Juicy roasted turkey breast with herb butter
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
1 hr 15 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Servings
8
1 turkey breast
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Juicy roasted turkey breast with herb butter
★4.7(18)
A perfectly roasted bone-in turkey breast rubbed with herb butter. Golden, juicy, and much easier than roasting a whole bird.
15m
Prep Time
75m
Cook Time
90m
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Roasting just the breast is the smartest way to get juicy turkey without the whole-bird hassle. Herb butter under the skin keeps every slice incredibly moist.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (5-7 lbs)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast. Spread herb butter evenly under the skin and rub remainder on top.
- 3
Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- 4
Reduce oven to 350°F and continue roasting 50-60 minutes until internal temp reaches 160°F in the thickest part.
- 5
Tent with foil and rest 15 minutes (temp will rise to 165°F). Slice and serve with pan drippings.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
ButterOlive oil
Dairy-free option, slightly less crisp skin
Fresh herbsDried herbs (2 tsp total)
Use about one-third the amount
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Dry-brine the breast with salt overnight for the crispiest skin.
Use the drippings to make a quick gravy.
A digital probe thermometer is essential for perfect results.
Storage
Refrigerate sliced turkey for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm slices in broth in a covered pan at 325°F for 15 minutes to keep them moist.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (120mg) · 8 servings
Calories280
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein40g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat0g
Fiber460mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long per pound?
- About 15 minutes per pound at 350°F after the initial high-heat sear.
- Can I use boneless breast?
- Yes, but reduce cook time by about 20 minutes.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →