Tender turkey breast roasted with a flavorful garlic herb crust. The outside becomes beautifully golden while the inside stays juicy and moist. It’s a simpler alternative to whole turkey with big flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easier and faster than roasting a whole turkey
Flavorful crust that adds texture and aroma
Juicy, tender meat inside
Great for holiday meals or Sunday dinner
Can be scaled up or down

Ingredients

Boneless turkey breast (skin-on or skinless)
Olive oil or melted butter
Garlic, minced
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), chopped
Lemon zest
Salt and black pepper
Optional: a splash of white wine or broth for basting

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare crust mixture: Combine garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper with oil or butter.
Season turkey: Pat breast dry, then rub the herb mixture all over.
Roast: Place on rack in roasting pan. Roast for 45–60 minutes (depending on size) until internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F) in the thickest part. Optionally baste with wine or broth.
Rest: Let the turkey rest 10–15 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute.
Serve: Slice and garnish with herbs or lemon slices.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Roast time: 45–60 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add Dijon mustard under the herb crust for tanginess
Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available (reduce by about half)
Add garlic cloves under the skin for more flavor
Use a brine or marinade ahead for added juiciness

Storage & Reheating

Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in oven at 160°–175 °C with foil to prevent drying
Use leftovers in sandwiches, salads, soups

FAQs

Should I cover the breast while roasting? You can tent loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
How to check doneness? Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
Can I cook this from frozen? No—a thawed breast ensures even cooking.
Skin-on vs skinless? Skin helps crisp and lock in moisture, but skinless works fine with careful roasting.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Crusted Roast Turkey Breast delivers refined flavor and tender meat with less effort than a full turkey. The garlic- and herb-coated crust gives beautiful color and aroma, while the meat stays juicy and satisfying. Perfect for holiday dinners, special meals, or elevated Sunday roasts.

Garlic Herb Crusted Roast Turkey Breast

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Garlic Herb Crusted Roast Turkey Breast is a tender and juicy centerpiece, coated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter. It’s a perfect option for smaller gatherings or elegant weeknight meals.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 75 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Carefully loosen the skin and rub half the garlic herb butter under the skin and the rest over the top.
Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
Roast for 60–75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with pan juices or gravy.