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Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe with Easy Pan Gravy

herb butter roasted turkey breast - featured image

A flavorful and moist turkey breast roasted with herb butter and served with a rich pan gravy, perfect for family meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon kosher salt)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey stock (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
  3. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  4. Gently loosen the skin from the breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat, being careful not to tear it.
  5. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter evenly under the skin, massaging it gently across the meat surface. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  6. Drizzle the turkey breast with olive oil and season the outside lightly with extra salt and pepper.
  7. Place the breast on the roasting rack in your pan, skin side up.
  8. Roast uncovered for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast.
  9. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes.
  10. Pour off excess fat from the roasting pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Place the pan over medium heat on the stove.
  11. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling, stirring constantly.
  12. Slowly add the stock while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Carve the turkey breast against the grain into thick slices and serve with the pan gravy.

Notes

If skin isn’t crisp enough, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Always rest the meat for 15 minutes to retain juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. For gluten-free gravy, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based margarine and vegetable stock.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, roasted turkey, herb butter, pan gravy, Thanksgiving, easy turkey recipe, juicy turkey