If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor yet straightforward to prepare, **Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe** has your name on it. I absolutely love how this turkey breast turns out every single time — juicy, tender, and packed with that irresistible garlic-herb buttery goodness that will have your family and guests going wild. Stick with me through this post, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks to make sure your roast is every bit as fantastic as mine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unforgettable Flavor: The garlic and fresh herbs infused butter seeps perfectly under the skin, making each bite absolutely mouthwatering.
Juicy and Tender: Bone-in and skin-on turkey breast stays moist, unlike the sometimes dry turkey breasts I’ve encountered before.
Easy to Prepare: With simple, fresh ingredients and approachable steps, this recipe feels like a chef’s secret made accessible to you.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend family dinner, this turkey breast steals the spotlight every time.

A large piece of cooked seasoned turkey with golden-brown skin and a thick layer of herbs between the skin and meat sits on a white marbled surface. The turkey is sliced to show the juicy and tender pale meat inside, with one thin slice placed in front of the main piece. Around the turkey are roasted garlic cloves and a small green herb sprig, with juices and oil spread on the surface. To the left, a white jar with a dark oil and a spoon inside is visible, next to a knife with some drips on the blade. In the background, another turkey piece is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe comes largely from the balance of fresh herbs mingling with rich, garlicky butter. I always recommend using fresh herbs for that bright, fragrant flavor that dried just can’t replicate, but I’ll share alternatives if you don’t have access to fresh.

Turkey breast (skin on, bone in): I find bone-in gives the juiciest results and helps lock in flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the turkey. Adjust if using a brined bird.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible for that subtle kick.
Fresh rosemary, sage, thyme: These herbs create the perfect earthy, aromatic foundation for the butter.
Garlic cloves: Both smashed and minced forms add layers of garlicky goodness.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish precisely.
Fresh parsley: Adds a hint of freshness and color to the butter blend.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is such a great base—you can easily tweak the herbs to suit the season or your mood. Sometimes, I switch up the herbs or add a zing with citrus or a touch of heat.

Herb swap: When I run out of fresh herbs, I use dried rosemary, thyme, and sage—but always boost the quantity slightly to keep flavor strong.
Garlic variations: Roasted garlic instead of fresh gives a softer, sweeter flavor if you prefer a mellow touch.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter invites a subtle warmth that my spice-loving friends adore.
Dairy-free option: I’ve swapped butter with olive oil infused with herbs for a lighter, dairy-free roast that’s still flavorful.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Turkey to Perfection

First things first: take your turkey breast out of the fridge about 45 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial – it lets the meat come up to room temperature, helping it cook more evenly and stay juicy. While you wait, get your oven preheated to 200°C (390°F), and position the rack just below the middle – this placement prevents the top from browning too quickly without getting dried out.

Step 2: Make That Flavor-Packed Garlic Herb Butter

Mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, freshly chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. This aromatic butter blend is your secret weapon. I always soften the butter several hours ahead or pop it in the microwave for just 10 seconds to get it spreadable without melting it.

Step 3: Loosen the Skin and Spread the Butter

Using the back of a teaspoon, gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast; you want to create a pocket without tearing the skin. This is the step that took me a while to master, but trust me, it’s worth it because that butter sneaks in under the skin and bastes the meat from inside while roasting. Use about two-thirds of your herb butter under the skin on the turkey’s top side, then flip the turkey and spread more butter under the skin of the underside. Finally, place the turkey skin-side up on your bed of fresh herbs and garlic in your roasting pan, then spread the remaining butter lightly on the skin itself.

Step 4: Roast, Baste, and Rest

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the turkey’s surface, then roast it at 180°C (350°F). I like to baste it every 30 minutes with pan juices—this keeps the skin beautiful and the meat moist. Keep an eye on the color and cover it loosely with foil the moment you’re happy with that gorgeous golden crust to avoid burning. Roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), which usually takes about 15 minutes per pound of turkey breast, but always rely on a meat thermometer to be sure. After roasting, let the turkey rest covered, so those juices redistribute and the meat stays tender and juicy when carving.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Patience on Loosening Skin: I learned to be very gentle when easing under the skin to avoid tearing; tearing means the butter leaks out and you lose flavor and moisture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I used to rely on timing alone, but checking internal temperature gave me perfect results every time without guesswork.
Baste Without Opening Too Often: Opening the oven lets heat escape, so I time my bastes efficiently and avoid lingering with the door open.
Resting Is Key: Skipping the resting period results in dry turkey; letting it rest keeps those juices right where they belong—in the meat.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three slices of golden-brown roasted chicken on the left, seasoned with herbs and slightly crispy skin. Above the chicken, there are several roasted Brussels sprouts that are browned and slightly charred. On the right side of the plate, there are thick, roasted sweet potato rounds in a rich orange color, topped with crumbled white cheese and green arugula leaves. A silver fork rests on the top left edge of the plate. The dish is drizzled with a light, glossy sauce that pools slightly on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the carved turkey slices—it adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes I serve it with a few lemon wedges on the side; the citrus brightens every bite and complements the herbs beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’ll usually go with creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery herbed risotto to keep that cozy vibe going. Roasted seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts tossed with a little garlic and olive oil make a colorful, tasty companion. And of course, if you want to make it a feast, a savory stuffing or a crisp green salad rounds it off perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to carve the turkey breast thinly and layer it on a large platter with fresh herb sprigs, lemon slices, and even some roasted garlic cloves from the pan. It looks rustic and inviting—and trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds. Pro tip: drizzle some of that luscious butter pan sauce over the top right before serving for an extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the leftover turkey breast whole rather than slicing it right away. This practice helps retain moisture and makes it easy to slice deli-style the next day. I pop it in an airtight container with some of the reserved butter pan juices—that combo keeps it tender and flavor-packed.

Freezing

Freezing works really well if you wrap the turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. I found that freezing slices individually can cause dryness, so whole breast freezing is my go-to. When properly wrapped, it keeps well for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using a low oven—around 160°C (320°F)—wrapped in foil with a splash of broth or pan juices to keep it moist. Heat it gently until warmed through, which usually takes 20-30 minutes depending on thickness. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain that juicy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a brined turkey breast for this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe?

Brined turkey breast tends to be saltier, so if you use one, reduce the salt in the butter to about ¾ teaspoon to avoid an overly salty outcome. Otherwise, the recipe stays the same. Always check the packaging to see if your turkey is brined before adjusting.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

Dry herbs can substitute in a pinch! Use about 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, sage, and thyme in the butter instead of fresh herbs. I usually skip parsley when using dried, as it doesn’t add much flavor. This still tastes great, though fresh herbs definitely provide the best aroma and brightness.
How do I know when the turkey breast is perfectly cooked?

The best method is checking with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It should read 74°C (165°F). Relying on time alone can be tricky because ovens vary, but typically plan for 15 minutes per pound. Remember to rest it after cooking for juicy results.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! After buttering and seasoning the turkey breast, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before roasting. Just remove it 45 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This step actually deepens the flavors and can make your cooking day more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe really has a special place in my heart because it’s both foolproof and impressively delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a Sunday dinner, or just a treat-yourself kind of night, I promise you—and anyone you share it with—will love every juicy, flavorful bite. Give this recipe a try and experience those melt-in-your-mouth slices with that buttery garlic-herb punch that’s simply unforgettable. Cooking turkey this good makes me feel like a kitchen rockstar, and it’ll do the same for you!