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Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple poultry dish, look no further than this Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe. I absolutely love how the fresh herbs burst in every bite, accented perfectly by the brightness of lemon and the depth from white wine—this is one of those recipes that turns an ordinary dinner into something special. Whether it’s for a cozy family meal or a small gathering, you’ll find that this recipe delivers moist, flavorful turkey breast that’s anything but boring. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to create this fan-freaking-tastic dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with Flavor: The combo of fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon, and white wine makes every bite irresistibly tasty and aromatic.
  • Juicy and Tender: Roasting the bone-in turkey breast slowly at a moderate temperature ensures moist, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
  • Simple Prep, Impressive Results: You don’t need to be a pro to pull this off—just a little patience and a gentle touch with the herb paste.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday celebrations, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work beautifully together to create layers of fresh, herbaceous flavor with a bright citrus kick and a subtle richness from the white wine. When you shop, pick fresh herbs and a good-quality wine—you’ll taste the difference in the final dish.

  • Whole bone-in turkey breast: This cut stays juicy and carves nicely, plus the bone adds flavor during roasting.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped gives this dish that wonderful savory kick without overpowering it.
  • Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme leaves: I like to pluck these right off the stem for maximum freshness and aroma.
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp here!
  • Olive oil: Helps the herbs cling and creates a beautiful golden skin on the turkey.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness perfectly.
  • Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc): Pouring this into the roasting pan infuses the meat with subtle acidity and keeps it moist.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season and what’s on hand, and if you like experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how versatile this dish can be. Feel free to tweak it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.

  • Herb swap: Once I swapped sage for fresh tarragon—my family went crazy for the new, slightly anise-like flavor.
  • Wine alternatives: Sometimes I use a dry white vermouth or even apple cider for a different acidity profile that still keeps the bird moist.
  • Spicier version: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne in the herb paste gives it a subtle warmth that’s perfect for fall dinners.
  • For a dairy twist: Brush the turkey with melted butter infused with herbs instead of olive oil for a richer crust.

How to Make Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey and Herb Paste

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that warms up, grab your turkey breast and place it skin side up on a rack inside a roasting pan. This setup lets heat circulate around the bird for even cooking. Next, mix the garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl until it forms a fragrant paste. I discovered this trick of making a paste helps the herbs stick beautifully to both the meat and skin, extracting maximum flavor.

Step 2: Infuse the Herb Paste Beneath the Skin

Here’s the part I used to find tricky, but practice makes perfect: gently loosen the skin from the meat with your fingers, working carefully to avoid tearing it. Spread half of that lovely herb paste you made directly onto the turkey breast meat under the skin—this is where the magic happens because it infuses the meat deeply. Then, spread the rest over the skin for a gorgeous, flavorful crust that crisps up in the oven.

Step 3: Add Wine and Roast Slowly

Pour the dry white wine into the bottom of your roasting pan—it’s going to bathe the turkey in moisture and add subtle acidity. Pop the pan in the oven and roast for about 1½ to 2 hours. You’ll want to keep an eye on the skin: if it starts getting too brown before the turkey is fully cooked, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning. A thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast should read 165°F exactly when it’s done.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once your kitchen smells like heaven and the thermometer says the turkey is perfectly cooked, pull it out and tent it loosely with foil. This resting step lets the juices redistribute so your slices will be juicy, not dry. After about 15 minutes, slice and serve with those delicious pan juices spooned over the top—trust me, it’s the finishing touch that’ll get you rave reviews.

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Pro Tips for Making Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe

  • Gentle Skin Loosening: Use your fingertips and move slowly to separate skin without tearing—this lets the herb paste work its magic underneath.
  • Thermometer Love: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend to avoid overcooking; it guarantees juicy turkey every time.
  • Wine for Moisture: Pouring wine into the pan infuses flavor but also keeps the roast environment moist for tender meat.
  • Rest Before Carving: Resist slicing right away! Letting the turkey rest locks in juices so every slice stays succulent.

How to Serve Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe

A white plate with a sliced roasted turkey breast in the center, its golden-brown skin speckled with black pepper and herbs. Around the turkey are several open pomegranate halves showing bright red seeds, contrasting with deep green bay leaves that surround the plate and peek out beneath the turkey. The background is a white marbled surface with a glass of red wine at the top right and a bowl of colorful salad with walnuts and pomegranate seeds partially visible in the top left corner. Woman's hand is holding wooden chopsticks on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this turkey with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary and thin lemon slices that echo the flavors in the dish. It looks pretty and adds a hint of fresh aroma right at the table—plus, the citrus makes everything feel bright and fresh, which I love.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for pairing this recipe with honey-glazed carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, and a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. You could also roast root vegetables alongside the turkey to soak up all those wonderful pan juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I love arranging the sliced turkey breast on a platter surrounded by wedges of roasted lemon and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation. One time, I even served it alongside a homemade herb gravy in a small gravy boat—my guests couldn’t stop complimenting how elegant yet approachable it felt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I wrap the turkey slices tightly in foil and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days. It’s great for quick meals later in the week!

Freezing

I sometimes freeze sliced turkey breast for later use—just pop it into freezer-safe bags with as much air removed as possible. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it reheats nicely without drying out if you cover it while warming.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to place turkey slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water, then warm gently in the oven or microwave. This helps maintain moisture and keep the meat tender instead of drying it out.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this recipe without bone-in turkey breast?

    Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast, but keep in mind that it may cook more quickly and could dry out if not monitored closely. Using a meat thermometer is key to avoid overcooking, and you might reduce the roasting time accordingly.

  2. What type of white wine works best in this recipe?

    I recommend a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for its crisp acidity and herbal notes that complement the fresh herbs and lemon juice. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor profile.

  3. How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

    Use an instant-read meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the breast meat (avoiding the bone). The turkey is safe and perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C). Resting after cooking is crucial to keep it juicy.

  4. Can I prepare the herb paste ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can mix the herb paste a few hours before roasting and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before applying so the olive oil isn’t too stiff.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe is one of those dishes that makes me feel like a kitchen hero every time. It’s straightforward but tastes so elevated, and I love serving it because it always brings smiles and second helpings around the table. If you try this, I bet you’ll agree it’s a winner for special dinners or simply treating yourself on any given night. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!

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Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Breast with Lemon and White Wine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This simple and flavorful roasted turkey breast recipe features a bone-in turkey breast seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, then roasted to a juicy, golden perfection. The turkey is cooked slowly in the oven with white wine added to the roasting pan to enhance moisture and flavor, resulting in tender, aromatic meat perfect for a family meal or special occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 1 whole bone-in turkey breast, 6 ½ to 7 pounds

Seasoning Paste

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Roasting

  • 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for slow roasting the turkey breast evenly.
  2. Prepare Turkey: Place the whole bone-in turkey breast skin side up on a rack inside a roasting pan to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
  3. Make Herb Paste: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a flavorful herb paste.
  4. Apply Herb Paste: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast meat using your fingers, then smear half the herbed paste directly onto the meat beneath the skin. Spread the remaining paste evenly over the turkey skin for maximum flavor penetration and a delicious crust.
  5. Add Wine: Pour 1 cup of dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking and add aromatic flavor to the pan juices.
  6. Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours until the skin turns golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 °F. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil if the skin starts to over-brown before fully cooked.
  7. Rest Turkey: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
  8. Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top for added moisture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 °F for food safety.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is crucial to retain juices and improve texture.
  • If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried can be substituted but reduce the amounts slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Keep an eye on the skin color during roasting to prevent burning; tent with foil as needed.
  • Leftover turkey breast can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the turkey breast)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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