Nothing says comfort and celebration quite like a perfectly cooked turkey. This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is my go-to for when I want that crispy, savory skin and tender meat without the fuss of a whole bird. It’s full of flavor with simple, fresh herbs and a garlic butter that seeps into every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep it in your regular rotation.

A white plate holds two rows of thick slices of golden-brown roasted chicken with visible herbs and seasoning on top, showing juicy, light pink interior. The chicken is surrounded by green parsley leaves and bright red pomegranate seeds scattered on the edges. Around the chicken are colorful fruit pieces: orange mandarins, deep red pomegranate halves, and yellow lemon wedges, adding vibrant colors and freshness to the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible in the background. A silver knife with a white handle lies near the plate. 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 Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I get really excited about this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between juicy inside and crispy skin outside, and it’s packed with fresh herb flavor that feels really special yet approachable. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners but also impressive enough for company.

Rich Garlic Herb Butter: Infuses the turkey with mouthwatering flavor and keeps the meat moist as it roasts.
Bone-in, Skin-on Breast: Keeps the meat juicy and the skin crisp, giving a classic roast turkey experience with less fuss.
Simple Aromatic Veggies: Carrots, onions, and celery add depth to the drippings, perfect for making delicious homemade gravy.
Easy Technique: Separating the skin and spreading the butter underneath means flavor penetrates deeply and you don’t have dry spots.

A whole roasted chicken with a golden-brown and herb-crusted skin sits on a white plate. The chicken is surrounded by a colorful mix of roasted vegetables including bright green Brussels sprouts, orange sweet potatoes, red apple pieces, and yellow potatoes. Fresh green parsley leaves add a touch of color and freshness around the chicken. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a gray striped cloth and a silver knife visible beside it. In the background, there is a white gravy boat filled with light brown gravy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that create layers of flavor. The fresh herbs and garlic butter are what give the turkey its incredible aroma and taste. When shopping, look for fresh herbs that smell fragrant and vibrant rather than wilted. A bone-in turkey breast is essential for juiciness, and don’t skip the skin—it’s where a lot of the flavor and crispiness happen.

Flat lay of a fresh bone-in skin-on turkey breast, a small mound of softened unsalted butter, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage arranged side by side, coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper in small white ceramic bowls, a large yellow onion quartered into chunks, a large peeled carrot cut into thick chunks, two green celery ribs sliced into chunks, a small white bowl of plain purpose flour, and a small white bowl of clear low-sodium chicken broth, 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 helps retain moisture; skin crisps beautifully and keeps the meat juicy underneath.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted gives you control over seasoning so the butter doesn’t get too salty with the herbs.
Minced garlic: Three cloves pack the bold garlic punch without overpowering the turkey.
Fresh thyme, rosemary, sage (or parsley): These herbs bring a classic, earthy flavor that pairs so well with turkey.
Salt and fresh black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Yellow onion, carrot, celery: These veggies form a flavorful bed that catches drippings and makes for amazing homemade gravy.
Flour and chicken broth: Key ingredients to transform drippings into a silky, luscious gravy.

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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

I love how versatile this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is! Sometimes I jazz it up by adding a lemon zest to the butter mix for a fresh citrus twist, especially in summer. You can also swap herbs based on what’s on hand. Feel free to experiment – it’s all about making this recipe your own.

Lemon & Herb Variation: Adding lemon zest and juice to the garlic herb butter adds a bright note I adore on sunny days or for a spring dinner.
Spicy Herb Butter: Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the butter for a subtle heat that pairs surprisingly well with the turkey.
Herb Swap: If fresh rosemary isn’t available, thyme and sage alone still make a delicious combo; dried herbs can work in a pinch—just reduce the quantity.
Vegetarian Gravy Base: Use mushroom broth instead of chicken broth to create a gravy that’s savory, rich, and vegetarian-friendly.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Oven

First, make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed if it was frozen (this usually takes 1.5 to 2 days in the fridge). Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack one level below center. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to make sure the skin gets nice and crispy later. This step is key—moisture is the enemy of crisp skin!

