Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe || Perfect Holidays Recipe

Golden, juicy, and infused with aromatic herb butter, this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is the ultimate centerpiece for any special meal with a gourmet twist. This stunning dish features a bone-in turkey breast generously rubbed with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and rich butter, all roasted to golden perfection with crispy skin. It’s the kind of main course that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone gathering around the table in anticipation.

Each slice delivers a satisfying combination of textures—crispy, herb-crusted skin, incredibly moist and tender meat, and those delicious pan drippings perfect for gravy. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or hosting an elegant dinner party, this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is as impressive to present as it is simple to prepare. Serve it with your favorite accompaniments like cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or stuffing for a beautiful, customizable meal that feels like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

• Easier than whole turkey: All the flavor and elegance of traditional roasted turkey, but faster and simpler with just the breast.
• Incredibly moist and flavorful: The herb butter keeps the meat juicy while infusing it with rich, savory flavors throughout.
• Perfect for smaller gatherings: Ideal portion size for 4-8 people without massive leftovers—though the leftovers are amazing too.
• Impressive presentation: This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe looks restaurant-quality but requires minimal culinary expertise.
• Versatile for any occasion: Works beautifully for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any Sunday dinner that deserves something special.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to carving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Roasting Pan with Rack (13×9 inch or larger)
This is essential for even cooking. The rack elevates the turkey breast, allowing hot air to circulate and skin to crisp on all sides.

Meat Thermometer (Instant-Read or Probe)
The single most important tool for perfect turkey. It ensures your bird reaches safe temperature without overcooking and drying out.

Basting Brush or Silicone Brush
Perfect for applying herb butter generously and evenly over the turkey breast before and during roasting.

Sharp Carving Knife
Essential for slicing the cooked turkey breast into beautiful, even portions for serving.

Mixing Bowl (Medium)
For combining the herb butter mixture thoroughly before applying to the turkey.

Kitchen Twine
Optional but helpful for trussing the turkey breast to maintain shape and ensure even cooking.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and ensures professional results.

Preparation Tips

• Bring turkey to room temperature by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes before roasting—this promotes even cooking throughout.
• Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels before applying herb butter for maximum crispiness.
• Loosen the skin gently with your fingers and spread herb butter directly on the meat underneath for extra flavor.
• Season generously both under and over the skin with salt and pepper for well-seasoned, flavorful meat.
• Tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly, then remove foil for the last 20 minutes for perfect golden color.
• Rest before carving: Let the turkey breast rest for 15-20 minutes after roasting to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving a perfectly roasted, restaurant-quality turkey breast.

Ingredients for This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this elegant, flavor-packed turkey to life. Most of the ingredients are simple staples, making this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe both accessible and impressive.

For the Turkey:

• 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5-7 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• Fresh herb sprigs (thyme, rosemary, sage) for the cavity

For the Herb Butter:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Aromatics & Extras:

• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (for the pan)
• 1 cup white wine or apple cider
• Fresh herbs for garnish
• Cranberry sauce for serving
• Pan drippings for gravy

Everything in this list works together beautifully—the herb butter creates a flavorful crust while keeping the turkey incredibly moist. The aromatics add depth to the pan drippings.

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Breast

Remove the turkey breast from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Pat the entire surface completely dry with paper towels, paying special attention to the skin.

Carefully slide your fingers under the skin to loosen it from the meat, being careful not to tear it. Spread about half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin, distributing it evenly. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the skin. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the halved lemon, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herb sprigs in the cavity of the turkey breast or scatter them in the roasting pan around the turkey. Pour chicken broth and wine into the bottom of the roasting pan (this keeps the bird moist and creates delicious drippings for gravy).

Place the turkey breast on the roasting rack, breast side up. If desired, tie the turkey with kitchen twine to help maintain its shape during roasting.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes to get the skin golden and crispy. After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting.

Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 30 minutes. Total roasting time is approximately 1½ to 2 hours, depending on size. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the turkey reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving—this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Remove the twine if used. Carve into even slices and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with pan drippings or serve alongside gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with your favorite holiday sides.

