste the turkey with the pan juices approximately every 25–30 minutes.
  • Allowing roasted poultry to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and produces more succulent portions.