There’s something deeply satisfying about a roast turkey breast that’s bursting with flavor and so tender it almost melts in your mouth. This Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe delivers on all that and more, making it perfect for a special dinner or a cozy meal anytime you want comfort food with a gourmet touch.

The image shows six thick slices of roasted turkey arranged in two layers on a white plate with a subtle pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a golden-brown crust with a moist white interior, topped with a light brown gravy that drips slightly over the edges. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the turkey and gravy. Around the turkey on the plate are fresh green herbs, including sage leaves and a sprig of small white flowers, adding a fresh touch. 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 Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this turkey breast recipe countless times, and honestly, it’s become my go-to whenever I want juicy, flavorful meat without the hassle of a whole bird. The herb butter and slow roasting create magic that’s just unbeatable.

Perfectly juicy: The herb butter under the skin locks in moisture, keeping the turkey tender and succulent.
Flavor-packed: A fragrant mix of fresh and dried herbs elevates this roast far beyond ordinary turkey breast dinners.
Simple to prepare: Minimal fuss - just a few steps and you get an elegant, eye-catching centerpiece.
Versatile make-ahead option: You can prep in advance and roast when ready, which is a lifesaver for busy days.

The dish shows multiple layers of sliced cooked chicken arranged on a white plate. Each slice has a browned, slightly crispy outside and a tender, white inside. A light brown gravy sauce is drizzled over the chicken, adding shine and moisture, with tiny green herb pieces sprinkled across the top. The plate is adorned with green herb sprigs on the left and a bright orange flower on the lower right, all set against a white marbled surface. A gold fork is partly visible on the right side beside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe plays a key role, layering flavor while keeping the meat juicier than you’d expect for something roasted so simply. I like to pick fresh herbs when possible for the brightest flavor.

Flat lay of one whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with natural skin texture, a small pile of twelve whole garlic cloves with papery skins, two medium onions sliced into rings, several round orange slices showing juicy segments, a handful of fresh green poultry herbs including thyme sprigs, rosemary stems, and sage leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of dried herbs and spices (paprika, garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, pepper, and salt) in visible powder form, a small white ceramic bowl holding low sodium chicken broth with a light golden color, and three whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged symmetrically; all ingredients 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 adds flavor and the skin helps keep moisture locked in during roasting.
Garlic cloves: Smash them to release their aroma; they roast down to a mellow sweetness.
Onions: Sliced onions give a natural sweetness and a base layer of flavor underneath the turkey.
Orange slices: They add a subtle citrus brightness that pairs wonderfully with the herbs.
Fresh poultry blend herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): These herbs bring that classic roast turkey aroma and taste.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pan moist and helps collect flavorful drippings for gravy.
Unsalted butter: The base of the herb butter — use softened butter for easy mixing and maximum spreadability.
Olive oil and Dijon mustard: Add richness and a subtle tang to the herb butter.
Herb and spice blend (garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper): This blend layers intense, aromatic flavors that soak into the meat.
Flour and additional butter: For making a silky smooth gravy from the pan drippings.

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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 tweaking this Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s super forgiving, so don’t be shy about making it your own.

Variation: One time I added a splash of white wine to the broth for roasting, which added a lovely depth of flavor and made the gravy even better.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried work fine—just adjust the amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the herb butter if you want a little kick.
Diet-friendly tweaks: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version, or serve with low-carb sides for a keto-friendly meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bring to Room Temperature

Start by removing the turkey breast from its packaging and patting it completely dry — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Then let it sit at room temperature for about 45-60 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout. While it rests, I use this time to prep the pan and whip up the herb butter.

Step 2: Prep the Roasting Pan

In a 9x13 inch baking dish or similar roasting pan, arrange the smashed garlic cloves, sliced onions, orange slices, and a good handful of fresh herbs right in the center. Pour 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth over everything. This mixture creates a flavorful bed for the turkey to sit on and adds moisture to the pan while roasting.

Step 3: Make the Herb Butter

Mix softened unsalted butter, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and all the spices until smooth. Set aside 2 tablespoons to use later in your gravy — trust me, this little trick takes the gravy to a new level. Then gently loosen the turkey skin without tearing it, and spread about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin on both breasts. Rub the rest all over the skin on top. This is the secret to juicy meat and crispy, flavor-packed skin.

Step 4: Roast at High Heat, Then Slow

Place the turkey breast skin-side up on the herb bed you prepared, adjusting the onions and orange slices to stabilize it. Roast uncovered at 450°F for 20 minutes to kickstart a crispy skin. Then baste with the pan juices. Lower the heat to 325°F and continue roasting, basting every 20 minutes for the first hour if you like — or skip basting for crispier skin. Check the internal temperature early and often, aiming for 155-160°F in the thickest part of the breast. Once it looks golden and perfect to you, tent the turkey with foil to keep it moist while it finishes cooking.

Step 5: Rest and Make Gravy

When the turkey is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes — this keeps the skin crispy while the juices redistribute. Meanwhile, remove the herbs, onions, and oranges from the pan drippings. Skim the fat, then use those flavorful drippings combined with butter and flour to make a silky gravy. Adding the reserved herb butter here brings everything full circle.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few shortcuts and tricks that really take this Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips are my little secrets to perfectly cooked turkey with minimal stress.

Don't skip the room temp step: Bringing the turkey to room temperature makes a big difference in even cooking and juicy meat.
Use a reliable meat thermometer: This is truly non-negotiable! I rely on a digital probe so I can set it and forget it.
Loosen skin carefully: Be gentle when separating skin from meat — tearing lets moisture escape and dries out the breast.
Baste for moisture, but don’t overdo it: I baste during the first hour then stop to let the skin crisp up beautifully.

How to Serve Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the sliced turkey just before serving — it adds a pop of color and freshness that really brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

This turkey shines alongside classic sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and a simple green bean almondine. Cranberry sauce is optional but always a favorite companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to carve the turkey breast into thick slices and fan them out on a platter garnished with extra orange slices and fresh herbs. It’s both elegant and inviting — guests always ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey breast stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I always keep it sliced for quick sandwiches or easy reheating throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, I remove the meat from the bone, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, and then place in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. It keeps well for up to 3 months and thaws quickly in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat slices gently either in the microwave with a pat of butter or in the oven covered with foil alongside a splash of broth so the turkey stays moist. Skillet reheating with a little water and a lid works great for a quick warm-up too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

While you can use boneless turkey breast, bone-in adds extra flavor and helps retain moisture for juicier results. If using boneless, watch cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.

How do I know when the turkey breast is done?

Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is perfectly cooked between 155-160°F. Let it rest and it will continue to cook to a safe, juicy finish.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the turkey with herb butter and keep it refrigerated, covered with foil, for up to 24 hours before roasting. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking.

How do I get crispy skin without drying out the meat?

Start roasting at a high temperature (450°F) to crisp the skin, then lower the heat and baste sparingly. Avoid covering the turkey while resting, so the skin stays crunchy while the meat stays juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. I love sharing it with friends who want juicy, flavorful turkey without the stress, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. Next time you want that perfect roast turkey experience, give this recipe a try – I promise, you won’t be disappointed.