Notes

Size Matters: A 5-7 lb turkey breast serves 6-8 people generously. Adjust cooking time based on size: approximately 20 minutes per pound at 350°F after the initial high-heat sear.

Make-Ahead Herb Butter: Prepare the herb butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.

Gravy from Drippings: Strain the pan drippings, skim fat, then whisk in flour and cook until thickened for quick, flavorful gravy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Starting with cold turkey: Roasting cold meat straight from the fridge leads to uneven cooking with dried-out exterior and undercooked interior.
• Not using a meat thermometer: Guessing doneness results in either dry, overcooked turkey or unsafe undercooked meat. Always use a thermometer.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting immediately causes all those precious juices to run out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
• Overcrowding the roasting pan: Adding too many vegetables or aromatics prevents proper air circulation and even browning.
• Not basting regularly: This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe benefits from basting every 30 minutes to build flavor and moisture.
• Using frozen butter: The herb butter must be soft and spreadable to distribute evenly under and over the skin.
• Roasting at constant high heat: Starting hot is great for browning, but continuing at high temperature dries out the meat. Lower the temp after initial sear.
• Tearing the skin when loosening: Work gently and slowly when separating skin from meat to keep it intact for beautiful presentation.

What to Serve With Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe?

This elegant and flavorful turkey breast is a stunning main course, but pairing it with the right sides transforms it into a complete holiday feast. Whether you prefer traditional or creative sides, there’s something for every taste.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Classic Herb Stuffing
Savory bread stuffing with celery, onions, and herbs is the quintessential turkey companion that soaks up those delicious juices.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes provide the perfect creamy contrast and base for gravy made from the turkey drippings.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits add a salty, savory crunch to balance the tender turkey.

Cranberry Orange Sauce
Tart, sweet cranberry sauce with fresh orange zest provides a bright, fruity contrast to the rich, savory meat.

Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots roasted with honey and butter bring color and natural sweetness to the plate.

Green Bean Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans with toasted almonds and lemon butter add elegance and freshness.

Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with pecan streusel or marshmallows make a comforting, sweet-savory side.

Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crisp (for dessert)
Classic fall desserts round out the meal with warm spices and seasonal flavors that complete the experience.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a traditional, restaurant-quality holiday experience to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe stores beautifully and makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches and meals throughout the week.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the turkey cool completely, then carve the meat off the bone and store in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap sliced turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Place turkey slices in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	295
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	6g
Unsaturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	135mg
Sodium	480mg

This dish delivers a protein-rich, low-carb meal with healthy fats—perfect for a satisfying holiday dinner or special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the herb butter up to 3 days ahead and apply it to the turkey the night before, then refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before roasting for best results.

2. Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?
Yes! Boneless turkey breast works well but cooks faster—check temperature after about 1 hour. The bone helps retain moisture and adds flavor to drippings.

3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon total of dried herbs (one-third the amount of fresh) mixed into the butter.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While possible, you won’t get the crispy skin that makes this recipe special. The oven roasting method is highly recommended for best texture and flavor.

5. How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It should read exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked turkey.

6. Can I stuff the turkey breast?
It’s not recommended for food safety reasons. Instead, use aromatics in the cavity and serve stuffing on the side for the safest, most evenly cooked results.

7. What’s the best way to get crispy skin?
Pat the skin completely dry, use plenty of butter, start at high heat (425°F), and avoid covering with foil until the very end if browning too quickly.

8. Can I use this herb butter on a whole turkey?
Absolutely! This herb butter mixture works beautifully on a whole turkey—just increase the quantities proportionally based on the turkey’s size.

Conclusion

This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is the ultimate combination of elegant presentation and simple home cooking—all roasted to golden perfection in one pan. With its aromatic herb-infused butter and incredibly juicy meat, it’s everything you love about holiday turkey, without the stress of roasting a whole bird.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinners, or any special occasion, this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is as foolproof as it is impressive. Plus, with versatile serving options and fantastic leftovers, it delivers deliciousness beyond just one meal. So grab your roasting pan and make your next celebration something truly memorable.