Roast Turkey Breast with HERB BUTTER (Step-by-Step Photos + Video)

Name: Roast Turkey Breast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 6-8 pound bone-in, skin-on, brined turkey breast, THAWED, ( (two breasts still joined at the breast bone)); 12 garlic cloves (smashed with side of knife); 2 medium onions, (sliced); 1 orange, (sliced); 1 handful fresh poultry blend herbs ((like thyme, rosemary and sage)); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 12 tablespoons (unsalted butter, softened); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 TBS EACH garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt; 1 tsp EACH dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons reserved Herb Butter (divided, in directions); 1/3 cup flour; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth ((more or less as needed with drippings)); chicken bouillon (to taste (optional))

This Roast Turkey Breast recipe is supremely juicy, tender, flavorful, smothered in herb butter under the skin and drenched with gravy over top!

This Roasted Turkey Breast will steal the show from the holiday sides! It’s the easy-to-prep alternative to a full-size turkey that comes pre-brined, cooks more evenly and quickly, with zero flipping required for foolproof, tender, just results every time. The turkey breast is smothered in rich garlic herb butter under and over the skin which bastes the turkey as it roasts to succulent, juicy, golden-brown perfection, then served with a quick pan gravy made from the sensational drippings. Serve this Roast Turkey Breast recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cornbread stuffing for the perfect feast!

Looking to make a full-size turkey this year? Check out all you need to know to prepare it here.

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How to Make Roast Turkey Breast Video

Why This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is Amazing

The herb butter. Roast Turkey Breast drenched in herb butter made with garlic, rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper is the most flavorful turkey around! It’s made with dried herbs so they don’t burn while delivering a punch of flavor.

Extremely juicy. The herb butter is smeared under the skin so it drips down and bastes the turkey while it roasts, so every surface is not only dripping with flavor, but extremely moist.

The best gravy. The herb butter drippings also make the best gravy! Additionally, the turkey is roasted on a bed of garlic and fresh herbs which infuse the pan juices (and future gravy) with even more flavor.

showing how to serve roast turkey breast by placing on a platter surrounded by flowers

Why You Might Roast a Turkey Breast

If you are hosting an intimate gathering for Thanksgiving this year, then roasting a turkey breast is a no brainer. But, that’s not the only reason why turkey breast is a good idea:

1. Turkey breasts are a cinch to roast. There’s no brining, no flipping, no fuss. Just smear with herb butter and pop in the oven, that’s it! They’re also super quick and easy to carve.
2. No special equipment required. All you need is a 9×13 pan (or other roasting pan) and a meat thermometer (which I consider a kitchen staple).
3. Quick to make. Roasting a whole turkey will take days to thaw plus another day to brine. Turkey breast, on the other hand, will thaw more quickly and almost always comes pre-brined.
4. Less expensive. If you’re on a budget, then turkey breast is the way to go.
5. Serves those extra guests. If you have a few too many guests for a whole turkey, but don’t want to roast an entire second bird, then roasting turkey breast will save the day.
6. Extra white meat. Roasting turkey breast delivers nothing but juicy slices of white meat so there is zero waste for all those families who prefer white meat over dark.
7. Year-round turkey. Turkey breast is less hassle, less mess and less time to roast than a whole turkey, so you can make it any night of the week year-round for sandwiches, pot pie, shepherd’s pie, turkey tetrazzini, etc.

Should I use boneless or bone-in turkey breast?

Turkey breasts are sold both boneless, and bone-in. For the juiciest, most flavorful turkey breast, I recommend whole bone-in and skin-on breasts, which is what is used in this recipe. One whole bone-in turkey breast are two breasts still attached at the breast bone, with the legs and wings removed (also called the turkey crown) and weigh 5 to 8 pounds. Sometime they are labeled “Turkey breast with ribs, back portion, wing portion, etc.”

Half turkey breast or split turkey breast is just one side of the breast and is much smaller, usually only 3 pounds.

Most grocery stores sell bone-in turkey breast year-round. You’ll either find them in the chest coolers or in the butcher’s display case. In either location, they will likely be frozen, so make sure to plan enough time to thaw your bird.

