Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing Recipe Magic
Golden autumn afternoons call for a delectable herb-roasted turkey breast that brings warmth to your kitchen.
Tender, juicy meat seasoned with aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering centerpiece for any gathering.
Each slice promises rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate with incredible depth.
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage infuse the meat with robust, earthy undertones that complement the succulent protein perfectly.
The accompanying stuffing adds a comforting layer of texture and traditional goodness to this classic dish.
Preparing this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Gather your ingredients and let’s embark on a delicious cooking adventure that celebrates seasonal cooking at its finest.
How to Cook Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Get your oven ready at 350F. Grab a roasting pan and prepare it with a light grease or parchment paper.
Whip up a flavor-packed herb blend using olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Massage this delicious mixture all over the turkey breast. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and tuck the lemon halves inside for an extra burst of flavor.
Place the turkey breast in the pan, skin facing up. Pour some chicken broth at the bottom for extra moisture. Slide into the oven and roast for about 1.5-2 hours. Keep an eye on the internal temperature – you’re aiming for 165F. Every half hour, drizzle those tasty pan juices over the turkey to keep it juicy.
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, celery, and carrots until they’re soft and fragrant. In a big bowl, mix the sautéed veggies with bread cubes and herbs. Add chicken broth gradually, stirring until the mixture is moist. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Want a crispy top? Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.
Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Slice and serve alongside the stuffing. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finish.
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FAQs
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part of the breast. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and remains juicy.
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best. Rustic white bread, sourdough, or challah are excellent choices. The slightly dry bread absorbs the broth and seasonings more effectively, creating a more flavorful stuffing.
Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices, use the herb-oil mixture to coat the breast, and avoid overcooking. Letting the turkey rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps retain moisture.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal
Servings: 9
What You’ll Need for Turkey and Stuffing
For Poultry Seasoning:For Vegetable Base:For Stuffing Components:Tools for Roasting Turkey with Savory Stuffing
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Succulent Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast And Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
Description
Succulent herb-roasted turkey breast with classic stuffing delights family gatherings. Tender, aromatic herbs and savory bread cubes create a comforting meal you’ll savor with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (5 to 7 pounds / 2.27 to 3.18 kilograms)
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French or Italian bread)
- ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tsps chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsps chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsps chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsps kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, zested and quartered
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for cavity
Instructions
- Herb Infusion: Whisk olive oil with rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
- Turkey Preparation: Thoroughly massage the herb mixture across the turkey breast, ensuring complete coverage, then drizzle fresh lemon juice over the surface and tuck lemon halves into the cavity to amplify aromatic depth.
- Roasting Setup: Arrange the turkey breast skin-side up in a parchment-lined roasting pan, creating a shallow chicken broth base to maintain consistent moisture during cooking.
- Oven Roasting: Position the pan in a preheated 350F (175C) oven, roasting for 1.5 to 2 hours, intermittently basting with pan juices to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
- Doneness Check: Confirm the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfect cooking.
- Stuffing Creation: Sauté diced onions, celery, and grated carrots in melted butter until translucent, then combine with cubed bread, sage, thyme, and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
- Stuffing Preparation: Gradually add chicken broth to the vegetable-bread mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper, and stirring to achieve a moist, cohesive texture.
- Baking Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, initially covering with foil, then bake alongside the turkey for 25-30 minutes, uncovering the final 10 minutes to develop a golden, crisp top.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes after roasting, then slice and plate with the freshly baked stuffing, garnishing with additional fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Herb Massage Technique: Thoroughly rub herb mixture under the skin and all over the turkey breast to maximize flavor penetration and ensure even seasoning.
- Moisture Preservation Trick: Always place chicken broth at the bottom of the roasting pan to create steamy environment, preventing turkey from drying out during long roasting process.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature; 165F is critical for food safety without overcooking the meat.
- Stuffing Consistency Control: Mix bread cubes gradually with broth, stopping when mixture reaches moist but not soggy texture to prevent dense, heavy stuffing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen