There is something deeply comforting about a beautifully roasted turkey filling the kitchen with the aroma of butter, herbs, and slow cooked goodness. This herb butter roasted turkey breast recipe is designed for those moments when you want all the flavor of a holiday roast without cooking a whole bird.
Juicy, tender, and infused with fresh herbs, this turkey breast roasts to golden perfection while staying incredibly moist. Whether you are preparing a small family dinner, a festive gathering, or a cozy Sunday meal, this recipe delivers classic flavor with simple, reliable steps.
Ingredients List
For the Turkey
- 1 bone-in turkey breast, about 5 to 6 pounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Optional Aromatics
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh herb sprigs
Substitution Suggestions
- Butter alternative: Use olive oil or dairyf ree butter for lactose free cooking.
- Fresh herbs: Use dried herbs at one third the quantity if fresh are unavailable.
- Garlic alternative: Use roasted garlic or garlic powder for milder flavor.
Dietary Swaps
- Low sodium: Reduce salt and rely on herbs for flavor.
- Keto friendly: Naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for keto diets.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Roasting just the breast significantly reduces cooking time while delivering maximum flavor and tenderness.
How to Make It
Step 1. Prepare Herb Butter
In a bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Step 2. Prepare Turkey Breast
Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin and spread half of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
Step 3. Set Up Roasting Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place onion, lemon, and herb sprigs in the roasting pan. Set turkey breast on top, skin side up.
Step 4. Roast
Roast uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, basting once halfway through, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Sensory cue: The skin should be crisp and fragrant, and juices should run clear.
Step 5. Rest and Slice
Remove turkey from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
High in protein and rich in flavor, this turkey breast is both satisfying and nourishing.
Healthier Alternatives
- Use half butter and half olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
- Remove skin after roasting to lower fat content.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or salad instead of heavy sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or green beans.
- Slice for sandwiches or wraps the next day.
- Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping resting time, which causes juices to escape.
- Overcooking, which dries out the turkey.
- Not seasoning under the skin, reducing flavor depth.
- Using cold butter, which makes spreading difficult.
Storing Tips
Refrigeration
Store sliced turkey in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
Make-Ahead
Prepare herb butter up to two days in advance.
Freezing
Freeze cooked turkey slices for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This herb butter roasted turkey breast recipe offers all the comfort and flavor of a holiday roast with far less effort. Juicy meat, crispy skin, and fragrant herbs make it a reliable, crowd pleasing dish you will want to cook again and again.
Whether for a festive occasion or a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers dependable, delicious results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
Yes, but reduce cooking time slightly and monitor temperature closely.
2. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, herb butter can be prepared in advance and turkey seasoned the night before.
3. How do I keep turkey breast moist?
Butter under the skin and proper resting time are key.
4. Can I add other herbs?
Yes, sage and oregano work beautifully.
5. Do I need to cover turkey while roasting?
No, roasting uncovered gives crisp skin. Cover loosely if browning too fast.
6. Can I cook this in a smaller oven?
Yes, adjust pan size and rotate if needed for even roasting.
7. Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Absolutely, leftovers are excellent for sandwiches and salads.