If you’re looking for a showstopping yet effortless main dish, this Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is the answer! Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully golden, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or an elevated weeknight meal. Plus, no wrestling with a whole turkey—just tender perfection every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: A blend of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic makes every bite incredibly delicious.
- Faster than a Whole Turkey: If you want all the festive vibes without the lengthy cook time, this is the perfect alternative.
- Juicy & Never Dry: With my chef-approved method, you’ll avoid dry turkey forever!
- Simple Yet Elegant: Easy enough for a casual weekend dinner but impressive enough for company.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Turkey Breast: Bone-in or boneless works—bone-in stays extra juicy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden skin.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring freshness. Dried can work in a pinch, but fresh takes it to the next level.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses deep, savory flavor.
- Lemon: Both zest and juice brighten the flavor beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture while roasting.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t skimp—this brings out all the flavors!
Pro Tip: Let your turkey breast come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This ensures even cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
2. Make the Herb Butter
In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the Turkey
Gently slide your fingers under the turkey skin to loosen it. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin and the rest on top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
4. Roast
Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest & Serve
Once done, cover with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to lock in juices. Slice and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure you don’t over or undercook your turkey.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: This keeps the meat juicy and allows flavors to settle.
- For Extra Crispy Skin: Broil for the last 3-5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon for orange zest and juice for a slightly sweeter, aromatic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the herb butter.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a light arugula salad.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Season the turkey up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bring it to room temp before roasting.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
How can I reheat it without drying it out?
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through.
📖 Recipe
Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 lb) turkey breast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat turkey breast dry.
- Mix butter, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Loosen the skin and rub half the mixture under the skin, the rest on top.
- Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast for 1-1.5 hours, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
I can’t wait for you to try this Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey Breast! It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is incredibly simple to make. If you try it, let me know in the comments—or tag me with #TheKitchensAid on social media so I can see your delicious creation!