Step 2: Separate Skin and Prepare Herb Butter

Using a spoon or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently slide between the skin and meat, loosening it but keeping the edges intact so the butter doesn't leak out. Then mix softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Spread about half of this flavorful butter underneath the skin—it’s a little messy but oh-so worth it! Slather the remaining butter all over the top of the skin.

Step 3: Roast on a Bed of Veggies

Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery in your roasting pan and lay the turkey skin side up on a rack above the veggies (if you have a rack). If not, placing the turkey directly on the veggies works fine. The veggies will add flavor to the drippings for your gravy. Roast your turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. For a 6-pound breast, this usually takes between 2 and 2 ¼ hours.

Step 4: Rest Before Carving

Once out of the oven, tent your turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This rest time lets the juices redistribute, so when you carve it, every bite will be juicy and tender.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Discard the vegetables and pour the pan drippings into a fat separator or a liquid measuring cup. Measure out about ⅓ cup of the fat and warm it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly whisk in about 3 cups of chicken broth along with any remaining drippings. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper, and add more broth if you want it thinner. This homemade gravy is the finishing touch that really makes this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe shine.

Top Tip

I’ve roasted many turkey breasts, and I’ve learned a few things that really take this Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe to the next level. These nuggets help ensure you get that irresistible roast every time.

Butter Under the Skin: Don’t skip separating the skin to spread the garlic herb butter beneath it—that's where the magic happens for juicy meat and crisp skin.
Pat Dry the Bird: Moisture on the skin means it steams instead of roasts—patting dry is a crucial step for crispiness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Rely on an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness — the meat is juicy and safe at 165°F, no guessing needed.
Tent if Skin Over-Browns: If you see the skin getting too dark before the meat’s fully cooked, just loosely tent the turkey with foil to prevent burning while allowing the inside to reach temperature.

How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Roast Turkey Breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish the turkey with a few fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme right on the carving platter. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma. Slices of roasted lemon on the side brightens up the richness and gives a lovely visual contrast—plus, some guests enjoy squeezing the lemon juice over their slices.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, or a simple Brussels sprouts sautéed with garlic. For something extra cozy, I often whip up a batch of sage-infused stuffing or roasted sweet potatoes. These sides soak up the garlic herb butter flavors magnificently.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals, arranging the carved turkey slices on a large wooden board surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, cranberries, and nuts makes a stunning centerpiece. I’ve also layered slices on a warm platter lined with arugula and drizzled a little of the gravy right on top for an inviting presentation that’s perfect for family gatherings or special dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to slice leftover turkey and store it in an airtight container with a little bit of the reserved gravy poured over. It keeps the meat moist and flavorful for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also wrap the whole breast tightly if you prefer to carve fresh slices later.

Freezing

Freezing cooked turkey breast works well. Slice it, arrange slices flat in freezer-safe bags, and add a little broth or gravy to prevent dryness. Frozen turkey remains good for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I gently reheat slices covered in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or gravy to keep things juicy. Microwaving works too—cover loosely with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

It’s essential to fully thaw the turkey breast before cooking for even roasting and to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Typically, thaw in the fridge for 36 to 48 hours depending on size. Cooking from frozen will result in uneven cooking and dryness.

What if my turkey skin starts to get too dark?

If you notice the skin browning faster than the meat cooks, simply tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to protect the surface from burning while the meat finishes roasting at the right temperature.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the gravy up to a day ahead and gently reheat it on the stove, whisking to restore the smooth texture. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

What’s the secret to juicy turkey breast?

The main secrets are spreading garlic herb butter underneath the skin and roasting the breast low and slow, letting it rest after roasting to lock in juices. Using a meat thermometer helps avoid overcooking, which is the biggest cause of dry turkey.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe has become one of my favorites because it’s reliable and really delivers on flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting roast dinner, I genuinely hope you give this a try—it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table!