There’s something truly comforting about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked turkey that's bursting with flavor and incredibly tender. This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe is my secret weapon for holiday dinners or any special occasion when you want juicy, aromatic turkey without fuss.

The image shows a white plate with five thick slices of cooked chicken, arranged in a row from front to back. Each chicken slice is light in color with a golden brown edge, showing a grilled texture. A light brown sauce is drizzled over the chicken slices, with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The plate is garnished with fresh green herbs on the left and bottom edges, including sage leaves and small flowers. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a gold fork is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has been my go-to whenever I want juicy turkey breast without the stress or dryness that can come with roasting poultry. The herb butter infuses the meat with layers of delicious flavor, and the roasting technique makes the skin irresistibly crispy.

Perfect Moisture: The herb butter under the skin keeps the turkey breast wonderfully juicy and tender.
Flavor-Packed: Fresh herbs and spices marry beautifully with the garlic and orange to create a savory, aromatic punch.
Simple Yet Elegant: It’s an easy recipe with pantry staples that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Make-Ahead: You can prep it a day ahead, which is such a time saver for big meals.

The dish shows a white plate on a white marbled surface, with two parts of sliced roasted chicken placed side by side. Each part has about six layers of thick, pale cooked chicken slices with a golden brown seared edge. A creamy light brown gravy is poured over the top, drizzling down the layers, and small green parsley bits are sprinkled on the chicken and sauce. Around the edges of the plate are green herb sprigs and a bright orange flower adding color and decoration. A golden fork is placed on the right side of the plate beside the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe really shines in the ingredients working in harmony — fresh aromatics, herby butter richness, and a slow roast to develop flavor and crisp skin. Here's what you'll need and why each component is important.

Flat lay of a large raw bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with two breasts still joined at the breast bone, a small pile of twelve whole uncracked garlic cloves, two fresh medium onions thinly sliced, a few bright orange slices from one orange, a handful of fresh green poultry herbs including thyme, rosemary, and sage, small white ceramic bowls containing softened unsalted butter with a pale yellow creamy texture, golden olive oil, and bright yellow Dijon mustard, and a small white bowl with a sprinkling of dried herbs and spices including garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, and black pepper, plus an additional small white bowl with clear low sodium chicken broth, all carefully arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in, Skin-on Turkey Breast: The bone retains moisture and flavor, while the skin crisps up beautifully to keep the meat juicy.
Garlic: Smashed to release aroma and sweetness, it’s a classic partner with turkey for depth of flavor.
Onions: Provide a natural sweetness and help elevate the pan drippings for gravy.
Orange: Adds a bright citrus note that complements savory herbs and cuts through the richness.
Fresh Poultry Herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): Essential for the fresh, earthy flavors that make the dish special.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the roasting environment moist and forms the base for the flavorful gravy.
Unsalted Butter & Olive Oil: The foundation of the herb butter, providing richness without overpowering the spices.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that balances the creaminess of the butter.
Spices (garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, cumin, pepper): Each adds its own layer of flavor complexity that shines through after roasting.
Flour: Thickens the gravy for that silky, luscious finish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe invites customization. Whether you want to play with herbs, add a spice twist, or adjust the roasting time, it’s flexible and forgiving. You’ll find your own spin in no time.

Variation: For a bit of smoky depth, I occasionally swap smoked paprika for the regular paprika - it adds a cozy warmth without dominating the flavors.
Dietary tweak: Swap the butter for a quality olive oil blend if you're looking for a dairy-free version—though the butter adds that silky richness I personally adore.
Herb swap: Don’t have rosemary? Thyme and sage alone still make a delicious combo.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Bring It to Room Temperature & Prep the Pan

Start by removing your turkey breast from the fridge. Pat it dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up later. Let it rest at room temperature for about 45 to 60 minutes. While it’s warming up, layer your roasting pan with smashed garlic cloves, sliced onions, orange slices, and a handful of fresh herbs. Pour in the chicken broth to create a fragrant steam bath that keeps your turkey moist during roasting.

