Name: Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6-8 pound bone-in, skin-on, brined turkey breast, thawed (two breasts still joined at the breast bone); 12 garlic cloves, smashed with side of knife; 2 medium onions, sliced; 1 orange, sliced; 1 handful fresh poultry blend herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder; 1/2 tablespoon paprika; 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary; 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley; 1/2 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons reserved Herb Butter; 1/3 cup flour; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (more or less as needed with drippings); Chicken bouillon to taste (optional)

There’s something truly comforting about a perfectly roasted turkey breast that stays tender and flavorful in every bite. This Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is my go-to when I want that succulent turkey without the fuss of an entire bird. The herbal butter melds into the meat, leaving it irresistibly juicy and bursting with fresh, savory notes.

The image shows six thick slices of roasted turkey arranged in two layers on a white plate with a subtle pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a golden-brown crust with a moist white interior, topped with a light brown gravy that drips slightly over the edges. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the turkey and gravy. Around the turkey on the plate are fresh green herbs, including sage leaves and a sprig of small white flowers, adding a fresh touch. 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 Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless turkey recipes over the years, but this Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe steals the show every single time. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, the herb butter creates an amazing aroma that fills your kitchen and guarantees a juicy roast.

Unbeatable Juiciness: The butter goes under the skin, locking in moisture and flavor that you actually taste in every slice.
Rich Herb Flavor: A blend of fresh and dried herbs makes the turkey fragrant without overpowering its natural taste.
Crispy Skin Perfection: Roasting at high then low heat results in crispy, golden skin that’s seriously satisfying to bite into.
Simple and Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the turkey a day ahead to deepen flavors and make your cooking day smoother.

The dish shows multiple layers of sliced cooked chicken arranged on a white plate. Each slice has a browned, slightly crispy outside and a tender, white inside. A light brown gravy sauce is drizzled over the chicken, adding shine and moisture, with tiny green herb pieces sprinkled across the top. The plate is adorned with green herb sprigs on the left and a bright orange flower on the lower right, all set against a white marbled surface. A gold fork is partly visible on the right side beside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that combine classic poultry flavors with just the right touch of herbs and spices. Each one plays a role—from tenderizing the meat to creating amazing pan juices for gravy later on. Here are a few notes to help you pick quality components and get the best result:

Flat lay of one whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with natural skin texture, a small pile of twelve whole garlic cloves with papery skins, two medium onions sliced into rings, several round orange slices showing juicy segments, a handful of fresh green poultry herbs including thyme sprigs, rosemary stems, and sage leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of dried herbs and spices (paprika, garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, pepper, and salt) in visible powder form, a small white ceramic bowl holding low sodium chicken broth with a light golden color, and three whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged symmetrically; all ingredients 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 keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor, while the skin crisps up beautifully when roasted.
Garlic cloves: Smashed garlic infuses the pan with flavor and works as a natural aromatics base.
Onions: Provide a subtle sweetness and help stabilize the turkey in the roasting pan.
Orange slices: Add a light citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the butter.
Fresh poultry herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): These traditional herb picks scent the turkey and the roasting pan juices.
Chicken broth: Moistens the pan environment and creates the base for the gravy.
Unsalted butter: The star of the herb butter, adding richness without overwhelming saltiness.
Olive oil & Dijon mustard: These help bind the herb butter and add layers of savory flavor.
Dried herbs & spices (garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, cumin, onion powder, pepper, salt): They round out the herb butter with depth and complexity.
Flour: Helps thicken the pan drippings into a luscious gravy.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about the Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is how easy it is to adjust. You can make it your own by swapping herbs, adding a bit of heat, or even turning it into a holiday highlight with a few tweaks.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the herb butter for a subtle kick. It’s unexpected but really delicious!
Herb swaps: If fresh herbs aren’t handy, dried work fine – just adjust quantities for potency. Try tarragon or marjoram if you want to experiment.
Dietary modifications: For a lighter version, use olive oil only instead of butter and increase herbs for extra flavor.
Make ahead: Marinate the turkey with the herb butter overnight in the fridge. You’ll get enhanced flavor and super crispy skin when roasting.

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

Step 1: Prep and Bring to Room Temperature

First, pull your turkey breast out of the fridge and unwrap it. Pat it completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for crispy skin later. Then let it sit on the counter for about 45 to 60 minutes to lose its chill so it cooks evenly without drying out. Meanwhile, you can prep the pan and whip up the herb butter. It’s all about multitasking!

Step 2: Prep the Roasting Pan

Layer the smashed garlic, sliced onions, orange slices, and fresh herb sprigs right in the center of your pan. Pour in the chicken broth — it keeps the turkey moist and infuses the drippings you’ll turn into gravy later. This bed of aromatics also adds amazing scent while roasting and stabilizes the bird so it doesn’t wobble.

