This easy garlic herb roasted turkey breast has juicy, tender meat and beautifully golden skin seasoned with rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic and Dijon mustard. Searing the turkey first helps crisp the skin, while butter and chicken broth create savoury pan juices for spooning over each slice.It is much easier than roasting a whole turkey but still feels special enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday dinner. The fresh herbs smell wonderful while it cooks. Simple ingredients, plenty of flavour and much less work.
2½-3pounds turkey breast boneless skin-on turkey breast
3tablespoonsolive oildivided
1tablespoonDijon mustard
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
4clovesgarlicfinely minced
2teaspoonsfresh rosemaryfinely chopped
1teaspoonfresh thyme leaves
1teaspoonfresh sagefinely chopped
1teaspoononion powder
1teaspoonpaprika
1¼teaspoonskosher salt
½teaspoonblack pepper
2tablespoonsbutter
½cupchicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a fully thawed, 2½–3-pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast. Pat it dry with paper towels, especially the skin.
Mix the Garlic Herb Seasoning
Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Reserve the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for searing.
Season the Turkey
Gently loosen the skin without removing it. Spread some seasoning directly over the meat underneath, then rub the remaining mixture over the outside and sides.
Sear Carefully
Heat the reserved tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the turkey skin-side down and sear for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, until golden.
Watch closely and reduce the heat if the garlic or herbs darken too quickly. Turn carefully and brown the underside for about 2 minutes.
Add Butter and Broth
Turn the turkey skin-side up. Add the butter and pour the chicken broth around the turkey, keeping the liquid off the skin.
Roast Until Cooked Through
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for approximately 50 to 70 minutes. Begin checking the temperature after 40 minutes, as thinner breasts may cook sooner.
Insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part without touching the pan. Continue roasting until the turkey reaches 74°C (165°F). If the skin becomes too dark, loosely cover it with foil.
Check the pan occasionally. If the liquid is evaporating and the drippings begin to catch, add a small splash of water.
Rest for 15 Minutes
Transfer the turkey to a clean cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Slice and Serve
Slice across the grain and spoon the warm garlic herb pan juices over the meat. Take care when handling the skillet—the handle will remain hot after leaving the oven.
For juicy garlic herb roasted turkey breast, start checking the temperature before the estimated roasting time is up. Remove it when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F), then rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Choose the right cut: Use a fully thawed, 2½–3-pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast. Bone-in breasts and rolled roasts need different cooking times.
Divide the oil: Use 2 tablespoons olive oil in the garlic herb mixture and 1 tablespoon for searing.
Watch the seasoning: Lower the searing heat if the garlic and herbs darken too quickly. Pour broth around the turkey to keep the skin dry.
Check doneness: Roast until the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F), then rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Using dried herbs: Substitute about one-third of the fresh herb quantities.