Can I use boneless turkey breast?

This recipe can also work with boneless turkey breast. However, boneless are smaller and weigh much less, so make sure to reduce the cooking time. One (three-pound) turkey breast will feed two to four people.

showing how to slice the roast turkey breast recipe on a cutting board

HOW MUCH TURKEY BREAST DO I NEED PER PERSON?

When selecting your turkey breast, it’s helpful to know how much you need! The general rule of thumb is to cook one pound of turkey per person. So, a 7-pound turkey breast will feed 7 people. Of course, there are variables in this calculation such as kids, big/small eaters, but in general, 1 pound/person is safe. If you want plenty of turkey for leftovers, aim for 1 ½ – 2 pounds per person.

HOW TO THAW YOUR TURKEY Breast

The turkey breast needs to be completely thawed before roasting.

Thawing the breast in the refrigerator: This is the safest method due to the consistent safe temperature. As a rule of thumb, the turkey breast will take AT LEAST 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. So, if you have an 8-pound turkey breast, plan on 48 hours to be safe. Once thawed, the turkey is safe for another two days in the refrigerator before cooking. So, you can start thawing Monday and cook on Thursday.

Cold water thawing: This method needs your almost constant attention but is by far the quickest. Allow for 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound, so an 8-pound turkey breast will take 4 hours to thaw using this method. Add the turkey to a sink, deep stock pot (or even a Home Depot Bucket) etc., and cover with cold water. Set your timer and change the water every 30 minutes. Once the turkey has thawed, cook it immediately.

To Brine, or Not to Brine?

Turkey breast is lean, light meat, so it definitely needs to be brined, but not by you! The good news is most turkey breasts sold in stores are already injected with a brine solution – so all the work is done for you! In fact, it is nearly impossible to find turkey breast that does not come pre-brined. On the label or ingredients, it should indicate something like “salt solution” or “turkey broth, salt, etc.”

However, if by chance you can only find turkey breast that is not brined, you can do it yourself by scaling this recipe.

top view of roasted turkey breast sliced with gravy

Roasted Turkey Breast Ingredients

Now that you know exactly what turkey breast to purchase, let’s take a closer look at what else you’ll need to make this Roast Turkey Breast recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

For the turkey breast:

Turkey breast: Choose a 6- to 8-pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (1 whole turkey breast joined at the breast bone).
Chicken broth: This is poured into the bottom of the roasting pan to help create a moist environment when roasting the turkey breast. It will also become the base of the gravy. Use low sodium broth so you have the flexibility to season the gravy to taste.
Onion and orange: These are sliced and placed in the bottom of the roasting pan to prop the bird up from the pan. They also add flavor to the gravy. You can use more as needed to balance your bird upright.
Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs and garlic are placed on the bottom of the pan to infuse the bird and future gravy with flavor. I use a mixture of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme.

For the herb butter:

Butter: Use unsalted butter because we’re adding plenty of salt to the herb butter. Make sure it is softened to room temperature so it easily spreads, but not softer, we don’t want it to melt off while applying!
Olive oil: Just a few tablespoons keep the herb butter pliable and help the skin crisp up in the oven.
Dijon mustard: This will not make the herb butter taste like mustard! Just 1 ½ teaspoons add a depth of flavor.
Seasonings: Various dried herbs, garlic and onion powders, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper infuse the herb butter with flavor. Use dried herbs instead of fresh, otherwise they will burn.

For the turkey gravy:

Butter: You’ll need additional unsalted butter plus you’ll have to reserve a few tablespoons of the herb butter listed above.
Chicken broth: You’ll add additional chicken broth to the pan drippings to equal what you need for the gravy.
Flour: All-purpose flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour may be used.
Drippings: Save the turkey drippings from the baking pan to make the gravy. They’re so flavorful thanks to the herb butter, fresh herbs, aromatics and rendered fat!

possible recipe variations

Garlic and herbs are classic with turkey, but if that’s not for you, feel free to swap the herbs for your favorite seasonings, then follow the same method for roasting the turkey. Here are a few ideas:

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast: Remove the turkey skin, then wrap strips of bacon around the turkey breast until completely covered.
Cajun Turkey Breast: Use Cajun seasoning in the herb butter instead.
Maple Turkey Breast: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the herb butter.

