Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- PREP 30min
- COOK 2hrs
- TOTAL 2hrs 30min
Roasted turkey breast is quicker to make than a whole turkey, but will still easily serve six. It’s unbelievably moist and juicy, too. It’s easiest to use a roasting pan with a rack. Since we’re only roasting the breast, the rack keep the breast upright. It is possible to roast turkey breast without a roasting pan and rack. In our photos, you’ll notice we used a baking dish without a rack. You can do this, as well. Use a dish that just fits the turkey breast, place it into the dish then if you find it to be unstable, use slices of orange to prop the breast up a little so it stands tall. (Instead of orange slices, try lemon or onion slices or even carrots).
You Will Need
1 whole bone-in turkey breast, 6 1/2 to 7 pounds, thawed
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 orange, sliced
Directions
Prepare Turkey
Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
Put turkey breast, skin-side up in a heavy roasting pan or baking dish, preferably on a rack. (If you do not have a rack, you will need to cushion and prop the turkey breast up with orange slices later so that it is stable).
Stir garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, olive oil, and the mustard together to form a paste. Use your fingers to lift the skin away from the breast meat and spread half of the paste directly on the meat. Smear the remaining paste all over the outside of the turkey.
Pour the orange juice, lemon juice, and chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Scatter orange slices around the pan and if needed, use a couple slices to prop the turkey breast upright so that it is stable.
To Finish
Roast the turkey for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and an internal thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. (It’s best to check more than one location to be sure). If, while it roasts, you notice the turkey is browned more than you’d like, cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and continue to roast until done.
When the turkey is done, remove from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and allow it to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pour the juices left in the roasting pan into a small jug and skim any fat from the top. Slice the turkey and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- If you cannot find a fresh, unfrozen turkey breast, you will need to thaw it. To do this, buy the frozen turkey breast 2 days in advance then thaw breast side up, unopened on a baking sheet in the fridge. If you are in a rush, you can also thaw the turkey in cold water — this is much quicker. Thaw breast side down, unopened, with enough cold water to cover the turkey completely. Change the water every 30 minutes until it is completely thawed. A 7-pound turkey breast will take about 3 hours to thaw using the water method.
- Nutrition Facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA database to calculate approximate values. We assumed 6 servings, which means 6 very generous portions. You will likely have leftovers.
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