Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a juicy, flavorful roast, and this Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe hits that note every single time. The herb butter seeps right under the skin, giving you beautifully moist meat with a golden, crispy finish that just makes your kitchen smell like a dream come true.

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Jump to:

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

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe plays a key role—from the quality of the turkey breast to the freshness of your herbs. Together, they make something truly special, so choosing the right things can make all the difference.

• Bone-in skin-on turkey breast: The bone helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy, while the skin crisps up beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and helps your herbs pop.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a lovely savory punch that blends perfectly with the herbs.
• Fresh thyme, rosemary, sage (or parsley): These fresh herbs bring incredible fragrance and complex flavor that dried versions just can’t match.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, it enhances every other flavor.
• Yellow onion, carrot, celery: These veggies create a flavorful bed that infuses the meat from below and give you drippings full of savory goodness for the gravy.
• Purpose flour and chicken broth: Important for making a smooth, rich gravy from your turkey drippings.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this recipe depending on the season or mood—sometimes swapping parsley for sage if I want a milder herb profile. You should definitely feel free to personalize this and make it your own.

• Herb Variations: On one occasion, I added a hint of lemon zest to the butter mix for a bright twist that my family loved.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne works wonders layered under the skin with the butter.
• Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding butter, I’ve had success with olive oil infused with herbs—just keep an eye on the roasting time.
• Adjust Size: If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, half a breast cooks faster but still gets that delicious herb butter magic.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and moving your rack just one level below the center—this ensures gentle, even heat perfect for cooking the turkey breast through without drying out. While the oven warms, gently loosen the skin using a large spoon handle or your fingers, being careful to keep the edges attached. This is key to getting that buttery herb flavor right under the skin where it counts!

Step 2: Whip Up That Herb Butter

In a bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage or parsley. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper here—it seasons your butter so every bite is bursting with herbal goodness. When your mixture’s ready, dab the turkey dry with paper towels. Then, spread about half the butter under the loosened skin, smoothing it out gently. Use the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin for maximum flavor and crispiness.

Step 3: Get Roasting

Scatter the onion, carrot, and celery chunks evenly in your roasting pan to form a cozy veggie bed, and if you have a rack, set it on top. Place the turkey breast skin side up, season again with salt and pepper, then pop it in the oven. Plan on about 2 to 2¼ hours roasting till a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F. Remember, every oven’s a bit different—use that thermometer over guesswork to avoid dry meat.

Step 4: Rest and Carve

Once out of the oven, let your turkey rest loosely covered with foil for at least 10 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute for extra moist slices—skip it, and you’ll lose all those flavorful juices on your cutting board.

Step 5: Make That Gravy

Pour the drippings from the pan through a fat separator or measuring cup, then scoop out about ⅓ cup of the fat. Heat that in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and any remaining drippings, stirring constantly until thick and luscious. If it gets too thick, thin with a splash more broth. Taste, season, and it’s ready!

How to Serve Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep things simple with fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and fresh aroma on the platter. A few thin lemon slices on the side add a bright note that pairs beautifully with the rich herb butter.

Side Dishes

This roast shines alongside classic mashed potatoes and green beans almondine. On special occasions, I go for roasted Brussels sprouts and a sweet potato casserole—comfort food vibes at their finest.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive table, carve the turkey breast and fan it out on a large wooden board with your sides arranged artfully. I’ve even served it on a bed of wild rice with dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a beautiful fall-inspired centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually last 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.

Freezing

Leftover roasted turkey breast freezes wonderfully. I slice it first, then freeze portions wrapped in parchment and sealed in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To keep the meat juicy, I reheat slices covered with foil in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dry it out, so the oven is my go-to.

Final Thoughts

This Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has become my go-to for a fuss-free but absolutely delicious main dish. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll look forward to making again and again because it never fails to deliver that juicy, herb-infused flavor and crispy skin that everyone raves about. Trust me, once you try this, turkey breast roasting will never be the same for you!

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