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It’s officially the first day of November, which means that it’s the perfect time to start sharing some easy recipes for your Thanksgiving dinner! This Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey Breast is crispy on the outside and tender, juicy, and flavorful on the inside. What more could you ask for in the centerpiece of your holiday meal?

An overhead shot of a roast turkey breast on a serving plate

I used to be so intimidated by the thought of preparing a roast turkey breast for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s such an important staple of the holiday spread, and the pressure seemed really high!

If you can relate, and if taking charge of the Thanksgiving turkey makes you want to run for the hills and order carry-out pizza, then have no fear! This Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey Breast is so easy that it’s virtually impossible to mess up!

A sliced roast turkey breast on a plate with flowers

This Roast Turkey Breast So Easy

In fact, after last year’s Easy Maple-Glazed Turkey Breast recipe won so many rave reviews from readers like you, I’m certain that this year’s garlic and herb version will be no different! Once you understand the process, the flavor varieties are endless!

A side shot of a roast turkey breast

We even enjoy the roast turkey on a regular Sunday evening (no Thanksgiving holiday necessary!), because the leftovers are delicious in casseroles, soups, and lunch sandwiches throughout the week. With only 15 minutes of effort, it’s a simple dinner that pays off for many more nights to come!

An overhead shot of a sliced roast turkey breast on a plate

Sides To Go With Your Roast Turkey Breast

So now that you’ve nailed down your Thanksgiving turkey, it’s time to decide on the sides. Many would say that those are the best part, but one bite of this turkey breast might just change your mind!

Whether you’re filling your plate with 4-Ingredient Corn Pudding, Easy Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole, or Autumn’s Best Tossed Salad, the turkey breast is sure to be the true star of the show!

A roast turkey breast on a plate with garnishes

Tip: Need help carving your turkey breast? This is a great tutorial!

More Turkey Recipes You Might Like:

Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey Breast

5 from 4 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 2 hours 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 302 kcal
This garlic and herb roast turkey breast is tender, juicy and full of flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 7-8 lb. whole turkey breast, fresh or frozen and thawed
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 whole head of garlic, cut in half crosswise (you don’t need to peel the garlic)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • A few sage leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
  • Rinse the turkey breast with cold water. Pat dry.
  • Liberally salt and pepper the inside cavity of the turkey.
  • Cut the lemons in quarters and place two quarters in the cavity, along with the garlic. Add rosemary, thyme and sage to the inside of the turkey.
  • Brush the turkey with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
  • Place the turkey in a large shallow roasting pan lined with aluminum foil (for easy clean-up).
  • Add 1 cup water to bottom of pan.
  • Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onion in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Pour the lemon and onion mixture around the turkey inside the pan.
  • Roast the turkey breast for 2 – 2 ½ hours, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F. Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes.
  • If any part of the turkey browns too quickly while cooking, just tent lightly with aluminum foil.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven and place on a large cutting board. Tent the turkey with foil and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes before carving. 

Notes

If you're using a different size turkey breast, here is a good rule of thumb to follow for cooking time:
Roast bone-in turkey breast in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes per pound.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 of the recipe (skin on)Calories: 302kcalProtein: 48gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2.6gCholesterol: 90.7mgSodium: 1003mg
Keyword: roast turkey, Thanksgiving turkey recipe
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan
blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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Comments

  1. I’ve never prepared a turkey before, but I might just do so after seeing this recipe. I love the garlic herb flavor, Blair! Thyme and sage are two of my favorite herbs, so I can only imagine how delicious this must taste. And yes to ALL of the turkey leftovers! Sounds perfect for the season!

  2. 5 stars
    What a great thanksgiving dinner! It would be wonderful if it’s paired with your favorite wine. Haha. Anyways, thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe with us! 🙂

    1. Hey, Kim! Nope, you don’t need the rack in the pan. I have a rack, but I didn’t even bother to use it for this recipe. Enjoy!

  3. 5 stars
    My Sis has already received a turkeey breast, so when I saw this, I knew we’d fix it your way.
    There’s just us 2 and this should work prefectly. A couple easy sides and we’re all set.

    I love your site, you have so many easy recipes that I want to try.

    Thank you so much and I look forward to your next post.

    Hugs and Smiles, Lauren

    1. That’s awesome, Lauren! I’m so glad that you’ll give this a try!

      Thank you for your sweet note about the recipes. I love to hear that you’re enjoying the site! 🙂