How to Roast Turkey Breast

Roasting turkey breast is easy! Simply smear with herb butter and roast! I’ve outlined the process with step-by-step photos below or you can watch the How to Make Video in the recipe card (full recipe with measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Bring Turkey Breast to Room Temperature

Dry the turkey. Remove the turkey from its packaging and transfer to a cutting board. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels. This will help the herb butter stick to the skin. Also, the dryer the skin, the crispier!

showing how to make roast turkey breast by drying the turkey breast with paper towels to crate crispy skin

Bring turkey to room temperature. Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes. This is important because it helps the turkey breast cook more evenly instead of drying out the outside while waiting for the inside to cook through.
Prepare the pan. While the turkey is resting, prepare the roasting pan by layering sliced onions, oranges, herbs and garlic in the middle. Pour some chicken broth in the bottom of the pan. The onions and orange slices elevate the turkey to promote even cooking and browning.

showing how to make roast turkey breast recipe by lining a roasting pan with onions, carrots and fresh herbs

Step 5: Make and Apply the Herb Butter

Make herb butter: Simply mix together the softened butter, olive oil, Dijon, and seasonings.

showing how to make roast turkey breast by making herb butter by combining the ingredients in a bowl

Reserve some butter: Transfer 2 tablespoons herb butter to another small bowl and reserve for the gravy; double the flavor without double the work!
Loosen the skin: Working with one breast at a time, gently loosen the skin of with the help of the upside of a spoon if needed, then gently run your fingers between the skin and the meat, taking care not to tear the skin.

showing how to make roast turkey breast by loosening the turkey skin with a spoon and then a hand

Add the herb butter: Rub about 2/3 of the herb butter underneath the skin on each side (⅓ of the butter per breast). After you spread the butter as far as you can underneath the skin, help spread it the rest of the way by massaging it through the top of the skin to the edges. Finally, rub the remaining butter all over the top skin of the turkey breast.

showing how to make roast turkey breast by rubbing herb butter under and over the skin of of the breast

Step 6: Roast the Turkey Breast

Stabilize the turkey breast: Transfer the turkey to the bed of aromatics SKIN SIDE UP. If it’s a little wobbly, balance it with the onions and orange slices. You can even slice more onions/oranges to stabilize where needed.

showing how to make roast turkey breast by roasting the turkey in a roasting pan on top of onions and oranges

Crisp up the skin: Roast the turkey breast at 450ºF for 20 minutes, uncovered. You’re looking for the skin to start to brown.
Baste: Baste with juices from the bottom of the pan.

showing how to make roast turkey breast by basting the turkey breast with juices from the pan

Roast: Reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF and continue to roast, uncovered, until the center or thickest portion registers 155-160ºF on an instant read thermometer.

Step 7: Let the Turkey Breast Rest

Rest: Transfer the Roasted Turkey Breast to a cutting board. Let rest, UNCOVERED (so the skin doesn’t get soggy), for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Step 8: Make the Turkey Gravy

Remove the onions: Remove the onions, orange slices, garlic and herbs from the bottom of the pan and pour the remaining liquid into a fat separator cup to skim off fat when poured. The turkey drippings are the deeply flavorful rich scrapings from the bottom of the roasting pan and boast concentrated flavor that translates into the best gravy. See tips below if you don’t have a degreasing cup.
Make the roux: Next, melt some unsalted butter with one tablespoon reserved Herb Butter, then whisk in the flour and cook for several minutes, whisking constantly.
Whisk in the broth. Add the degreased turkey drippings plus enough chicken broth to equal 2 ½ cups.
Simmer. Simmer until the gravy is thickened to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, whisk in additional broth.
Season to taste. Now taste and add the additional one tablespoon Herb Butter if your gravy needs more flavor. Taste again, and season with salt and pepper.

a collage showing how to make roast turkey breast gravy by making a roux, then whisking in the drippings and chicken broth, then simmering until thickened

Step 9: How to Carve the turkey.

