There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked turkey breast that stays tender and full of flavor, right? That’s why I’m excited to share this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe with you — it’s my go-to for that golden, crispy skin and juicy meat inside every single time.

A white plate holds two rows of thick slices of golden-brown roasted chicken with visible herbs and seasoning on top, showing juicy, light pink interior. The chicken is surrounded by green parsley leaves and bright red pomegranate seeds scattered on the edges. Around the chicken are colorful fruit pieces: orange mandarins, deep red pomegranate halves, and yellow lemon wedges, adding vibrant colors and freshness to the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible in the background. A silver knife with a white handle lies near the plate. 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 is one of those kitchen gems that makes even casual dinners feel special. The herby butter seeps right under the skin, locking in moisture and aroma. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to prepare, no mystifying steps.

Incredible Moisture: The herb butter infuses the turkey breast with flavor and keeps it juicy to the last slice.
Simple Ingredient Prep: Just fresh herbs, garlic, and butter—no complicated sauces or marinades here.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday dinners, family meals, or when guests unexpectedly drop in.
Delicious Pan Gravy: You get a flavorful gravy made from the roasting drippings—no need for boxed sauces.

A whole roasted chicken with a golden-brown and herb-crusted skin sits on a white plate. The chicken is surrounded by a colorful mix of roasted vegetables including bright green Brussels sprouts, orange sweet potatoes, red apple pieces, and yellow potatoes. Fresh green parsley leaves add a touch of color and freshness around the chicken. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a gray striped cloth and a silver knife visible beside it. In the background, there is a white gravy boat filled with light brown gravy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here brings something special to the table, literally. The fresh herbs brighten the rich butter, while roasting the veggies underneath the turkey adds a savory base for the gravy that’s full of depth.

Flat lay of a fresh bone-in skin-on turkey breast, a small mound of softened unsalted butter, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage arranged side by side, coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper in small white ceramic bowls, a large yellow onion quartered into chunks, a large peeled carrot cut into thick chunks, two green celery ribs sliced into chunks, a small white bowl of plain purpose flour, and a small white bowl of clear low-sodium chicken broth, all placed 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 and skin keep the meat extra juicy and add flavor as it roasts.
Unsalted Butter:Allows you to control seasoning while creating a rich, tender crust under the skin.
Garlic:Fresh and pungent, adding warmth to the herb butter mix.
Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, Sage (or Parsley):These aromatic herbs complement turkey beautifully and make every bite fragrant.
Yellow Onion, Carrot, Celery:Classic roasting vegetables that add natural sweetness and depth to the pan drippings.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:Perfect for making the gravy without overwhelming saltiness.
Flour:Used to thicken the gravy into a luscious sauce.

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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 flexible this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe is — you can easily tweak the herbs or sides to suit your mood or what's in season. Making it your own helps keep this classic exciting.

Variation: Try substituting sage for parsley when you want a milder herb flavor; it changes the vibe subtly but beautifully. One fall, I used extra rosemary and it tasted like a warm hug on a cool night.
Dietary Modification: Use olive oil instead of butter if you want a dairy-free option — the flavor won’t be as rich, but it still roasts nicely.
Spice it Up:Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne into the butter for a little kick that pairs so well with savory turkey.

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

Step 1: Prep the Herb Butter and Loosen the Skin

Start by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage in a bowl. The key here is using softened butter so it spreads easily under the skin. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast with the handle of a wooden spoon—try to keep the edges intact so the butter doesn't slip out while roasting.

Step 2: Butter Up and Season

Rub half of the herb butter beneath the loosened skin, spreading it evenly over the meat. Then spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for that perfect savory punch.

Step 3: Roasting Bed and Rack Setup

In your roasting pan, toss the onion chunks, carrot, and celery to create a bed for the turkey. This not only lifts the bird for even cooking but also infuses the drippings with flavor for a killer gravy. If you have a roasting rack, place it over the veggies and set the turkey on top, skin side up.

Step 4: Roast to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 163°C). Roast the turkey breast for roughly 2 to 2¼ hours until the internal temperature at the thickest part hits 165°F. I use an instant-read thermometer to be precise—it's the best way to ensure juiciness without overcooking.

Step 5: Rest Before Carving

Once out of the oven, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, making every slice tender rather than dry.

Step 6: Make the Easy Pan Gravy

Discard the veggies, then pour the roasting drippings into a fat separator or measuring cup. Measure out ⅓ cup of fat and heat it over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly add chicken broth along with any remaining drippings, whisking constantly until thickened. Season as needed, and thin with more broth if you like it lighter.

Top Tip

I’ve made turkey many ways, and what consistently makes or breaks this recipe is how you handle the skin and resting time. Here are some nuggets from my kitchen to get that juicy, flavorful bird every time.

Skin Separation: Take your time gently sliding the butter under the skin—don’t rush or poke holes, or the butter will leak out during roasting.
Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer rather than guessing cooking times; ovens and turkey sizes vary a lot.
Resting Matters: Don’t skip the rest period—it’s the secret to keeping every slice tender and juicy.
Loose Foil Tent: If the skin starts browning too fast, pop on a loose foil tent to protect it without sacrificing crispiness.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

roast turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my turkey slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little more minced thyme right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness that balances the rich, buttery meat.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings are classic roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery dinner rolls. During the holidays, I throw in some cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart counterpoint that everyone asks for.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to carve the turkey onto a large serving platter lined with colorful roasted veggies and citrus wedges. It turns dinner into a feast that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days and tastes fantastic reheated gently with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the turkey and freeze it in freezer-safe bags with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It holds great for up to 3 months and makes weekday meals a breeze.

Reheating

My go-to is reheating turkey gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a bit of broth to avoid drying out. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

You can, but it must be completely thawed in the refrigerator for 36 to 48 hours before cooking. Never cook turkey breast from frozen, as it will cook unevenly and can result in dryness.

How do I prevent the turkey skin from burning?

If you notice the skin getting too dark near the end of cooking, loosely tent it with a piece of aluminum foil. This protects the skin from direct heat while still allowing the turkey to finish cooking through.

Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the herb butter a day ahead and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld together, making the butter even more fragrant.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can work in a pinch but use about a third of the amount fresh herbs called for, as dried herbs are more concentrated. If possible, try to avoid skipping herbs altogether—they’re key to the fresh flavor of this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to serve turkey any time of year. It’s straightforward but delivers that wow factor your family or guests will appreciate. Give it a try and trust me—you’ll want this recipe in your rotation for years to come!