There’s nothing quite as comforting as a golden, flavorful turkey breast fresh from the oven. What makes this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe stand out is the incredible herb butter that seeps into every bite, keeping the meat tender and bursting with flavor. It truly turns a simple bird into something unforgettable.

A golden brown roasted turkey sits in the center of a large white rectangular dish, showing a crispy, textured skin with some dark seasoning spots. Around the turkey, there are bright orange and yellow chrysanthemum flowers, red and yellow flowers, and fresh green leafy herbs, all inviting and vibrant. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with a soft-focus white background. The warm colors of the flowers contrast beautifully with the rich, roasted turkey tones, making the whole presentation look fresh and festive. 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

From my first try, I was hooked on how effortlessly this recipe delivers moist, savory turkey breast that has a perfect crust with rich herb butter flavors. It’s the kind of dish where your guests keep reaching back for more—no dry bites here!

Brined Turkey Breast: Starting with pre-brined turkey means juicy, tender meat with zero guesswork.
Herb Butter Magic: The butter under and over the skin bastes as it roasts, locking in moisture and boosting flavor.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of citrus combine to create something spectacular.
Easy Pan Gravy: The drippings transform into a silky gravy that’s the perfect finishing touch.

The image shows a white plate with two rows of sliced cooked chicken arranged side by side, each slice showing a browned, slightly crispy outer layer and tender white inside. The chicken slices are covered with a smooth, light brown gravy that drips slightly down the sides. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and placed around the edges of the plate, adding texture and color contrast. On the right side of the plate near the edge, there is a bright orange flower. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible in the bottom left corner. A gold fork rests near the top right edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has a role in creating that rooster-perfect flavor and texture. The brined turkey breast comes pre-seasoned, while the herb butter provides depth and richness. Fresh herbs and citrus brighten the profile and keep things balanced.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a cluster of whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, two medium onions thinly sliced into rings, several bright orange slices, a small bunch of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs tied loosely together, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale golden olive oil, another small white bowl holding soft unsalted butter chunks, a simple white bowl containing smooth Dijon mustard, a delicate arrangement of ground spices including paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper carefully placed on a clean white surface, a small white bowl with pale chicken broth, and a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, 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 adds flavor and helps the turkey cook evenly; skin crisps up beautifully with the herb butter.
Garlic cloves: Smashing them releases bold, aromatic flavor that mellows during roasting.
Onions: They add natural sweetness and create a savory base in the roasting pan.
Orange slices: Citrus lifts the dish with fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Fresh poultry blend herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage are classic partners for turkey, infusing it with herbal warmth.
Low sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture in the pan and forms the base for the pan gravy.
Unsalted butter: The star of the herb butter mix, its creaminess basting the meat to juicy perfection.
Olive oil and Dijon mustard: Add a hint of tang and help herbs and spices stick beautifully.
Dried herbs and spices: Garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper give layers of complexity.
Flour: Used to thicken the pan gravy into a luscious sauce.
Chicken bouillon (optional): Boosts depth in your gravy if you like it extra savory.

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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

What I love about this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap herbs depending on the season or what’s in the garden. Don’t be afraid to customize—it’s your perfect roast!

Variation: Once, I added a splash of white wine to the pan broth before roasting, which gave the gravy a subtle tang—delicious and unique!
Diet-Friendly: For a lighter version, skip the butter on top of the skin and use olive oil instead while keeping the herb blend.
Spice it Up: Throw in some crushed red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a gentle heat kick that warms every bite.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

Start by softening the butter so it’s easy to mix. Combine it with the garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. The smell is already mouthwatering! Set this luscious blend aside—it’s what will turn your turkey into a juicy masterpiece.

Step 2: Prep Your Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up. Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat (careful not to tear it!) and smear about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin. This little trick ensures the flavors seep directly into the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Arrange the Roasting Pan

Place the smashed garlic cloves, sliced onions, orange slices, and fresh herb sprigs in your roasting pan. These aromatics add moisture and infuse the turkey with an irresistible fragrance as it roasts. Set the turkey on top and spread the remaining herb butter over the skin.

Step 4: Roast Low and Slow

Pour one cup of low sodium chicken broth into the pan—this keeps the environment humid and juicy. Roast uncovered at 325°F (160°C) for about 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I like to baste once or twice during cooking with the pan juices for that extra glossy finish.

Step 5: Rest and Make the Pan Gravy

Once out of the oven, let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before slicing—that allows juices to redistribute, keeping your slices perfectly moist. Meanwhile, move the pan drippings to the stovetop. Simmer with additional broth and whisk in flour and butter to thicken. Add chicken bouillon if you want a richer gravy. It’s simple magic from every drop of goodness left behind.

Top Tip

Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few things that really elevate this recipe and ensure success every time. These tips have saved me from a drying out turkey or a bland gravy—small tweaks, big results.

Butter Under the Skin: Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to juicy, flavorful meat. Gently ease the butter right under the skin for best absorption.
Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to hit exactly 165°F internal temperature. That keeps the meat moist without any dry edges.
Collect Pan Drippings Early: If juices brown too much and start burning, you can add a splash of broth and scrape the fond to keep the gravy tasting fresh.
Rest Before Carving: Cutting too soon can cause all those beautiful juices to leak out. Give it at least 15 minutes covered loosely with foil.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Juicy Roast Turkey Breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing this turkey with a few fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a pop of color and herbal aroma at the table. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley brightens up the gravy and adds a fresh, green touch that ties the whole plate together.

Side Dishes

This roast pairs wonderfully with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, classic green bean casserole, and a rich cornbread stuffing. My family’s favorite combo! Don’t forget a few roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts to round out the feast with vibrant color and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve arranged sliced turkey breast over a large wooden board interspersed with orange quarters and fresh herbs. It looks festive and feels warm and inviting. You can also carve the breast tableside for a little extra wow-factor that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I let the leftover turkey cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. I keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to eat, slicing the turkey thin helps it reheat evenly without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen extra slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This method protects the meat from freezer burn and keeps it fresh for up to three months. When thawed, it still tastes nearly as good as fresh!

Reheating

To keep turkey moist, I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, covering it to trap steam. This brings the juiciness back better than microwaving alone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe without brining the turkey?

While this recipe shines with pre-brined turkey breast for guaranteed juiciness, you can absolutely skip brining by ensuring the herb butter is generously applied under and over the skin to keep the meat moist during roasting. Just be mindful of cooking time to avoid drying out.

Is it necessary to baste the turkey during roasting?

Basting is optional but highly recommended. It helps redistribute the herb butter and juices, resulting in a beautiful, moist bird with a crispy, golden skin. If you’re short on time, the herb butter beneath the skin will still do most of the work.

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone. When it hits 165°F (74°C), your turkey is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.

Can I prepare this turkey breast recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the herb butter and even spread it under the skin a day ahead, then keep the turkey covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before roasting for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has become my go-to for holiday dinners and special gatherings when I want a dish that’s impressive but totally manageable. The way the herb butter seeps into the meat, keeping every slice juicy and flavorful, never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!