There’s nothing quite like walking into a house filled with the rich, garlicky aroma of roasted turkey during the holidays. That familiar scent wraps around you like a warm hug, promising comfort and celebration at the table. My Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey brings all that magic in a simpler package – just the juicy breast brushed with melted butter, fresh herbs, and garlic. No wrestling with a whole bird, no stressing over dry meat. Just pure holiday flavor that makes everyone gather in the kitchen before you’ve even finished carving.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my kids after they asked why turkey only showed up once a year. Their eyes lit up when I pulled that golden-brown beauty from the oven, the herb butter bubbling along the crispy skin. “It smells like Christmas!” my youngest shouted, and suddenly our regular Tuesday dinner turned into something special. That’s the power of this recipe – it turns any meal into a celebration with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Oh, where do I even start? This Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is the kind of recipe that turns first-time cooks into holiday heroes. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen at countless family gatherings! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- That garlic herb butter – it’s the real star! Melting under the skin, it bastes the turkey from within, creating the juiciest, most flavorful meat you’ll ever taste.
- Perfect for holidays (or any day) – no wrestling with a whole bird means less stress and more time enjoying your guests. Works wonders for Christmas dinner, but easy enough for Sunday supper too.
- Golden, crackly skin – the initial high heat gives you that gorgeous color and texture everyone fights over. (Pro tip: I sometimes double the butter under the skin for extra flavor!)
- The aroma – when those herbs hit the warm butter and garlic? Your kitchen will smell like every happy holiday memory rolled into one.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry turkey, this method from my perfect turkey roaster guide will change everything. Just wait till you see how everyone reacts when you bring this to the table!
Ingredients for Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to create that magical garlic herb butter and perfectly roasted turkey:
- 6 to 7 pound whole, bone-in turkey breast (make sure it’s defrosted!)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature – this is crucial for easy mixing)
- Herb Dream Team:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons finely-grated lemon zest (brightens up all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1-2 large garlic cloves, pressed or grated
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (my secret flavor booster!)
- ½ cup chicken stock, turkey stock, or water
- 1 cup dry white wine, divided (don’t worry – the alcohol cooks off, leaving amazing flavor)
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Quick swaps if needed: No fresh herbs? Use 1/3 the amount dried. Out of white wine? Apple juice works in a pinch. And if you’re making this for a crowd, check out my garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves – they pair beautifully as an additional main!
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Alright, let’s get to the good part – turning that beautiful turkey breast into the star of your holiday table! I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
- Let your turkey relax – Take the breast out of the fridge about an hour before roasting. This helps it cook more evenly. While you wait, trim any excess skin hanging off the edges.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F – that initial high heat gives us that gorgeous golden skin. Place a rack in your roasting pan – this keeps the turkey out of the drippings.
- Make the magic butter – In a bowl, mix the softened butter with all those fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Smell that? That’s the scent of holiday memories being made!
- Get under the skin – Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast with your fingers (clean hands are the best tool here!). Spread about 2/3 of that herb butter underneath, pressing gently to distribute it evenly. This is the secret to super moist meat!
- Butter up the outside – Rub the remaining butter all over the skin, then give it another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – this is what gives us that beautiful, crackly crust.
- Set up your roasting station – Place the turkey on the rack in your pan, then pour 1/2 cup of stock and 1/2 cup of wine into the bottom of the pan. This keeps everything moist and makes amazing drippings!
- Roast and baste – After 30 minutes at 425°F, pour the remaining 1/2 cup wine over the turkey (this keeps it juicy), then reduce the heat to 325°F. Keep roasting until your thermometer reads 160°F in the thickest part (not touching bone!). Baste occasionally with those delicious pan juices.
- Rest is best – When it hits temperature, take it out and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F, and all those juices will redistribute. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me – this step makes all the difference!
Prepping the Turkey
Getting your turkey ready is half the battle! First, let it sit out – cold turkey straight from the fridge takes forever to cook evenly. While it’s coming to temperature, mix up that herb butter. Softened butter blends beautifully with the herbs – if it’s too firm, you’ll tear the skin trying to spread it. Speaking of skin, trim off any loose flaps – they’ll just burn. But leave enough to cover the meat – that’s our flavor blanket!
