There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs filling your kitchen, and that’s exactly what you get with this Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive way to bring juicy, flavorful turkey to your table without the fuss of a whole bird.

A whole roasted golden-brown chicken with a crispy, seasoned skin sits on a white rectangular plate. Around the chicken, there are bright orange and yellow flowers, along with green leafy herbs and small white blossoms, creating a colorful and fresh decoration. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a faint red-striped cloth slightly visible on the right side. The chicken is the center and highest layer of the image with the flowers and herbs forming a vivid bottom layer framing it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this roast turkey breast more times than I can count, especially when I want juicy turkey without the stress of a whole bird. The garlic herb butter gives it such a cozy, irresistible flavor, and honestly, it’s become my go-to for holiday dinners or any time I want to treat myself.

Easy Prep: The turkey comes pre-brined, so you bypass the soaking stage and get straight to roasting.
Juicy Results: Smothering the turkey with garlic herb butter under and over the skin keeps every bite tender and flavorful.
Even Cooking: Roast breast cooks quicker and more evenly than a whole turkey, eliminating the need to flip or rotate.
Delicious Pan Gravy: You get to make a quick, savory gravy from those fantastic drippings — perfect spooned over everything.

The image shows a white plate with several layers of sliced cooked chicken arranged in a slightly overlapping way, each slice having a golden brown edge and tender white inside. Light brown gravy is poured over the chicken, creating a smooth and shiny texture on top. Green herb pieces are sprinkled over the gravy and chicken. The plate is garnished with green leafy herbs and one bright orange flower on the side. The background is a white marbled surface, and a golden fork is placed on the right edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is purposeful, coming together to create that juicy, herbaceous flavor profile. Think of the fresh herbs and garlic as your flavor base, while the softened butter is what keeps the turkey moist and golden. When shopping, try to grab fresh poultry herbs if you can — they make a noticeable difference!

Flat lay of a whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small pile of smashed garlic cloves, two medium onions sliced into rings, a few bright orange slices, a handful of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs mixed together, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden softened unsalted butter, a small white bowl of clear low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl holding smooth pale Dijon mustard, small piles of dried garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper each arranged neatly in separate spaces, and a small white bowl with pale beige flour, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in, skin-on brined turkey breast: The brining ensures moisture retention and the skin crisps beautifully while roasting.
Garlic cloves: Smashing releases their oils so they infuse the turkey and pan drippings with deep garlicky goodness.
Medium onions: Their sweetness complements the savory herbs and adds aromatic depth.
Orange slices: Brighten the flavor with a subtle citrus note that lifts the richness.
Fresh poultry herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): Classic herbs that bring earthiness and warmth.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pan moist during roasting and forms the base for the gravy.
Unsalted butter: Softened to mix easily with herbs and spices, it bastes the turkey inside and out.
Olive oil: Helps brown the skin for that perfect crisp.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth, enhancing the butter and herbs.
Garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, pepper: These spices layer flavor, creating a complex, savory crust.
Flour: Thickens the gravy made from pan drippings into a smooth, luscious sauce.
Chicken bouillon (optional): A quick flavor booster for gravy, if you want it richer.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with the herbs depending on the season — sometimes swapping in tarragon or marjoram if I have them on hand. Feel free to tweak the garlic level too; if you’re a big fan, doubling up can add even more punch. You can also add a splash of white wine in the chicken broth for a subtle twist.

Variation: I once added a bit of smoked paprika and chipotle powder for a warm, smoky twist that was a big hit at a backyard BBQ.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep your turkey and herb butter

Start by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels — this helps the butter stick and the skin crisp. Then combine softened butter with all your dried herbs, garlic powder, paprika, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like mixing it in a small bowl so it’s easy to spread. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat and spread half of the herb butter under the skin, then rub the rest all over the outside. This sneaky move bastes the meat as it cooks, sealing in unbelievable juiciness.

Step 2: Arrange aromatics and roast

Place your sliced onions, smashed garlic cloves, and orange slices in the roasting pan, scatter the handful of fresh herbs on top, then nestle the turkey breast skin-side up. Drizzle olive oil over the skin. Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep the aromatics moist and create flavorful drippings. Roast at 325°F (163°C) for about 2.5 hours, basting with pan juices occasionally if you have time. The meat is done when it hits 165°F internal temperature — use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Step 3: Make the pan gravy

Once the turkey rests, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. Add room temperature butter and whisk over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and stir until golden and thickened, then add chicken broth gradually, whisking to achieve a smooth, richly flavored gravy. Taste and add chicken bouillon if you want a deeper savoriness. This part is the perfect way to capture every bit of flavor from your roast.

Top Tip

From many attempts, I’ve found a few simple tricks that make this Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe shine every time. These aren’t just theoretical — they’re what helped me turn ordinary dinner into a celebration dish.

Butter under the skin: Seriously, this technique locks in moisture and delivers buttery richness that elevated my turkey from dry to dreamy.
Use a meat thermometer: Don't guess doneness — it guarantees tender, perfectly cooked turkey without the risk of drying out.
Rest before carving: It’s tempting to slice right away, but resting allows juices to redistribute, making every bite juicier.
Baste when you can: If you have patience, spoon pan juices over the turkey every 30 minutes for extra moist and flavorful skin.

How to Serve Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

garlic herb roast turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish with a few fresh herb sprigs right from the garden or market — rosemary and thyme look pretty and reinforce the herb flavors. Thin orange zest strips or wedges add a fresh, zesty pop that brightens the plate and invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

Pair this turkey breast with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a classic green bean casserole, and sweet cornbread stuffing — it’s a combo that never fails to impress. A crisp winter salad or roasted root vegetables round out the meal beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served slices of this turkey breast layered on a platter with fresh herb sprigs, orange slices, and whole roasted garlic heads on the side for guests to squeeze onto their plates. It adds visual drama and encourages everyone to customize bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the turkey cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days without drying out, especially wrapped with some pan juices.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the turkey into portions and freeze in freezer bags or containers with a little gravy or broth to prevent freezer burn. It reheats nicely without losing moisture.

Reheating

I gently reheat slices covered in foil in a moderate oven (about 300°F) or microwave with a splash of broth. Adding extra gravy keeps the meat tender and flavorful during reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

While boneless turkey breast can work, I prefer bone-in skin-on because it cooks more evenly and stays juicier. The bone adds flavor and helps retain moisture during roasting.

Do I have to brine the turkey breast myself?

The recipe starts with pre-brined turkey breast which is a huge time-saver. If you buy an unbrined breast, I’d recommend brining it overnight to get similar juicy results. Pre-brined cuts make this recipe foolproof and quicker to prep.

How long will leftover turkey breast stay good?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover turkey breast will keep for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly or store in airtight containers to maintain moisture and flavor.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin on this turkey breast?

Dry the skin well before applying the herb butter and roast at a moderate temperature without covering the breast. Drizzling olive oil and basting with pan juices helps achieve that golden, crispy skin.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe is one of those recipes that I recommend to friends because it’s both approachable and reliably delicious. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a special Sunday dinner, this turkey breast never disappoints — juicy, tender, packed with cozy garlic and herb flavors, and finished off with a luscious gravy. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy roast turkey without the hassle.