Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Soy Marinade

Prep: 10 minCook: 1 hr 20 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Soy Marinade

This bone-in turkey breast is marinated in a savory blend of garlic, herbs, and soy sauce, then slow-roasted to perfection. The marinade penetrates deep into the meat, creating incredibly flavorful and juicy results. Perfect for smaller holiday gatherings, special dinners, or when you want turkey without the commitment of a whole bird. The combination of Italian seasoning and garlic creates an aromatic herb crust, while the soy sauce adds umami depth that sets this version apart from traditional herb-roasted turkey.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast, 4.5 to 5.5-pound
  • ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil
    olive oil1:1

    Use what you have on hand

    Full guide →
  • cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
    liquid aminos1:1gluten-freegluten-freesoy-free

    Gluten-free alternative with similar umami flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
    dried herbs blend1:1

    Use oregano, basil, thyme mix

    Full guide →
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove turkey breast from packaging and pat dry with paper towels

  2. 2

    Place turkey breast in a large zip lock bag

  3. 3

    Combine oil, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic in a bowl and whisk well

  4. 4

    Pour marinade into bag with turkey, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight

  5. 5

    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and move rack to second shelf from bottom

  6. 6

    Pour 1 cup of liquid into bottom of roasting pan and place wire rack on top

  7. 7

    Remove turkey from bag and place on roasting rack

  8. 8

    Bake for 15 to 25 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F

  9. 9

    Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, then cover with foil for remainder of cooking time

  10. 10

    Check internal temperature in thickest part of breast with instant-read thermometer

  11. 11

    Allow turkey to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use a blender like NutriBullet to thoroughly combine marinade ingredients for better emulsification and flavor distribution.

Tip 2

Transfer turkey straight from refrigerator to oven - no need to bring to room temperature first, just add extra cooking time.

Tip 3

Pour any leftover marinade into the roasting pan bottom for extra flavor and to prevent drippings from burning.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftover turkey breast for up to 4 days. Slice and store in airtight containers for easy meal prep.

Make Ahead

Marinate turkey up to 24 hours in advance. Can be prepped and refrigerated day before roasting.

Serve With

Slice against the grain and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the resting time to avoid dry, tough meat

Watch

Cover with foil after 60 minutes to prevent over-browning

Watch

Use instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

soy sauce
liquid aminos1:1gluten-freegluten-freesoy-free

Gluten-free alternative with similar umami flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

avocado oil
olive oil1:1

Use what you have on hand

Full guide →
Italian seasoning
dried herbs blend1:1

Use oregano, basil, thyme mix

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 20 minutes per pound and monitor temperature closely as boneless cooks faster.

What if I don't have a roasting rack?

Place turkey directly in pan with vegetables like celery and onions underneath to elevate it.

How long will leftovers keep?

Properly stored leftover turkey will keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.