Step 2: Whip Up the Herb Butter

Mix softened butter with olive oil, Dijon, and all your herbs and spices in a bowl until generous and spreadable. Don’t forget to set aside a small portion of this butter for your gravy later—it’ll add that luxurious flavor punch that ties everything together.

Step 3: Butter Beneath the Skin

This is the secret to juicy turkey! Gently slide the back of a spoon under the skin to loosen it without tearing, then carefully spread about two-thirds of the herb butter underneath. The remaining butter goes on top of the skin to encourage that golden crisp. This step takes a bit of patience but trust me—it makes a world of difference.

Step 4: Roast at High Heat, Then Low

Pop your turkey breast skin-side up into the prepared pan with all those aromatics. Roast at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes to jump-start browning. Then lower the oven to 325°F (163°C) and keep roasting, basting every 20 minutes for the first hour if you like. I sometimes skip basting after that so the skin crisps perfectly. Keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer; the turkey is done between 155-160°F internal temperature. My 7-pound bird took about 2.5 hours.

Step 5: Rest and Make Gravy

When the turkey hits that perfect temp, remove it and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes so the skin stays crispy. Meanwhile, skim the pan drippings of fat and whisk them into a roux with the reserved herb butter, extra broth, and flour until silky smooth. The gravy always tastes heavenly—rich with that herby, garlicky goodness.

Top Tip

From years of roasting turkey breast, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this recipe shine and ensure juicy, flavorful results each time.

Don’t Rush Thawing: Always fully thaw your turkey breast before roasting. It ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots. I plan at least 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds in the fridge, or do the cold water thaw method if needed.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This is non-negotiable in my kitchen. I use a digital probe thermometer I set and forget—it’s life-changing for perfect temperature!
Loosen the Skin Gently: Using the spoon’s back and your fingers carefully is key. Tearing the skin means butter leaks out and the magic is lost.
Check Early, Check Often: Oven temps vary, turkey sizes vary—start checking the internal temp early to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

roast turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish my turkey with some fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary to echo the flavors inside. Thin orange slices added before serving bring a little brightness and make it feel festive and inviting at the table.

Side Dishes

My top picks to serve alongside this juicy turkey include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a crisp spring green salad with a light vinaigrette. Stuffing seasoned with fresh sage also pairs beautifully and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the carved turkey slices on a large wooden board surrounded by citrus slices, herb sprigs, and roasted garlic cloves. It’s an effortless, rustic look that invites guests to dive right in and makes you look like you nailed it without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I keep leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Storing carved slices separately helps retain moisture and makes reheating a breeze.

Freezing

When freezing, I remove the meat from the bone, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in freezer bags. Pushing out air helps avoid freezer burn. It freezes well for up to three months without losing that fresh-roasted flavor.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat turkey is low and slow in the oven at 350°F with a splash of broth and a dot of butter on slices, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes. This keeps it moist and juicy, much better than the microwave, though that works for a quick fix in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for bone-in turkey breast to maximize flavor and juiciness, you can use boneless. Just watch the cooking time carefully—it will be shorter, and you still want to use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the meat.

What’s the best way to keep the turkey skin crispy?

Make sure the turkey skin is completely dry before applying the herb butter. Roasting at a high initial temperature helps, and avoid covering the turkey during resting to prevent sogginess. Also, skipping basting after the first hour encourages crisp skin.

Can I prepare this turkey the day before to save time?

Absolutely! After applying the herb butter and placing the turkey in the roasting pan, cover it loosely with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Remove it 60 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature.

How do I make sure the gravy isn't too thick or thin?

Start by adding broth gradually as you whisk the drippings mixture to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more broth by a splash until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Final Thoughts

Sharing the Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has been such a joy because it really takes the stress out of cooking a show-stopping main dish. I hope you give this a try and enjoy that perfect combo of tender, juicy meat with crispy, flavorful skin. Trust me, once you master this, turkey nights will become your new favorite tradition!