This Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a juicy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a holiday feast or a comforting Sunday dinner. The turkey is seasoned with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs and roasted to perfection, resulting in crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a fantastic way to enjoy turkey without the hassle of roasting a whole bird. The fresh herbs, including sage, rosemary, and thyme, infuse the turkey with incredible flavor. The method of rubbing the herb mixture under the skin helps keep the meat moist and enhances its taste. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare ahead of time, and the results are always impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or a weeknight meal, this turkey breast is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

6-7 pounds bone-in turkey breast
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Several hours before cooking (or preferably the day before), season the outside and cavity of the turkey breast with salt. Pat the salt lightly onto the skin to ensure it adheres. Cover and refrigerate.
Remove the turkey from the fridge 1 hour before cooking.
Preheat the oven to 350°F, with the rack positioned in the lower third of the oven. Place a rack in a roasting pan.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on the rack in the roasting pan. Slide your hand under the breast skin to loosen it. Rub half of the herb-oil mixture under the skin and the remaining mixture over the outside of the turkey breast.
Roast the turkey until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. Baste the turkey with the juices that accumulate in the bottom of the pan every 15 to 20 minutes.
Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Variations

Herb Variations: Feel free to swap out the herbs for other fresh options like oregano, tarragon, or marjoram, depending on your preference.
Butter Option: For even more richness, you can substitute the olive oil with butter in the herb mixture.
Stuffed Turkey Breast: If you prefer, you can stuff the cavity of the turkey with ingredients like garlic, onion, and citrus for added flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a slight kick of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the turkey in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I cook a frozen turkey breast?

If you’re starting with a frozen turkey breast, you’ll need to thaw it first in the refrigerator for several days. Cooking from frozen will result in uneven cooking and may not achieve the same tender result.

2. Do I need to brine the turkey breast?

Brining is optional. However, if you have the time, brining the turkey for several hours or overnight can help it retain moisture and enhance the flavor.

3. Can I cook this turkey breast without the skin?

The skin helps to keep the turkey breast moist while roasting. If you remove the skin, the turkey may turn out drier, but you can cover it loosely with foil during roasting to help retain moisture.

4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh ones. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for with fresh herbs (i.e., 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh).

5. Can I cook this turkey breast in a slow cooker?

While you can cook turkey breast in a slow cooker, the skin won’t crisp up, and it may be less flavorful. Roasting in the oven gives the turkey a nice crispy exterior.

6. How can I check if the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F in the thickest part of the breast to be fully cooked.

7. Can I roast a boneless turkey breast with this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast, but the cooking time will be shorter. Start checking the internal temperature after about 1 hour.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the turkey by seasoning it the day before and refrigerating it until you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to roast it fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

9. How do I get crispy skin on the turkey?

To achieve crispy skin, make sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels before seasoning and rubbing the oil-herb mixture. The dry skin will crisp up better during roasting.

10. How long should the turkey rest after cooking?

Allow the turkey to rest for at least 15 minutes after roasting to let the juices redistribute and ensure a moist, tender result when slicing.

Conclusion

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers on flavor and moisture. The blend of fresh herbs and olive oil creates a fragrant and savory coating that keeps the turkey juicy and tender. With minimal preparation and straightforward cooking, it’s perfect for both special occasions and casual meals. Enjoy this herbaceous, flavorful turkey breast with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Ezabella