Carve turkey: Starting at the breast bone, carve the turkey, keeping your knife as close to the ribs as possible, until the whole breast is carved from the bone; some meat will still be left on the bone.
Slice: Once no longer attached to the bone, slice the breast crosswise into slices.

showing how to carve roast turkey breast by using a knife to cut close to the breast bone

How long do I cook a turkey breast per pound?

There are many variables when roasting turkey breast, but in general, bone-in turkey breast requires 18 to 20 minutes per pound. So, just over an hour to 1 ½ hours to cook 4 pounds of meat and almost 2 ½-3 hours for an 8-pound turkey.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN THE TURKEY IS DONE?

Your turkey breast is done and should be removed from the oven when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers between 155˚F to 160˚F. The temperature will carryover to 165 degrees after it rests 10-15 minutes.

You NEED an instant read meat thermometer for roasting a turkey breast – this is NON-NEGOTIABLE. You won’t know when the turkey breast is cooked to juicy perfection if you don’t have one! You can pick up an inexpensive instant read thermometer at any grocery store or Target, Walmart – most places should carry them, or there is always Amazon.

Instead of an instant thermometer, I’m obsessed with my digital meat probe thermometer (as seen in the video). You stick the probe in the turkey (or any protein, I use it for chicken, steak, pork, etc. every day) and set an alert for the finished temperature, walk away and it will beep when ready! This will guarantee perfectly cooked juicy turkey every time!

How do you Prevent turkey breast from drying out?

Roast Turkey Breast is lean meat, so it has a tendency to dry out if not cooked properly. Here are a few key tips to pay attention to:

Use a brined turkey: Select a pre-brined turkey with about 19% brining/salt solution. Brining is a marinating method that uses salted water or solution to increase the moisture of the meat, it actually changes the molecular structure of the bird! It also uses seasonings and aromatics to increase and retain flavor during cooking. According to American’s Test Kitchen, they found that turkey roasted straight out its package will retain about 82 percent of its total weight after cooking, a brined turkey, however, will retain about 93 percent of its total weight after cooking! This is 11% more juices/water which means more tender meat!
Thaw the turkey breast properly. Never cook your turkey breast from frozen or partially frozen or it will cook unevenly and portions will dry out. As a rule of thumb, plan on AT LEAST 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
Bring turkey to room temperature before cooking. This will help it cook more quickly and evenly, so the outside doesn’t dry out before the inside is cooked.
Don’t skip the herb butter. This insulates the turkey and creates a self-basting affect as the butter melts, dripping down and coating the turkey meat.
Add the herb butter ahead of time. Seasoning in advance gives the salt plenty of time to tenderizing and flavor the bird. You can apply the herb butter the night ahead of time and allow the turkey to air-chill in the fridge. This will create crispier skin too!
Start the turkey in a hot oven heated to 450 degrees F. The initial high heat will help brown the skin before lowering the oven temperature to help cook the turkey breast on the inside without drying it out.
Don’t overcook and allow for carryover. Turkey breast is fully cooked when it reaches 165 degrees F, so take it out of the oven at 155-160 degrees to allow for carryover.
Always check the turkey breast early. Turkey shape, size, brine, type of pan, exact oven, can all affect the cooking time, so make sure you check the temperature early and then continue roasting as needed.
Always rest the meat. Once the turkey has reached 155-160 degrees F, immediately remove it from the hot pan so it doesn’t continue to cook. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices that have been forced away from the heat, to the middle of the turkey, time to redistribute throughout the turkey, making the turkey meat juicer.

