Savory Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Savory Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast is a perfect centerpiece for any meal, offering a delightful blend of aromatic herbs and succulent flavors. It’s a fantastic alternative to a whole turkey, especially for smaller gatherings or when you want something a bit more manageable but still impressive.

Ingredients for Savory Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast

Turkey Breast is the star of this dish, offering a lean yet juicy base for the herb crust. By using a whole turkey breast, you get the essence of a traditional roast without the fuss of a whole bird.

Olive Oil helps the herbs adhere to the turkey and adds a rich flavor while aiding in the browning process.

Salt and Black Pepper are essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors of the turkey and herbs.

Fresh Rosemary and Thyme bring an aromatic punch and earthy notes that pair beautifully with poultry.

Garlic adds depth and a touch of pungency that complements the herbs perfectly.

Lemon slices infuse the turkey with fresh, zesty brightness, balancing the richness of the meat.

White Wine offers a subtle acidity and richness, helping to tenderize the turkey while creating a flavorful pan sauce.

Chicken Broth adds moisture and a savory depth to the roasting process, ensuring the turkey remains juicy.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the last 15 minutes of roasting.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the turkey breast thinly, ensuring each piece has some of that delicious herb crust.
  • If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can be substituted in a pinch—just use half the amount as they are more concentrated in flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey breast pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables or a creamy mashed potato. For a lighter side, consider a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the citrus notes in the turkey. A crusty bread roll would not go amiss to mop up those delicious pan juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as boneless breasts may cook faster.
What if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute with additional chicken broth or apple juice for a slightly sweeter flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Savory Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a roasting pan that can comfortably fit your turkey breast. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture—this step is key for achieving a nice, crispy crust.

Now, place the turkey breast in the roasting pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey, rubbing it evenly over the surface. This helps the skin crisp up and provides a base for the seasoning to stick to.

Season the turkey generously with salt and black pepper, making sure you cover all sides. Then, in a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Rub this herb mixture over the turkey, pressing it gently to adhere. You want every bite to have that wonderful herb flavor.

Arrange the lemon slices around the turkey in the pan. Pour the white wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the pan, being careful not to wash off the herbs. This liquid will create steam that keeps the turkey moist and forms the base of a delicious pan sauce.

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 90 to 120 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Packed with fresh herb flavors that elevate the turkey breast.
  • Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any special occasion.
  • The white wine and lemon create a moist, tender result.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey breast (4-5 lbs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a roasting pan.
2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and place it in the roasting pan.
3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. Season the turkey with salt and black pepper.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic.
6. Rub the herb mixture over the turkey breast, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Arrange lemon slices around the turkey and pour white wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
8. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 90-120 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
10. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

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