This Rosemary Garlic Turkey Breast is juicy and full of flavor, thanks to the tasty garlic and fragrant rosemary! It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.
Honestly, my kitchen smells amazing when I make this dish! I love serving it with mashed potatoes and some green beans. It’s a hit every time—family and friends always come back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A boneless breast is great for even cooking. If you can’t find turkey breast, a whole chicken or chicken thighs also work well, though cooking times will vary.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with browning. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a good substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic shines in this recipe, but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1 teaspoon. Perhaps consider roasted garlic for a sweeter note.
Fresh Rosemary: It brings a wonderful aroma. If fresh isn’t available, use dried rosemary, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Chicken Broth or White Wine: This builds flavor in the roasting process. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute with more broth or even apple cider for a touch of sweetness.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Searing Turkey Breast?
Getting a nice sear on the turkey breast is key to building flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the turkey. Look for a shimmer in the oil to know it’s ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Searing in batches keeps the heat high.
- Leave the turkey undisturbed for a few minutes. This helps form a golden crust.
Remember, once you sear all sides, add the broth or wine to create steam which keeps the meat juicy during roasting!
Rosemary Garlic Turkey Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3-pound boneless turkey breast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (for roasting pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and around 35-45 minutes for cooking. Plus, don’t forget an extra 10 minutes for resting after it comes out of the oven. In total, you’re looking at about an hour to an hour and a half from start to dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps get everything nice and cooked evenly!
2. Make the Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. This mix is what will flavor your turkey and make it taste delicious!
3. Prepare the Turkey:
Take the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. This is important because a dry turkey breast will sear better and let those flavors soak in.
4. Rub It Down:
Using your hands (feel free to get a little messy!), rub that tasty olive oil and herb mixture all over the turkey breast. Make sure it’s nicely coated!
5. Sear the Turkey:
Now grab a large ovenproof skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the turkey breast in and sear it on all sides until it’s golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. This will lock in those delicious flavors!
6. Add Moisture:
Carefully pour the chicken broth or white wine into the skillet around the turkey. This is going to keep everything nice and juicy during its time in the oven.
7. Roast Away:
Now it’s time to move the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the turkey breast for about 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is when it really shines!
8. Let It Rest:
When it’s done, take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This is super important as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices later!
9. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your turkey breast, and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pretty touch. If you like, drizzle any pan juices over the slices for extra flavor. Enjoy!
This fragrant and moist Rosemary Garlic Turkey Breast is sure to impress everyone at your table!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for turkey breast, you can easily adapt it for chicken thighs or even a whole chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary—thighs may need a bit longer, and a whole chicken will take considerably more time.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No worries if you don’t have fresh rosemary on hand! You can substitute it with dried rosemary. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary as it is more concentrated. Just remember to crush it a little in your hands before adding, to release more flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the turkey breast the day before. Just follow all the steps, then cover it in the fridge after it cools and reheat it gently in the oven just before serving. Make sure it’s heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure the turkey is completely cooled before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven or microwave.