There’s something truly comforting about a perfectly cooked turkey breast that stays tender and flavorful. This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe delivers just that—rich herb butter seeps under the skin, keeping the meat moist and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s my go-to when I want a fuss-free yet impressive roast that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

The image shows a white round plate with sliced roasted chicken arranged in two neat rows, each piece golden brown with visible herbs and a juicy texture. Around the chicken, there are bright green parsley leaves sprinkled with red pomegranate seeds. Wedges of orange and yellow citrus fruits, including tangerine and lemon, are placed evenly around the edge of the plate. A knife with a silver blade and decorative handle is positioned at the bottom left corner on a white marbled surface. The background includes a blurred white bowl and grey-striped cloth. 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

I honestly can’t say enough about how this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe takes turkey from dry and boring to incredibly moist and flavorful. When I made it the first time for my family, even the turkey skeptics asked for seconds. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to pull off.

Butter Under the Skin: Slipping herb butter beneath the skin keeps the breast super moist and infuses it with fresh, savory flavor.
Simple Aromatics: The onion, carrot, and celery bed not only elevates the aroma but also makes a natural base for a rich homemade gravy.
Minimal Fuss: No brining or complicated steps—just straightforward roasting that anyone can confidently master.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, this turkey breast recipe shines every time.

A golden-brown roasted chicken with a crispy skin seasoned with green herbs sits at the center of a white plate. Around the chicken, there is a colorful mix of roasted vegetables, including green Brussels sprouts, orange sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers, creating a bright border. Fresh green parsley leaves are placed behind the chicken for garnish. In the background, a white gravy boat is partially visible. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a gray-striped cloth napkin and a metal knife beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances fresh herbs with creamy butter and the natural sweetness of aromatic vegetables, creating layers of flavor with simple ingredients you likely already have. Choosing good-quality turkey breast and fresh herbs really makes the difference.

Flat lay of a large bone-in skin-on turkey breast with fresh skin intact, a small white bowl of softened unsalted butter, three peeled fresh garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, a whole large yellow onion cut into chunky pieces, a large peeled carrot cut into chunks, two celery ribs cut into chunks, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, and a simple white bowl with clear low-sodium chicken broth, all arranged symmetrically with balanced proportions 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 moisture while the skin helps lock it in during roasting.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the base for the herb butter mix, allowing you to control salt and flavors perfectly.
Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage or Parsley: Fresh herbs add vibrant, earthy notes that complement turkey beautifully.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors in the turkey and butter.
Yellow Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic aromatic trio that creates a flavorful roasting bed and gravy base.
Flour: Thickens the pan drippings into a luscious gravy.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds richness and depth to the gravy without overpowering it.

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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

One of the best parts about this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love playing with different herbs depending on what’s in my garden or adjusting the butter seasoning to suit my mood. You’ll enjoy how flexible this recipe is!

Variation: Sometimes I swap sage for fresh tarragon for a slightly sweeter, anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich butter.
Dietary Mod: If you want to cut down on butter, try adding a splash of olive oil and a bit more herbs under the skin; it still stays moist but lighter.
Seasonal Change: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest to the butter mixture in spring or summer for a bright, fresh twist.

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

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Turkey

First, preheat your oven to 325°F and move the rack just below center. This moderate temperature helps the turkey cook evenly without drying. While the oven warms, gently separate the turkey skin from the breast using a large spoon or the handle of a wooden spoon. Be careful not to tear the skin—this is key because you’ll be sliding the herb butter right underneath it to keep that juicy texture.

Step 2: Herb Butter Mix and Turkey Seasoning

In a bowl, stir together the softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage or parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Pat the turkey dry before rubbing half this herby butter all beneath the skin, spreading gently but thoroughly. The remaining half gets spread over the skin itself, seasoning it well. Then don’t forget a final sprinkle of salt and pepper all over the bird.

Step 3: Roasting on a Bed of Veggies

Place chunks of onion, carrot, and celery into a roasting pan. This trio acts like a natural roasting rack and infuses the drippings with wonderful flavor for a later gravy. If you have a roasting rack, set it over the veggies and place the turkey breast skin side up on top. Roast for about 2 to 2 ¼ hours, until the thickest part hits 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Keep an eye on the skin—if it starts browning too much near the end, a loose foil tent will keep it from burning.

Step 4: Rest and Carve

Once out of the oven, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let it rest about 10 minutes so juices redistribute—this step is crucial for juicy slices. You’ll see just how tender and flavorful this turkey breast has become, thanks to that herb butter trick.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Discard the veggies and strain the roasting pan drippings into a fat separator or measuring cup. Measure out ⅓ cup of this fat (trust me, this step makes the gravy so silky). Heat that fat in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in low-sodium chicken broth and any remaining turkey juices. Keep stirring until it thickens up, then season with salt and pepper. If it’s too thick, thin with a bit more broth. This gravy is the perfect finishing touch that brings the whole dish together.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these little tricks to make this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe foolproof and extra delicious. They helped me nail perfect texture and flavor every single time, so I’m sharing them with you!

Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melted—it spreads easily under the skin but stays put during roasting.
Gentle Skin Separation: Use the back of a spoon gently to separate skin without tearing, so that herb butter stays trapped underneath and bastes the meat.
Use a Thermometer: Instant-read thermometers are game-changers! Roasting time can vary, so rely on temp, not clock, to prevent dryness.
Rest Before Carving: Don’t skip the rest period—letting the turkey relax locks in juices and results in the juiciest slices.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

roast turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to add a handful of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten the richness. Sometimes, I scatter a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary right on the platter—they look pretty and add subtle aroma as you carve.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this turkey breast are classic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze, and a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Homemade cranberry sauce adds a lovely tart balance, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the turkey breast sliced on a wooden platter lined with lemon slices and fresh herbs, surrounded by colorful roasted veggies. It feels festive and invites everyone to dig in. Another fun idea is to create individual plates with a turkey slice draped over creamy risotto or layered with stuffing for added comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to carve leftover turkey and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the slices together helps retain moisture for reheating, plus it’s easy to grab for sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

Leftover turkey freezes beautifully. I wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, I always have a quick protein option on hand without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To keep the turkey juicy, I reheat slices gently in a low oven (about 275°F) covered with foil, or briefly in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep moisture. Avoid overheating, which dries out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

While you can use boneless turkey breast, the bone-in version yields juicier, more flavorful meat. The bone helps the turkey cook evenly and retain moisture. If using boneless, watch the cooking time closely and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How do I prevent the turkey skin from burning?

If the skin starts to overbrown during roasting, loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil to protect it. This allows the turkey to finish cooking without the skin burning while keeping the herb butter flavors intact.

Can I prepare the herb butter in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the herb butter a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading under the skin for even application.

What’s the best way to carve the turkey breast?

After letting the turkey rest, use a sharp carving knife to slice across the grain into even, thick slices. Resting ensures the juices redistribute, making slicing easier and resulting in juicy meat every time.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe truly feels like a little hug on a plate. It’s a dish I turn to whenever I want to impress with minimal hassle—juicy, tender turkey with fresh herb flavors that fill the kitchen with that undeniable roasted aroma. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a trusted favorite in your kitchen too. Give it a try—you might just be surprised how easy it is to make a turkey breast that’s anything but ordinary.