Juicy Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Juicy roasted turkey breast with garlic herb butter, crispy golden skin, and tender meat. A delicious holiday centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
By RecipeLily Editorial Team · Published November 3, 2026 · Updated November 12, 2026
A beautifully roasted turkey breast is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy holiday dinner. This garlic herb roasted turkey breast combines rich butter, fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a flavorful main dish with golden skin.
Whether you're planning a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas dinner, or a special Sunday meal, this recipe offers all the classic holiday flavors without roasting an entire turkey.
The garlic herb butter is spread underneath and over the skin, while the turkey roasts gently until cooked through. Serve with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or your favorite homemade gravy.
RecipeLily.com
Juicy Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 2 hrs 15 mins
- Additional
- 15 mins
- Total Time
- 2 hrs 50 mins
- Servings
- 8
- Yield
- One 5–6 lb bone-in turkey breast
Ingredients
Servings: 8
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quartered onion and lemon halves in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan and position a roasting rack above the liquid.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Step 3
Pat the fully thawed turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin without tearing it. Spread about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter underneath the skin and rub the remaining butter over the outside. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 4
Place the turkey breast skin-side up on the roasting rack. Roast uncovered for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on its size and oven performance. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 5
Check the turkey using a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6
Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Step 7
Slice the turkey breast and serve warm with your favorite holiday side dishes.
Cook’s Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh herbs whenever possible. Dried herbs may be substituted in smaller amounts.
Always use a food thermometer to check doneness. Turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
If using a pre-brined or pre-seasoned turkey breast, reduce the added salt according to the package instructions.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow, covered containers at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Serve with cranberry orange sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or homemade gravy.
