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Quick Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with Garlic (Easy 60-Min Recipe)

quick herb butter roasted turkey with garlic - featured image

A quick and easy herb butter roasted turkey breast that goes from fridge to table in about 60 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or small Thanksgiving gatherings, this recipe delivers juicy meat and crispy golden skin without the fuss of brining or hours of roasting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Turkey breast (bone-in, skin-on, about 3-4 pounds)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until well mixed.
  3. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels, getting into all nooks and crannies.
  4. Gently slide your fingers between the skin and the meat to create pockets, being careful not to tear the skin.
  5. Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and push it under the skin, spreading evenly over the meat. Rub the outside of the skin with the remaining butter.
  6. Drizzle the turkey with olive oil and add an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  7. Pour the broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the turkey breast on a rack if available, or directly in the pan.
  8. Roast for 45-55 minutes. Do not open the oven door for the first 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the skin and tent with foil if browning too fast.
  9. Start checking temperature at 45 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. Remove at 160°F (71°C).
  10. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step – it’s crucial for juicy meat. Let butter soften properly for easy spreading. If skin browns too fast, tent with foil and reduce oven temperature to 375°F. For dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon each instead of 2 tablespoons fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick turkey recipe, herb butter turkey, roasted turkey breast, easy turkey dinner, weeknight turkey, small thanksgiving turkey, garlic herb turkey