top view of roasted turkey breast on a platter showing how crispy the skin is

More Tips for Making the Best Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Pat the turkey breast dry. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get in the oven!
Cook skin-side up. Turkey breast cook for less time than a whole turkey, so you’ll start with the breast skin side up and won’t flip the bird at all. This way the breast can become beautifully golden.
Don’t baste for a crispy skin. I baste my turkey breast roast a few times initially but stop basting about halfway through cooking so the skin can crisp up. If you continue to baste, your skin won’t be crispy and can even become soggy. If you want extra crispy skin, don’t baste at all!
Let turkey rest uncovered. Do NOT tent the Roast Turkey Breast with foil because that will make the skin soggy.
No fat separator cup? To make the turkey gravy from the drippings, separate the fat by adding the drippings/liquid to a large freezer bag and allowing the fat to separate to the top. Next, seal the bag and hold it over a 4-cup (or larger) measuring cup so that one bottom corner tip is facing down into the measuring cup like a spout. Make a small cut in this corner with scissors. The bottom liquid will flow through the cut while the fat stays on top. Stop pouring when you reach the fat.
Season to taste! The key to the best gravy is to season to taste. Although the recipe uses some of the reserved herb gravy, every gravy will be different because we’re using the drippings from the turkey, which will vary from turkey to turkey depending on the turkey brine. So, the amount of salt and pepper relies on YOU. Start with a little and add more to taste as needed.
Season the gravy with chicken bouillon. Instead of adding salt to taste, try adding some chicken bouillon first (up to 1 teaspoon), then finishing with salt to taste. (Remember to always taste as you go!)

Roasted Turkey Breast FAQS

Can I use an oven bag to roast a turkey breast?

There is no need to use an oven bag to roast a turkey breast in this recipe. The point of an oven bag is to lock in moisture and flavor; however, the self-basting herb butter does that for you! Additionally, the skin does not get nearly as crispy using an oven bag.

Turkey skin: optional?

Whether you want to avoid the skin for dietary reasons, or it’s simply not your thing, I still recommend always roasting turkey breast with bone in and skin on meat. The skin traps in the herb butter and insulates the turkey making it’s super juicy. You can remove the skin after it’s cooked if you like.

How do you cook a turkey breast?

Oven roasted turkey breast is very simple to make – not need to brine or flip the turkey! This recipe starts by making a seasoned herb butter, then rubbing it underneath the skin of the turkey then all over the skin of the turkey. The turkey then gets roasted at high heat to crisp the skin, then is finished cooking at a lower heat to cook the bird evenly and thoroughly.

Should I baste the turkey?

You do not need to baste Oven Roasted Turkey Breast because it cooks more quickly than a whole roasted turkey and because the herb butter keeps the turkey moist. That being said, I still like to baste the turkey a few times within the first hour, then leave it alone until finished cooking so the skin can crisp up.

Should I use boneless or bone-in turkey breast?

I recommend bone-in turkey breast which is turkey breast attached to the bone but with the legs and wings removed. It is juicier and more flavorful than boneless turkey breast.

What’s the Best Temperature for Cooking Turkey Breasts?

It’s best to start roasting the turkey breast at high heat, 450°F to immediately begin browning the skin, then turn the heat down to 325°F so that the breast meat cooks through slowly.

How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Oven

Plan on 18-20 minutes per pound at 325 degrees to roast a turkey breast.

–6-pound bone-in turkey breast takes just under 2 hours to 2 hours to bake
–7-pound bone-in turkey breast takes just over 2 hours to 2 ¼ hours to bake
-8-pound bone-in turkey breast takes just under 2 ½ hours to 2 ¾ hours to bake

Can I use a larger or smaller turkey breast?

Yes, just move the serving arrows in the printable recipe card up or down until the turkey pounds in the ingredients matches your turkey breast. Be prepared to reduce or increase the roasting time accordingly.

How do I prevent my turkey breast from Over-Browning?

If the skin on your turkey breast is browning too quickly before it’s baked through, loosely tent it with foil. You can even tent the top with foil and leave the bottom uncovered if the top is browning more quickly than the sides or bottom.

showing how to serve oven roasted turkey breast on a plate with gravy

WHAT to serve with Roast Turkey Breast

Serve this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast recipe with your favorite Thanksgiving, Christmas, and comfort food sides for a real feast!