Step 3: Make and Spread the Herb Butter

Mix all your softened butter with olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, and seasonings until smooth and even. Save two tablespoons aside for the gravy — this little trick amps the flavor.

Gently loosen the turkey’s skin by slipping the back of a spoon under it. Run your fingers carefully between skin and meat without tearing. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin, dividing equally per breast. Then rub the remaining butter on top of the skin evenly. This double-layer buttering is what locks in moisture and delivers flavor right into the meat.

Step 4: Roast It Right

Place the turkey breast skin side up on your aromatic bed in the pan. Give your oven a warm-up to 450°F. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes. This high heat jumpstart crisps the skin beautifully.

After 20 minutes, baste the turkey with pan juices (if you want) and lower the oven to 325°F. Continue roasting uncovered, basting every 20 minutes for about an hour to keep things moist, then skip basting so the skin can get extra golden and crisp.

Use a meat thermometer — this step can’t be overstated. Roast until the thickest part reads between 155°F and 160°F. My 7-pound turkey took about 2 ½ hours total. You might want to tent it with foil once it’s golden to your liking to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Rest & Make the Gravy

Transfer your turkey to a cutting board and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes. Resting is where juices redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.

Meanwhile, strain the pan drippings, removing herbs, onions, oranges, and garlic. Skim off fat using a fat separator or the freezer bag method — this really improves your gravy’s texture and flavor.

In a saucepan, melt butter and 1 tablespoon reserved herb butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 3 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in broth and drippings until thickened, adjusting consistency with more broth if needed. Season carefully — since the turkey was brined, you may want to add chicken bouillon in small increments instead of salt.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe from good to unforgettable. These little hacks save frustration and make sure your turkey comes out perfect every time.

Always Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the single most important tool for ensuring juicy turkey. I swear by my digital probe that alerts me when the perfect temp is hit — no guessing, no slicing prematurely.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Resist the urge to carve right away! Letting the turkey rest uncovered keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy.
Loosen the Skin Gently: Be patient and use your fingers or spoon gently to avoid ripping. This creates a beautiful pocket for herb butter to melt in during roasting.
Baste Wisely: I’ve found basting during the first hour helps, but if you want the crispiest skin possible, skip basting after and let the heat do its magic.

How to Serve Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to scatter fresh thyme springs and a few orange zest curls over the slices right before serving. It brightens the plate and echoes the citrusy warmth from roasting. Sometimes, for a showier meal, a sprinkle of chopped parsley gives a fresh green pop.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Roasted root vegetables or green beans almondine add a nice crunch and color contrast. For a festive spread, you can't go wrong with cranberry sauce to add a pop of tartness alongside the rich turkey.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving for a special occasion, I’ve arranged slices of the turkey around a bed of garlic mashed potatoes with little herb butter pats melting on top. It looks inviting and lets everyone load their plate easily. Or try carving slices directly on a warm wooden board decorated with fresh herbs and orange slices for a rustic, cozy feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover turkey breast in airtight containers in the fridge, and it stays juicy up to five days. To avoid drying, I like to pour a little of the leftover gravy or pan juices over the slices before sealing—it keeps that lovely moistness locked in.

Freezing

When freezing, I remove the meat from the bone, wrap it tightly in plastic, then place it in freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Frozen turkey breast keeps wonderfully for up to three months, perfect for meal prep or holiday leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer to warm slices gently in the oven with a splash of broth or water, covered in foil, at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep them moist. Alternatively, microwaving in short bursts or warming slowly in a skillet with a lid works well. Dotting the slices with a bit of butter during reheating replicates that fresh-from-the-oven richness I adore.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

For best results, always fully thaw your turkey breast before cooking. Cooking it from frozen or partially frozen can lead to uneven cooking and dry spots. A safe thawing method is to leave it in the fridge for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds or use a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes to speed up the process.

What’s the secret to really crispy turkey skin?

Starting your roast at a high temperature (450°F) for 20 minutes is key for crisping skin. Also, pat the turkey very dry and avoid basting in the last stage of roasting to allow the skin to dry out and crisp up. Letting the turkey rest uncovered after roasting also keeps the skin from getting soggy.

How do I know when the turkey is perfectly cooked?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F. Always start checking earlier to avoid overcooking. Letting it rest will raise the temperature a few more degrees due to carryover cooking.

Can I make this turkey breast recipe ahead of time?

Yes! After applying the herb butter, you can tent the turkey breast with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Remove it from the fridge at least an hour before roasting to come to room temperature. This not only deepens the flavors but also helps achieve crispier skin.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe has become my kitchen hero for any occasion where I want that comforting turkey experience without the stress of a full bird. The herb butter magic, those crispy edges, and juicy slices never fail to impress my family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am!