Roasted Herb-Buttered Turkey Breast with Garlic and White Wine Recipe

There is something irresistibly comforting about a perfectly cooked turkey, and this Roasted Herb-Buttered Turkey Breast with Garlic and White Wine Recipe hits all the right notes. Juicy, tender turkey breast meets fragrant fresh herbs and a buttery garlic mixture, with the white wine adding a subtle acidity that brightens every bite. This dish is the perfect centerpiece for holiday celebrations or any special dinner when you want to impress without a complicated process. Trust me, once you taste this herb-buttered goodness, it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients are the stars of this recipe, each bringing their own magic to the table. From the fragrant herbs and garlic to the rich butter and bright lemon, every element plays a crucial role in creating the stunning layers of flavor in this dish.

• 5-7 lbs skin-on turkey breast: Choose boneless or bone-in, preferably natural and un-brined for the freshest flavor and ideal texture.
• 16 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature): This is your secret to a luscious, golden finish and carries the herbs beautifully.
• 4 heads garlic (divided): It brings that irresistible, mellow roast garlic sweetness and depth.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the butter mixture.
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves (chopped): Offers an earthy, pine-like aroma that pairs wonderfully with poultry.
• 2 tsp fresh sage leaves (chopped): Adds warmth and a hint of bitterness that balances the richness.
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (chopped): Brings an herbaceous note that is classic with turkey.
• 2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Just enough bite to keep things lively.
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested): Brightens the whole dish with zesty citrus notes.
• ½ cup dry white wine: Adds subtle acidity and helps keep the turkey moist.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the pan juices and keeps the bird juicy.

How to Make Roasted Herb-Buttered Turkey Breast with Garlic and White Wine Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Roasting Setup

Start by preheating your oven to a steady 325°F and lining a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup. Spray a wire rack lightly with nonstick spray and place it over the pan. This setup allows heat to circulate evenly around the turkey, ensuring a perfectly roasted breast with crispy skin.

Step 2: Dry and Position the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry inside and out, which is key to achieving that golden crisp skin everyone loves. Place the breast skin-side up on the wire rack, setting the stage for that luscious herb-butter coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic

Mince about 20 cloves—approximately two heads of garlic—for a robust garlic flavor in your butter mixture. Take the remaining two heads and slice them in half; these will roast alongside the turkey to add a mellow, caramelized punch to the pan.

Step 4: Make the Herb-Butter Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the softened butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This aromatic blend is what turns the turkey from simple to spectacular, seeped with fragrant herbs and buttery richness.

Step 5: Loosen the Skin and Apply Butter

Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the turkey breast meat, careful not to tear it. Smear half of your fragrant garlic butter underneath the skin, making sure to cover the meat well on each breast side. Then, slather the remaining butter evenly over the outer skin to lock in moisture and create that gorgeous golden glaze.

Step 6: Secure the Skin

To keep the skin snug during roasting, secure it with 2-3 toothpicks on each half of the turkey breast. This little trick prevents the skin from shrinking away too much and keeps all those flavors right where they belong.

Step 7: Add Liquids and Roast

Pour the dry white wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan, adding the halved garlic heads around the turkey for extra aromatic goodness. Roast the turkey for about 1½ to 2 hours, until an instant-read thermometer reaches 162°F to 163°F inside the thickest part of the breast. If the skin darkens too quickly, tent loosely with foil; if it isn’t crisp enough by the end, a quick broil of 2-3 minutes will do the trick (just watch it closely!).

Step 8: Rest Before Slicing

Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with foil for 15 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender.

Step 9: Serve with Pan Juices

Don’t forget to taste and season the pan juices as desired before serving—the flavorful drippings make the perfect finishing touch to your slices of roasted bliss.

How to Serve Roasted Herb-Buttered Turkey Breast with Garlic and White Wine Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs, sage leaves, or thyme tucked around the turkey breast add a beautiful, fragrant touch and a pop of green color. Lemon slices or a drizzle of pan juices can also make your presentation feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a bright, fresh green salad. The herb-buttered turkey’s richness is balanced perfectly with veggies that add texture and freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the turkey breast and arranging it on a large serving platter with a bed of wilted greens or roasted seasonal vegetables. Drizzle some pan juices over the slices for extra flavor and shine. For a more casual vibe, serve thick turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and crisp greens on your favorite bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for delicious next-day sandwiches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the turkey and freeze it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags with a bit of pan juices to keep it moist. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the turkey gently in the oven covered with foil at 300°F to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or pan juices will help maintain moistness and flavor during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both boneless and bone-in turkey breasts work beautifully here. Bone-in tends to offer a bit more flavor and moisture during roasting, but boneless is easier to slice and serve.

Do I need to brine the turkey before roasting?

This recipe works best with a natural, un-brined turkey breast because the herb-butter mixture and roasting liquid provide plenty of seasoning. Brining is optional but can be done if you prefer extra juiciness.

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here — aim for an internal temperature between 162°F to 163°F in the thickest part of the breast. This ensures it’s cooked through but still juicy.

Can I make the herb-butter mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the butter mixture up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the turkey for easy application.

What type of white wine is best for this recipe?

Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay for the best results. These wines add acidity and subtle fruitiness without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet approachable turkey recipe, the Roasted Herb-Buttered Turkey Breast with Garlic and White Wine Recipe is just what you need. It’s packed with fresh herbs, buttery garlic richness, and that wonderful depth from the white wine. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, this recipe promises tender, flavorful slices that everyone will rave about. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy turkey!

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