Potatoes: Company Mashed Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, Au Gratin Potatoes, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes or Sweet Potato Casserole.
Veggies: Green Bean Casserole, Maple Dijon Green Beans, Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts, Creamy Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Butternut Squash, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Root Vegetables or Roasted Carrots.
Salads: Apple Salad, Pear Salad, Fall Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, Roasted Beet Salad or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Fruit Salads: Perfect Fruit Salad, Creamy Grape Salad, Pina Colada Fruit Salad, Winter Fruit Salad and Berry Salad in Honey Mascarpone Dressing will amp up your fruit game!
Breads: Perfect Dinner Rolls or Sweet Cornbread for the holiday win!

Ways to Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

If you wind up with leftovers of this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, consider yourself blessed! Try adding it to the following recipes:

Sandwiches: Slice the turkey and pile it onto dinner rolls or bread with all your favorite fixings or it’s fabulous in Monte Cristo Sandwiches and Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce and Apple Slaw – so good!
Casserole: This easy Turkey Tetrazzini is a satisfying blend of tender chunks of turkey, sautéed mushrooms, petite peas and pasta smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with cheese and golden crispy panko without any “cream of” sauces!
Soup: Turkey Rice Soup is wildly delicious, simple to make, nutritious and extremely versatile made with juicy turkey, hearty wild rice, carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.
Any recipe that uses chicken! Just swap out cooked or rotisserie chicken in any recipe for leftover turkey instead. Use it in soups like: White Chicken Chili, Chicken Lasagna Soup and Chicken Stew. Use it in casseroles like: Chicken Divan, Chicken Pot Pie, White Chicken Lasagna, Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Use it in pastas like: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo or Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.

Make ahead instructions

To prepare the Roasted Turkey Breast in advance, prepare the recipe as written through rubbing the herb butter all over the turkey. Allow the turkey to air-chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours – this will create crispier skin too! Remove the turkey breast from the fridge 60 minutes before cooking and then proceed with the recipe.

HOW Long is Turkey Breast Good For?

Leftover Oven Roasted Turkey Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat Oven Roasted Turkey?

-Microwave: microwave individual portions for 30 seconds followed by 10-second intervals as needed.
-Oven: transfer slices to an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth or water. For extra decadent juiciness, dot the slices with butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
-Skillet: Add turkey slices to a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Cover and cook on low until warmed through.

Can I freeze turkey breast?

Yes, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast freezes very well! Remove the turkey from the bone, tightly wrap the meat in plastic wrap, then freeze in freezer bags. Press out as much air from the bags as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.

showing how to serve roast turkey breast recipe on a plate with mashed potatoes and gravy

Looking for more Holiday main dish Recipes?

Classic Herb Roasted Whole Turkey
Beef Tenderloin
London Broil
Honey Baked Ham
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Pork Tenderloin
Mom’s Pot Roast
Maple Glazed Ham

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Tools Used in This Recipe

Casserole Dish 9×13 inches

Gravy Fat Separator

Digital Meat Probe Thermometer

Turkey Baster

Glass Liquid Measuring Cup 4-Piece Set

See Favorite Tools

up close of roasted turkey breast with gravy showing how juicy it is

Roast Turkey Breast

This Roasted Turkey Breast will steal the show from the holiday sides! It’s the easy-to-prep alternative to a full-size turkey that comes pre-brined, cooks more evenly and quickly, with zero flipping required for foolproof, tender, just results every time. The turkey breast is smothered in rich garlic herb butter under and over the skin which bastes the turkey as it roasts to succulent, juicy, golden-brown perfection, then served with a quick pan gravy made from the sensational drippings. Serve this Roast Turkey Breast recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cornbread stuffing for the perfect feast!

Servings: -8 servings

Total Time: 3

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 2 30

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Ingredients

TURKEY

6-8 pound bone-in, skin-on, brined turkey breast, THAWED, (two breasts still joined at the breast bone)
12 garlic cloves smashed with side of knife
2 medium onions, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 handful fresh poultry blend herbs (like thyme, rosemary and sage)
1 cup low sodium chicken broth

HERB BUTTER

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 TBS EACH garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt
1 tsp EACH dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, pepper

GRAVY

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons reserved Herb Butter divided, in directions
1/3 cup flour
2 cups low sodium chicken broth (more or less as needed with drippings)
chicken bouillon to taste (optional)

Instructions

BRING TO ROOM TEMPERATURE

Remove the turkey from the packaging and place it on a cutting board. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes. Meanwhile, prep the pan and make the herb butter and spread it over the turkey anytime in the 60-minute window (directions below).