Roasting to Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens! Starting at 425°F gives us that beautiful golden color, then we lower the heat to cook through gently. The wine baste halfway keeps everything moist – don’t skip it! And please, please use a meat thermometer. That little gadget is your best friend for perfect turkey every time. Check in the thickest part, away from the bone – when it hits 160°F, pull it out and let it rest. The carryover cooking will take it to 165°F safely while keeping it juicy. If you love this method, you might enjoy my baked lemon butter chicken too – same principles, different protein!
Tips for the Best Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks that take this turkey from great to “can I please have your recipe?” levels of amazing. First – and I can’t stress this enough – use fresh herbs if you can! That rosemary and thyme add such bright flavor that dried versions just can’t match. Watch your turkey like a hawk during that initial high-heat roast – if the skin starts getting too dark too fast, just tent it loosely with foil. No one wants burnt garlic butter!
Here’s my golden rule: always check the temperature away from the bone. That bone gives false readings, and there’s nothing worse than thinking your turkey’s done when it’s actually still raw in the middle. And please, let it rest before carving! I know it’s tempting to dive right in when that beautiful bird comes out of the oven, but those 15-20 minutes allow the juices to redistribute. The difference between sliced-too-early turkey and properly rested turkey? It’s like night and day. Your patience will be rewarded with every juicy bite!
Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Meal
Now comes the best part – loading up those plates! Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey deserves some stellar sidekicks. My family always fights over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those glorious juices, but crisp-tender roasted veggies make a fabulous lighter pairing. For something extra special, try my maple glazed Brussels sprouts – the caramelized sweetness plays perfectly with the savory turkey.
Don’t forget the sauces! A simple gravy made from the pan drippings is heavenly (just strain, simmer with some flour slurry – boom!). Or add comfort with a bowl of my sweet potato lentil soup as a starter. Pro tip: whatever you serve, make plenty – leftovers from this meal disappear fast!
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey FAQs
I get asked about this recipe all the time – it’s that good! Here are answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen and inbox. Don’t see yours here? Just ask in the comments – I’m happy to help!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried herbs work in a pinch – just use about 1/3 the amount since they’re more concentrated. So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon dried. The flavor won’t be quite as bright, but it’ll still taste delicious. My grandma always kept dried herbs on hand “for emergencies,” as she’d say!
How long will leftovers keep?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Honestly though? Mine never lasts that long! The kids keep sneaking slices for sandwiches. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months – just wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this with a whole turkey?
You bet! Just adjust the cooking time (about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F) and double or triple the herb butter depending on size. The method stays the same – loosen that skin and get that garlicky goodness underneath! Pro tip: tuck some herb butter under the skin on the thighs too – they’ll thank you with extra juiciness.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! Apple juice or chicken stock make fine substitutes. The wine adds lovely depth, but the real star is that garlic herb butter. One year I forgot the wine entirely and just used extra stock – still got rave reviews! (Though I won’t tell if you don’t.)
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these nutritional estimates are based on general ingredients and can vary depending on your specific brands and measurements. Now let’s break down what you’re getting in each delicious slice of Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g (10g saturated, 6g unsaturated)
- Protein: 35g (That’s almost half your daily protein needs!)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Not bad at all for such a flavorful dish! The protein keeps you satisfied while the herbs add lots of flavor without extra calories. Enjoy every guilt-free bite!
Print
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
- Total Time: 105 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A flavorful and tender turkey breast roasted with garlic herb butter, perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 6 to 7 pound whole, bone-in turkey breast (defrosted)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons finely-grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1–2 large garlic cloves, pressed or grated)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup chicken stock, turkey stock, or water
- 1 cup dry white wine, divided
- kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Let turkey breast sit at room temperature for an hour before roasting. Trim excess skin. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a rack in a roasting pan.
- Mix softened butter, herbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Gently loosen the skin on the turkey. Spread 2/3 of the herb butter under the skin. Press to distribute evenly.
- Pat the turkey dry. Rub the remaining butter on the skin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place turkey on the rack. Pour 1/2 cup stock and 1/2 cup wine into the pan.
- Roast for 30 minutes. Pour remaining 1/2 cup wine over the turkey. Reduce oven to 325°F and roast until internal temperature reaches 160°F (60-90+ minutes). Baste occasionally.
- Remove turkey from oven. Let rest for 15-20 minutes (temperature will rise to 165°F). Carve and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
- Check turkey temperature in the thickest part, away from the bone.
- Cover with foil if skin browns too quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 90 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, holiday meal, Christmas dinner, roasted turkey, easy turkey recipe