Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes

This Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter recipe is a flavorful and impressive dish, perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any special occasion. The tender, juicy turkey is infused with a rich garlic herb butter under the skin, ensuring every bite is packed with savory, aromatic goodness. The addition of roasted garlic, fresh rosemary, and a dash of chili pepper flakes creates a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or preparing a weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Turkey Breast:

  • 2 turkey breasts (skin on, bone-in)
  • 2 heads of garlic (roughly peeled and sliced horizontally)
  • 2 medium onions (quartered)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 pomegranate (quarter for garnish, optional)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter (softened)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Remove all oven racks except for one, which should be placed in the next-to-lowest position. Preheat your oven to 450ºF (230ºC).
  2. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a medium bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the garlic herb butter.
  3. Prepare the Turkey: Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin of each turkey breast without tearing it. Carefully slide the garlic herb butter under the skin, spreading it evenly across the turkey. Repeat for the other turkey breast, ensuring that both sides are generously covered with the butter mixture. Use any remaining herb butter to coat the exterior of the turkey breasts.
  4. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breasts breast-side up in a large roasting pan. Surround the turkey with quartered onions, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper.
  5. Initial Roast: Roast the turkey breasts for 20–30 minutes at 450ºF (230ºC) until the skin turns golden and crispy.
  6. Cover and Continue Roasting: Once browned, cover the turkey breasts with a piece of foil large enough to fully cover the meat. Lower the oven temperature to 375ºF (190ºC) and continue roasting for another 60–70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
  7. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and pomegranate quarters for a festive touch (optional).

This roasted turkey breast with garlic herb butter is sure to be a standout dish at your next gathering! Enjoy tender, juicy turkey with layers of herby, garlicky goodness in every bite.