Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
Every family has that one recipe that makes its way to the table year after year—ours just happens to be an Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe. It started one Thanksgiving when I was hosting dinner for the first time. Nervous and overwhelmed by the idea of roasting a whole turkey, I opted for something more manageable: a turkey breast.
I still remember mixing the herb butter, my kitchen smelling of rosemary, thyme, and garlic as the turkey slowly roasted. That evening, my family couldn’t stop raving about how juicy and flavorful it was. From that day on, it became a go-to—not just for Thanksgiving, but for Sunday dinners and even special weeknight meals.
This herb-butter roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for small gatherings, simple enough for beginners, and delicious enough to become your next family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, this herb-butter roasted turkey breast recipe delivers juicy meat, crispy skin, and deep herb flavor in every bite.
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Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe (2025)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this herb-butter roasted turkey breast recipe:
For the Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Turkey:
- 1 (4 to 6 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or turkey stock
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 3 sprigs each of rosemary, thyme, and sage (for roasting pan)
How to Prepare Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set a rack in the middle of the oven. Remove the turkey breast from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Turkey
Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast using your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Rub about 2/3 of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining herb butter on the outside of the skin. Drizzle with olive oil for an extra crispy finish, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Set Up the Roasting Pan
In a large roasting pan, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. These act as a flavorful bed for the turkey and also enhance the pan drippings. Place the turkey breast on top, skin side up. Tuck fresh herb sprigs around the vegetables and pour in 1 cup of broth or stock.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey
Roast the turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part. This typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the size.
Tip: Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Rest Before Carving
Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. The internal temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C), the safe temperature for poultry.
How to Serve Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
This Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of our family favorites:
Classic Sides:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Almondine
- Stuffing (or Dressing)
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Gravy Tip:
Use the pan drippings to make a delicious herb-infused gravy. Simply strain the liquid, remove excess fat, and thicken with a roux or cornstarch slurry.
Serving Suggestion:
Slice the turkey breast crosswise into even slices. Arrange on a serving platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.
Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is soft for easier spreading under the skin.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage offer the best flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch (use half the amount).
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the turkey rest before carving allows juices to redistribute.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: If the skin isn’t as crispy as you like, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on the Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe? Here are a few delicious variations:
1. Citrus Herb Turkey
Add slices of orange and lemon under the skin and in the roasting pan for a citrusy twist.
2. Spicy Herb Butter
Mix a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the herb butter for a mild kick.
3. Maple Glazed
Brush the turkey with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard during the last 20 minutes of roasting for a sweet-savory glaze.
4. Boneless Turkey Breast
If you’re using a boneless breast, reduce roasting time to about 16-18 minutes per pound and keep an eye on internal temperature.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a boneless turkey breast for the Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe?
Absolutely. Boneless turkey breast works well, but the cooking time will be shorter. Use a meat thermometer and start checking at the 1-hour mark.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store sliced turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great in sandwiches, wraps, or salads!
Q3: Can I freeze cooked turkey breast?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q4: How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Basting with pan juices, not overcooking, and letting the meat rest are the keys to juicy turkey.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat turkey breast?
Reheat gently in a 300°F oven with a splash of broth and covered with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a dish that not only tastes amazing but also carries meaning. This Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe has become more than just a meal in our household—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a reminder that even the simplest dishes can become the most cherished.
Whether you’re hosting a small holiday dinner, celebrating a milestone, or just want to treat your family to something special, this Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is a guaranteed hit. Juicy, herby, and packed with flavor—it might just outshine the whole bird.
Give it a try this season, and don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe.