There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-roasted bird, and this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe truly hits that note every single time. The skin crisps up golden, the meat stays tender and moist, and the herb butter? It’s like a flavor hug that just won’t quit. Let me walk you through exactly how to get these mouthwatering results at home.

A whole roasted golden-brown chicken with a crispy, seasoned skin sits on a white rectangular plate. Around the chicken, there are bright orange and yellow flowers, along with green leafy herbs and small white blossoms, creating a colorful and fresh decoration. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a faint red-striped cloth slightly visible on the right side. The chicken is the center and highest layer of the image with the flowers and herbs forming a vivid bottom layer framing it. 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 quickly became one of my favorites because it delivers all the flavor and juiciness of a full roasted turkey without the daunting prep or cooking time. Plus, that fragrant herb butter really brings everything together, making every bite irresistible.

Effortless Juiciness: The herb butter under and over the skin basts the turkey as it roasts for juicy, tender slices.
Time-Saver: Cooking a turkey breast instead of the whole bird cuts your time in half but keeps all the festive feel.
Flavor-Packed: The fresh herbs, garlic, and orange slices create an aroma and taste that's beyond comforting.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe steals the show every time.

The image shows a white plate with several layers of sliced cooked chicken arranged in a slightly overlapping way, each slice having a golden brown edge and tender white inside. Light brown gravy is poured over the chicken, creating a smooth and shiny texture on top. Green herb pieces are sprinkled over the gravy and chicken. The plate is garnished with green leafy herbs and one bright orange flower on the side. The background is a white marbled surface, and a golden fork is placed on the right edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe lies not just in the technique but in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one adds its own layer of flavor and moisture, working together to keep the turkey delectable.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small pile of smashed garlic cloves, two medium onions sliced into rings, a few bright orange slices, a handful of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs mixed together, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden softened unsalted butter, a small white bowl of clear low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl holding smooth pale Dijon mustard, small piles of dried garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper each arranged neatly in separate spaces, and a small white bowl with pale beige flour, 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: This keeps the meat naturally juicy and the skin crisps beautifully when roasted.
Garlic cloves: Smashing them releases intense flavor that infuses the turkey during roasting.
Medium onions: They add sweetness and moisture to the roasting pan, enhancing the pan drippings for a savory gravy.
Orange slices: A fresh citrus twist that brightens the rich herb butter flavors and keeps things balanced.
Fresh poultry blend herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): These classic herbs complement turkey perfectly, imparting an earthy aroma and depth.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture to keep the turkey juicy and forms the base for a luscious gravy.
Unsalted butter: Softened and blended with herbs and spices, it seeps under the skin to baste the meat continuously.
Olive oil and Dijon mustard: These help create a flavorful, golden crust that’s slightly tangy and complex.
Assorted spices (garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, cumin, pepper, salt): A well-rounded spice blend that enhances every bite without overpowering the natural turkey flavor.
Flour: For thickening the homemade pan gravy to just the right silky consistency.
Chicken bouillon (optional): Great for boosting flavor in the gravy if you want 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

While I love the classic herb butter combination, I encourage you to experiment! You might add a little heat or swap herbs depending on what you have on hand—this recipe is super forgiving and easy to personalize.

Variation: One time, I added a splash of apple cider vinegar to the broth for a subtle tang that was unexpectedly lovely. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey and Herb Butter

Start by patting your thawed turkey breast dry—this helps the skin crisp up. In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, paprika, herbs, mustard, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the skin from the meat (don’t tear it!) and spread half of the herb butter underneath, then rub the remaining butter on top. This double coating is what keeps your roast juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Arrange Aromatics and Roast

Place smashed garlic, sliced onions, orange slices, and fresh poultry herbs in the bottom of your roasting pan. These infuse the turkey with moisture and aroma as it cooks. Set the turkey on top, drizzle olive oil over the skin, and pour chicken broth around the edges. Roast uncovered at 325°F (163°C) for about 2 ½ hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) inside the thickest part.

Step 3: Make the Pan Gravy

When the turkey is resting, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle flour over, whisking to make a roux. Slowly add chicken broth, whisking until gravy thickens. Season with salt or chicken bouillon if you need a flavor boost. This gravy is the perfect finishing touch.

Top Tip

From the many times I’ve roasted turkey breast, I’ve learned that resting your meat is a game changer. It lets the juices redistribute, so you get every bite tender and moist. Also, loosening the skin and getting that herb butter underneath? Don’t skip it—it’s the secret to juicy goodness!

Under-the-Skin Butter: It bastes the meat internally as it roasts and keeps it from drying out.
Pat Dry Before Roasting: Helps the skin crisp up nicely instead of steaming in the oven.
Use a Thermometer: I rely on an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. 165°F is your target.
Let It Rest: Cover loosely with foil for 15-20 minutes before carving to lock in juices.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

roast turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and a couple of orange slices right on the platter. It adds that fresh, welcoming look and aroma that guests appreciate—and it ties back to the flavors in the roast perfectly.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides alongside this juicy turkey breast are garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a robust cornbread stuffing. These classics balance the rich flavors and make it a memorable meal for any celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the turkey breast thinly and arrange it in a fan shape on a large white platter, drizzle some pan gravy over the top, and surround it with colorful roasted vegetables. It looks festive and inviting and makes carving at the table a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays moist for 3-4 days if covered well. I like to also save the pan gravy separately—adding it back during reheating keeps everything deliciously juicy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen sliced leftover turkey wrapped tightly in foil and stored in freezer bags. It reheats surprisingly well when thawed slowly in the fridge and then warmed gently in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat turkey slices covered with foil in a 300°F oven to keep them from drying out. Adding a little reserved gravy or broth before covering locks in moisture so the turkey tastes almost freshly roasted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without brining the turkey breast?

Brining helps keep the turkey moist, but since this recipe uses herb butter under the skin, it still turns out juicy even if you skip brining. Just be sure to adjust salt levels accordingly for flavor.

How do I know when my turkey breast is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; you're aiming for 165°F (74°C). This ensures it's cooked safely but still juicy.

Can I use turkey breast without the bone in this recipe?

Bone-in breasts cook more evenly and stay moister, but boneless turkey breast can work too. Just reduce cooking time and watch the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking.

What sides complement this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe the best?

Classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cornbread stuffing work beautifully. Feel free to add roasted veggies or cranberry sauce for more variety.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe has become my go-to for family dinners and holidays alike because it’s both approachable and truly impressive. It delivers that classic roasted turkey flavor with less fuss and a guaranteed juicy result. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and you’ll see it’s easier than you think to create a centerpiece your whole crew will adore.