Prep Pan

In the center of a 9×13 baking dish, or similar roasting pan, layer the garlic, sliced onion, oranges and fresh herbs. Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the pan (If preparing the turkey ahead of time and refrigerating, add broth just before roasting).
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

MAKE and apply HERB BUTTER

Mix all of the Herb Butter ingredients together in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Transfer 2 tablespoons to another small bowl to use later in the gravy.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey with the help of the upside of a spoon. Gently run your fingers between the skin and the meat to separate, taking care not to tear the skin. Spread about 2/3 of the butter under the skin of the turkey breasts (⅓ per breast), then gently press on the top of the skin to spread the butter to the edges. Rub the remaining butter all over top the turkey breast skin.
Transfer the turkey breast to the prepared pan BREAST/SKIN SIDE UP. You may need to move the onions/oranges around to stabilize it. You can even add more slices if needed to balance the breast.
STOP HERE FOR MAKE AHEAD OPTION. The turkey can be left tented with foil and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Remove from the fridge 60 minutes before cooking then proceed with recipe.

ROAST THE TURKEY

Roast the turkey SKIN SIDE UP, uncovered, at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes.
Baste with juices from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Continue to roast, uncovered, basting every 20 minutes for the first hour, then stop basting so the skin can get crispy (or don't baste at all for the crispiest skin).
Roast until the center or thickest portion registers between 155-160 on an instant read thermometer (or I’m obsessed with my digital meat probe thermometer (as seen in the video). COVER the turkey with foil when it becomes golden to your taste, at any point during the cook time. Allow 15-20 minutes per 1 lb. of turkey. (Always start checking early!) My 7 pound turkey took 2 ½ hours.

REST

Transfer turkey to a cutting board. Let rest, UNCOVERED (so the skin doesn’t get soggy), for 15 before carving. Meanwhile, make the Gravy:

GRAVY

Add the drippings from the pan (remove whole herbs, onions, oranges and garlic) to a gravy fat separator cup to skim off the fat when poured.
OR if you don’t have one, add the drippings to a large freezer bag and allow the fat to separate to the top. Seal the bag and hold over a 3+ liquid measuring cup so that one bottom corner tip is facing down into the measuring cup like a spout. Make a small cut in this corner with scissors. The bottom liquid will flow through the cut, stop when you reach the fat.
Add enough chicken broth to the drippings in the measuring cup to equal 2 ½ cups.
Add 3 tablespoon unsalted butter and ONE tablespoon reserved Herb Butter to a large saucepan and melt over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly.
Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the combined 2 ½ cups drippings/broth. Bring to a simmer until thickened to desired consistency, whisking constantly. If it becomes too thick at any point, whisk in additional broth.
The gravy will vary from turkey to turkey because we are using the dripping from a pre-brined turkey, so, the amount of extra seasonings relies on YOU. Taste and add additional reserved butter if desired for more flavor. If the gravy needs more salt, I suggest starting with chicken bouillon, ¼ teaspoon at a time (up to 1 teaspoon), before salting to taste. Season with pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Turkey breast: One whole bone-in turkey breast are two breasts still attached at the breast bone, with the legs and wings removed (also called the turkey crown) and weigh 5 to 8 pounds. Sometime they are labeled “Turkey breast with ribs, back portion, wing portion, etc.” Half turkey breast or split turkey breast is just one side of the breast and is much smaller, usually only 3 pounds (not what we want). Most grocery stores sell bone-in turkey breast year-round. You’ll either find them in the chest coolers or in the butcher’s display case. In either location, they will likely be frozen, so make sure to plan enough time to thaw your bird.
Thaw the turkey breast properly. Never cook your turkey breast from frozen or partially frozen or it will cook unevenly and portions will dry out. As a rule of thumb, plan on AT LEAST 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. For a quick thaw, submerge the turkey (in packaging) in cold water and allow 30 minutes for every 1lb of turkey. Change the water every 30 minutes. This means an 8 pound turkey will take 4 hours using this method.
Use a meat thermometer! You NEED an instant read meat thermometer for roasting a turkey breast – this is NON-NEGOTIABLE. You can pick up an inexpensive instant read thermometer at any grocery store or Target, Walmart – most places should carry them, or there is always Amazon. Instead of an instant thermometer, I’m obsessed with my digital meat probe thermometer (as seen in the video). You stick the probe in the turkey (or any protein, I use it for chicken, steak, pork, etc. every day) and set an alert for the finished temperature, walk away and it will beep when ready! This will guarantee perfectly cooked juicy turkey every time!
Always check the turkey breast early. Turkey shape, size, brine, type of pan, exact oven, can all affect the cooking time, so make sure you check the temperature early and then continue roasting as needed.
Make ahead instructions: To prepare the Roasted Turkey Breast in advance, prepare the recipe as written through rubbing the herb butter all over the turkey. Allow the turkey to air-chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours – this will create crispier skin too! Remove the turkey breast from the fridge 60 minutes before cooking and then proceed with the recipe.
To store: Leftover Oven Roasted Turkey Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To freeze: Remove the turkey from the bone, tightly wrap the meat in plastic wrap, then freeze in freezer bags. Press out as much air from the bags as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30 seconds followed by 10-second intervals as needed or warm in the oven in an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth or water. For extra decadent juiciness, dot the slices with butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes or until warmed through. To warm in the skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Cover and cook on low until warmed through.

