Name: Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 lb. bone-in skin-on turkey breast, fresh or frozen and fully thawed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves); 1 Tbsp minced fresh thyme; 1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary; 1 Tbsp minced fresh sage or parsley; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 celery ribs, cut into chunks; 1/3 cup purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, preferably homemade, plus more to thin as desired

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 46 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping turkey dish that’s bursting with flavor and stays moist through every bite, you’re going to want to try my Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe. This recipe combines simple, fresh herbs and rich butter to create an incredibly tender, juicy roast turkey breast that’s perfect for any holiday or Sunday dinner. Believe me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your cooking rotation forever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Flavor-Packed: The herb butter seeps under the skin, keeping the breast moist and infusing it with delicious herbal notes.
Easy to Make: No complicated brining or marinating needed—just fresh ingredients and simple steps.
Perfect for Smaller Gatherings: A turkey breast is ideal if you don’t need a whole bird but want that iconic roast turkey flavor.
Homemade Gravy Included: Use the pan drippings to whip up a rich, silky gravy that brings the whole meal together beautifully.

Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter, turkey breast with herb butter, moist turkey breast recipe, holiday turkey dinner, easy turkey breast roast - A whole roasted chicken with a golden brown, crispy skin covered in herbs sits in the center of a round white plate. Below the chicken is a colorful mix of roasted vegetables, including green Brussels sprouts, bright orange sweet potatoes, and chunks of red bell pepper, all showing a slight shine and roasted texture. Fresh green parsley sprigs are placed at the back right side of the chicken adding a touch of freshness. In the background, a white gravy boat with light brown gravy is slightly blurred. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth and a silver knife partially visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe come together to enhance the natural turkey flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The fresh herbs mixed into the butter add tons of aromatic goodness, and the veggies in the roasting pan not only help keep the bird elevated but also add depth to your gravy.

Bone-in skin-on turkey breast: Keeping the bone and skin intact locks in moisture, which is the secret to juicy turkey.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends easily with herbs and is key for basting under the skin.
Garlic: Adds savory depth and enhances the herb flavors.
Fresh thyme, rosemary, sage or parsley: Fresh herbs offer brightness and fragrance that dried herbs can’t match.
Yellow onion, carrot, celery: These aromatics create a natural roasting base and flavor-packed drippings for gravy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Essential for thinning and flavoring the homemade gravy.
Flour: Thickens the gravy, creating that perfect, silky texture to coat your turkey slices.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe to match different seasons or moods—sometimes I swap herbs or add a little citrus zest to the butter for brightness. You can definitely make it your own without losing any of that juicy charm.

Variation: One fall, I added a tablespoon of orange zest to the herb butter, and it took the flavor to another level—perfect for Thanksgiving!
Dietary option: Try using olive oil instead of butter if you want a dairy-free version, but be generous to keep the turkey moist.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne into the butter for a subtle smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the herbs.

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

Step 1: Prepping for Juiciness

First, preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack one level below center—it ensures even cooking. Now comes the key part: gently loosen the turkey skin from the breast using the back of a large spoon or wooden spoon handle. Be delicate here—leave the edges intact so the butter doesn’t just slip out when roasting.

Step 2: Crafting the Herb Butter Magic

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (or parsley if you prefer). Don’t forget to season the mixture lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper—this herb butter is going to be your flavor bomb under the skin. Trust me, it’s worth every minute.

Step 3: Butter It Up

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels—moisture on the surface can prevent that crisp skin we love so much. Use about half the butter mixture to carefully rub under the skin, spreading it evenly over the meat. Then smear the remaining half all over the skin itself. Season everything generously with salt and pepper; this is where the savory notes build.

Step 4: Get Your Veggies in Place

Add the onion chunks, carrot pieces, and celery ribs to a medium roasting pan—they make a flavorful bed and lift the turkey so heat circulates nicely. If you’ve got a roasting rack, place it on top; if not, the turkey can rest directly on the veggies.

Step 5: Time to Roast

Put the turkey skin-side up on the rack and slide it into the oven. Roast until the thickest part hits 165°F—usually about 2 to 2 ¼ hours for a 6-pound breast. Resist the urge to open the oven door too often; use a reliable instant-read thermometer to check near the end to avoid drying out your bird.

Step 6: Rest and Prepare the Gravy

Once done, transfer the turkey to a carving board and tent snugly with foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes—that’s crucial for juicy slices. Meanwhile, scoop out the veggies from the pan (they’ve done their job!) and carefully pour the drippings (fat and all) into a fat separator or liquid measuring cup.

Step 7: Whip Up the Pan Gravy

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 1/3 cup of the fat drippings. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to cook off the raw taste. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth plus any leftover pan juices until the gravy thickens and is nice and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and thin with extra broth if needed. Pour it over your sliced turkey for the ultimate finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Butter under the skin: This step is a game changer for moist meat—don’t skip it, but be gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
Use a thermometer: Cooking to exactly 165°F prevents dryness—you’ll never overcook your turkey this way.
Rest before carving: This lets the juices redistribute, so your turkey slices stay juicy, not dry.
Make gravy from drippings: Skipping the store-bought gravy is worth it—your homemade pan gravy will elevate the entire meal.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish my roast turkey with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a few sprigs of thyme—it adds a lovely herbal note and a pop of color. If it’s a holiday meal, a few thin lemon slices around the platter also brighten the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This juicy turkey breast pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, and cranberry sauce. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside garlic green beans and a simple wild rice pilaf for a more rustic vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to carve the turkey breast into thick slices and fan them out on a large wooden board with some roasted garlic cloves and colorful roasted veggies scattered around. It makes for an elegant yet approachable centerpiece that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend letting the leftover turkey cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps great for 3-4 days—perfect for quick sandwiches or reheated dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the turkey, slice it first and place the slices in freezer bags with parchment between them to prevent sticking. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months and thaws quickly in the fridge.

Reheating

To keep the turkey moist when reheating, I usually cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through—about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth or even a little butter on top before covering helps keep those juices locked in.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your frozen turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking—thawing in the refrigerator overnight is best. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking and dry meat, which we want to avoid.
Is it necessary to keep the skin on the turkey breast?

Absolutely. The skin serves as a barrier that helps keep the turkey moist and tender while roasting. Buttering under the skin lets those flavors penetrate the meat directly.
How do I know when the turkey breast is done?

The most reliable way is using an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F. Avoid guessing by time alone since ovens and breast sizes vary.
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the herb butter a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bringing it back to room temperature before rubbing under the skin helps with easy spreading.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it captures everything I want in roast turkey—moist meat, simple prep, and that fresh herb flavor that feels both comforting and a little special. If you want a stress-free way to impress at your next dinner without fussing over an entire bird, try this recipe. I’m betting you’ll come back to it again and again, just like I do!