If you’re craving a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress, this Herb-Seasoned Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender, and infused with an aromatic blend of herbs and spices, this turkey breast transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or Sunday dinner, this recipe makes roasting turkey an approachable and rewarding experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients bring the most incredible results. Each element in this recipe plays a crucial role—from the rich butter that keeps the turkey moist to the mixture of herbs and spices that create a flavorful crust and enticing aroma.
- Turkey breast (5-7 pounds): The perfect size for feeding a small group, this cut stays juicy with proper roasting.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings stick and adds richness that keeps the meat succulent.
- Poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon): The classic blend that enhances the turkey’s natural flavor.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the crust.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing flavors and drawing out the turkey’s savory notes.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): A little kick to complement the herbs without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a concentrated, slightly sweet onion flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the turkey with a warm, aromatic depth.
- Onion (1 whole): Roasting around the turkey, it enhances moisture and imparts subtle savory undertones.
- Lemons (2 whole): Their bright acidity balances richness and lends freshness when roasted alongside the bird.
- Garlic bulb (1 whole): Adds mellow, roasted garlic notes that deepen the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Herb-Seasoned Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Turkey
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees with the rack positioned in the lower area. This slower roasting temperature ensures the turkey cooks evenly and stays wonderfully moist. Place your turkey breast in a 9×13 inch baking dish, making it easy to catch any juices and roast vegetables alongside.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, melt the butter gently until it’s soft and spreadable. Stir in poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This mixture brings your turkey to life, coating the breast in spices that form a savory, fragrant crust during roasting.
Step 3: Prepare Aromatics
Quarter the onion, slice the lemons, and cut the garlic bulb in half horizontally. Arrange these aromatic wonders around your turkey breast in the baking pan. They not only add depth of flavor but also keep the environment moist during cooking, imparting subtle nuances to each slice.
Step 4: Coat the Turkey Breast
Generously brush or rub your turkey breast with the butter and herb mixture, making sure every corner is covered. This coating locks in moisture and invites that gorgeous golden-brown color to develop beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Roast with Love
Slide your baking dish into the oven and let the magic happen. Roast the turkey for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees. This slow cooking keeps the breast juicy while ensuring it’s perfectly tender all the way through.
Step 6: Rest Before Carving
Once your turkey is out of the oven, loosely tent it with foil and allow it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute, making every slice tender and flavorful rather than dry.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
After resting, carve your turkey breast against the grain into beautiful slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of moist, herb-infused goodness.
How to Serve Herb-Seasoned Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make a lovely, fragrant garnish that complements the herby notes baked into the turkey. A few lemon wedges add a pop of color and a touch of brightness that diners can squeeze over their meat for refreshment.
Side Dishes
Herb-seasoned roasted turkey breast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp, green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. The versatility of this dish means you can go classic or creative, depending on your mood and occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange slices of turkey on a large platter piled atop a bed of sautéed greens or wild rice. Drizzle some pan juices or a simple gravy over the top, and add a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs. This not only enhances the flavors but also turns your meal into a feast visual delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meals or sandwiches later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked turkey breast slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed inside a freezer bag. Frozen turkey remains tasty and moist for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, cover turkey slices with foil and warm in a 300-degree oven until heated through. Alternatively, gently reheat on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in turkey breasts add extra flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Is it necessary to use all the spices listed?
While each spice contributes uniquely to the flavor, you can adjust or omit according to your preference. However, the blend in this recipe is balanced to bring out the best in the turkey’s natural taste.
Can I prepare the herb butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes! Making the butter mixture a day in advance lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before coating the turkey.
How do I know when my turkey breast is done?
The most reliable way is using a meat thermometer. The turkey is safely cooked and juicy when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Fresh herbs can be used but keep in mind they are more delicate and will impart a subtler flavor than dried herbs. You can mix fresh herbs into the butter mixture or sprinkle some on after roasting for freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Herb-Seasoned Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to enjoy a simple yet spectacular meal with family and friends. Its ease and incredible flavor make it a go-to dish you’ll return to time and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to roast turkey!
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Herb-Seasoned Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This roasted turkey breast recipe offers a flavorful and tender turkey cooked to perfection in the oven. Coated with a savory butter and spice blend, and roasted alongside aromatic onions, lemons, and garlic, this dish is ideal for a family meal or holiday feast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5–7 pound turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Aromatics
- 1 onion
- 2 lemons
- 1 bulb garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure the oven rack is lowered to accommodate the baking dish.
- Prepare the Turkey: Place your turkey breast in a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure even roasting.
- Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt the butter and then stir in poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a flavorful coating.
- Prepare Aromatics: Quarter the onion, slice the lemons, and cut the garlic bulb in half. Arrange these aromatics around the turkey breast in the baking dish to infuse flavor during roasting.
- Coat the Turkey: Generously coat the turkey breast with the prepared butter and spice mixture, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the baking dish in the oven and cook the turkey breast for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the turkey from the oven, loosely cover it with foil, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast and serve while warm.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure the turkey breast is fully cooked without drying out.
- Resting the turkey after roasting helps retain its juices, resulting in a moister final dish.
- You can customize the seasoning to your preference by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Letting the turkey come to room temperature before roasting can promote more even cooking.
- Save the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy or sauce if desired.