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12 Comments

Katherine A Dietz says

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Do I use yellow or white onions? Thanks!
Katherine

- Jen says
  
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  Hi Katherine, I recommend yellow. (Usually when a recipe doesn’t specify, it means for you to use yellow 😉 ) Happy Thanksgiving!
  
Shira says

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Hi Jen! Wow this looks delicious – would I be able to sub for chicken breasts? Brined turkey breasts are not readily available in my country

Thanks!

- Jen says
  
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  Yes! I would use bone-in, skin on chicken breasts so you can still enjoy the butter under the skin. Adjust the baking time as needing. Enjoy!
  
Stephanie says

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This absolutely divine turkey breast graced our family table yesterday for Thanksgiving. I knew when I tasted the herb butter that it was going to amazing when it was done. Followed the recipe exactly as written, Used our Traeger smoker as an “oven: to roast at the times the recipe called for to free up my oven for the side dishes. The turkey was so flavorful, moist & the gravy made with the herb butter was brilliant, it had all the classic Thanksgiving turkey flavors going on. I see myself making this year round or even on roasted chicken. Only regret was not having enough leftover turkey for your new turkey shepherd’s pie recipe, LOL

- Jen says
  
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  Thank you for the brilliant review Stephanie! I’m thrilled everyone loved it and that it will be a year round favorite! That’s awesome you were able to use your Traeger as an oven!
  
Danielle says

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Could I cook 2 bone in turkey breasts in one large roasting pan? Or should they eat have their own pan? And if separate pans, could they be in the same oven? Feeding 11 and don’t want to cook a full turkey.

- Jen says
  
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  Hi Danielle, you can cook them in one pan if they have plenty of room in between so they roast and don’t steam. If in separate pans, yes, they can be in the same oven. Hope this helps! Happy Thanksgiving!
  
Travis says

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Is it possible to use this recipe for a whole turkey? If so, what changes would need to be made?

- Jen says
  
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  Here’s my recipe for a whole turkey: https://carlsbadcravings.com/roast-turkey-herb-butter/
  Happy Thanksgiving!
  
Kristi says

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I made this for our thanksgiving and let me say it was delicious. I followed the recipe exactly as printed but I cooked it in the slow cooker. The gravy was delicious too…so glad I found this recipe. Well done

- Jen says
  
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  I’m so glad that you found it as well! Thanks for letting me know how it went, I appreciate you!