Description

Master the art of juicy, flavorful roasted turkey breast with this step-by-step guide. Featuring an aromatic herb butter rub and expert roasting techniques, this recipe guarantees crispy golden skin, tender meat, and stress-free preparation—perfect for any holiday or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole or half bone-in turkey breast (3–4 lbs) – or boneless if preferred
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
½ teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

Instructions

Remove turkey from refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to form an aromatic herb butter.
Carefully loosen the turkey skin and spread half the herb butter under the skin, directly on the meat.
Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey breast for even coverage.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey breast on a wire rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
Roast for 14–15 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly.
Remove from oven and rest 15–30 minutes under foil before slicing.
Serve warm with your favorite sides or store for later meals.

Notes

Ensure accurate temperature control for best results—overheating leads to dryness. Always rest your turkey after roasting to lock in juices. Herb butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90–120 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 oz
Calories: 185
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, thanksgiving turkey, herb butter turkey, holiday dinner, juicy turkey breast