Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful, and foolproof way to roast turkey at home, you’ve got to try this Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how tender and juicy the turkey turns out, and the herb butter slathered underneath the skin creates this incredible savory crust that just can’t be beat. Plus, the rich homemade gravy? It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes the whole meal feel special. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a go-to for family dinners and holiday meals alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in your turkey. A good-quality bone-in turkey breast makes all the difference, and the fresh herbs and spices blend beautifully with creamy butter for that signature flavor. Grab fresh garlic and don’t skip the smoked paprika—it adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous color. When choosing stock, I prefer unsalted chicken or turkey stock so I can season the gravy perfectly.

• Bone-in turkey breast: Opt for a fresh or fully thawed 3 to 4-pound piece for even cooking and great presentation.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is perfect for blending with herbs and spices into a spreadable paste.
• Brown sugar: Adds a gentle caramel note to the herb butter balance, bringing out depth without sweetness.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the turkey and gravy to bring out all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for best flavor and mild heat.
• Smoked paprika: This ingredient gives a lovely subtle smokiness and color that I’ve come to love in this recipe.
• Dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note that pairs wonderfully with garlic and butter.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that punch of aromatic flavor.
• Fresh herbs (for serving): I love sprigs of thyme or rosemary for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Chicken or turkey stock: Use low sodium so you can control the salt in your gravy.
• All-purpose flour: For thickening that luscious rich gravy.

Variations

I like to keep the base of this Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe classic, but over time I’ve played around with additions that are perfect for different occasions or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak the herbs or even swap the smoked paprika for cayenne if you like a little heat. The gravy is forgiving too—sometimes I add a splash of white wine or a sprig of fresh sage while simmering for extra depth.

• Herb choice variation: I once used fresh thyme and rosemary finely chopped in the butter instead of oregano—my family went nuts for the extra herbal punch.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of warmth, swapping smoked paprika for a pinch of cayenne pepper turns up the heat gently.
• Gluten-free gravy: I’ve made this with cornstarch instead of flour for a naturally gluten-free option, and it thickened beautifully.
• Make it citrusy: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the butter mix gives a bright twist that’s especially good in spring or summer.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Turkey and Herb Butter

Start by letting your turkey breast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking—this helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. While it warms up, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and minced garlic in a bowl until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. I discovered this trick of mixing the brown sugar in butter years ago—it adds a subtle, unexpected layer of flavor that brings everything together so nicely.

Step 2: Butter Up Your Turkey

Place the turkey breast on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan or baking sheet (this helps heat circulate and the skin crisp up). Gently lift the skin of the turkey—this part takes a little patience—and spread some of your herb butter mixture underneath, smoothing it over the meat itself. Then rub the remaining butter all over the skin. Trust me, this step seals in moisture and flavor like magic! Just be gentle so you don’t tear the skin.

Step 3: Roast the Turkey Breast

Pop the turkey into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and roast it for about 90 minutes. I usually rotate the pan once halfway through to ensure even cooking. The key is to keep an eye on your meat thermometer—when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), your turkey is perfectly cooked through but still juicy. Once done, take it out and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. This rest time is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute so the turkey stays moist and tender.

Step 4: Make the Rich Gravy

Here’s where the magic happens. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl—this strains out any burnt bits, leaving a silky base for your gravy. Heat these drippings over medium heat in a saucepan. In a separate container, I like to whisk together the chicken or turkey stock with flour until you have a smooth slurry—that prevents lumps. Pour the slurry into your drippings while whisking vigorously. Keep stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan as the gravy thickens, which can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. Patience here really pays off for a silky smooth gravy. Taste it and adjust with salt and pepper—seasoning really makes or breaks this step.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Keep your gravy warm over low heat and serve it alongside your sliced turkey breast. I love using fresh herbs as garnish—they add a fresh pop of color and flavor right on the plate. You’ll find that this combination of tender, herby turkey and luscious, homemade gravy wins hearts every time.

How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this turkey with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs right before serving. Not only do they look gorgeous against the golden-brown skin, but the aroma is incredible and complements the herb butter perfectly. Sometimes I add a little lemon zest over the top for a fresh, zingy lift that brightens the plate.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love pairing the turkey with creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up that rich gravy), roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For holiday meals, buttery green beans or a classic cranberry sauce add that perfect festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve carved the turkey breast into thick, beautiful slices and fanned them out on a large platter lined with a bed of sautéed greens and fresh herb sprigs. Drizzle some warm gravy over the sliced meat right before serving—it looks elegant and guarantees every bite is flavorful. I also like to serve the gravy in a small gravy boat for guests to pour to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always wrap leftover turkey breast tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3-4 days. When you slice the turkey before storing, it’s easier to reheat single portions without drying out the whole piece.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey and place it in freezer-safe bags with a bit of gravy or broth to preserve moisture. I’ve frozen slices successfully for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat turkey slices gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. I’ve found that reheating slowly on the stovetop beats microwaving for maintaining tenderness. And for gravy, add a little stock or water as you warm it to restore that silky consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy turkey anytime of year, not just holidays. It’s dependable, delicious, and the aromas that fill the kitchen while it roasts are just pure comfort. I love how the simple herb butter and homemade gravy make the turkey feel decadent but still approachable. If you want an absolutely crowd-pleasing, juicy turkey breast without fussing over complicated steps, this recipe is for you. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family enjoys it!

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