This herb-roasted turkey breast is a festive treat, perfect for Christmas dinner! It’s juicy, tender, and full of delicious flavors from fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Cooking this turkey breast is easy peasy! I love serving it with some roasted veggies. Your family will think you’re a chef—just don’t tell them how simple it really is! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: I recommend using a skin-on, boneless turkey breast. The skin helps keep the meat juicy during roasting. If you can’t find turkey breast, chicken breast can work—just adjust cooking time since it cooks faster.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both add flavor and moisture. I usually go with olive oil for a lighter option. If you prefer butter, melt it and let it cool slightly before using. For dairy-free options, avocado oil works well!
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage add amazing flavor. If you have dried herbs on hand, they’ll do just fine. Typically, use one-third the amount of dried compared to fresh; so 1 teaspoon dried for each tablespoon fresh.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the turkey. If you don’t have a lemon, a bit of vinegar can add a tangy touch. Lime is a decent substitute, too!
How Can I Ensure My Turkey Breast Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking turkey breast to the right temperature is key for juicy meat. Follow these steps:
- Use a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the turkey.
- Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Pull it from the oven at 160°F (70°C) since it’ll continue cooking while resting.
- Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
By monitoring the temperature and allowing it to rest, you’ll have a delicious turkey breast ready to impress your guests!
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast for Christmas Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds skin-on turkey breast, boneless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and around 1 hour and 30 minutes for roasting. Plus, don’t forget to give it an extra 10-15 minutes to rest after cooking. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this tasty turkey breast in just about 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your turkey cooks evenly. While that’s warming up, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get crispy!
2. Make the Herb Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil (or melted butter), salt, pepper, garlic powder, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. This mixture is your flavorful herb marinade, and it smells wonderful!
3. Rub the Marinade:
Take the herb marinade and rub it evenly all over the turkey breast. Make sure to coat every inch, especially the skin, so it gets nice and tasty when roasted.
4. Get It Ready for the Oven:
Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Make sure the skin side is facing up, as this will help it crisp up nicely during cooking.
5. Roast the Turkey:
Now, roast your turkey in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
6. Broil for Crispness (optional):
If you want extra crispy skin, you can place the turkey under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though, as it can burn easily!
7. Let It Rest:
Once done, take the turkey breast out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is super important, as it helps the juices stay in the meat. Don’t skip it!
8. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the turkey breast into nice pieces and arrange it on a serving platter. Add some fresh rosemary sprigs on top for a festive touch.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your herb-roasted turkey breast with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green beans. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends!
Enjoy a delicious, herb-infused turkey breast perfect for Christmas dinner!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey Breast?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before cooking. Avoid thawing it at room temperature to ensure food safety.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can use dried herbs instead. Typically, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs instead.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help keep the turkey moist while reheating!
Can I Make This in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the turkey breast a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Then, simply roast it on the day of your Christmas dinner. This will actually enhance the flavor!
