Name: Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
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 (thyme, rosemary, sage); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder; 1/2 tablespoon paprika; 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary; 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley; 1/2 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons reserved herb butter (divided); 1/3 cup flour; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (more or less as needed with drippings); Chicken bouillon, to taste (optional)

There’s just something irresistible about a classic Sunday dinner, especially when it features a Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This recipe’s magic lies in its incredible garlic-herb butter that keeps every bite moist and packed with flavor, making it a real crowd-pleaser.

A whole roasted golden-brown chicken with a crispy, seasoned skin sits on a white rectangular plate. Around the chicken, there are bright orange and yellow flowers, along with green leafy herbs and small white blossoms, creating a colorful and fresh decoration. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a faint red-striped cloth slightly visible on the right side. The chicken is the center and highest layer of the image with the flowers and herbs forming a vivid bottom layer framing it. 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 Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get over how this Roast Turkey Breast comes out every single time — juicy, tender, and bursting with fresh garlic and herbs. It’s honestly my go-to when I want classic comfort food without the fuss of a whole turkey.

Effortless to Prepare: Because the turkey breast is pre-brined and bone-in, it cooks evenly without any flipping or guesswork.
Rich Garlic Herb Butter: Smearing the skin and under it with this fragrant butter locks in moisture and flavor like a charm.
Delicious Pan Gravy: Using those golden drippings to make an easy gravy adds a savory finish that your guests will love.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this turkey breast shines as the star of the table.

The image shows a white plate with several layers of sliced cooked chicken arranged in a slightly overlapping way, each slice having a golden brown edge and tender white inside. Light brown gravy is poured over the chicken, creating a smooth and shiny texture on top. Green herb pieces are sprinkled over the gravy and chicken. The plate is garnished with green leafy herbs and one bright orange flower on the side. The background is a white marbled surface, and a golden fork is placed on the right edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe come together to create that perfect harmony of flavors — savory herbs with the gentle tang of orange and the earthy richness of butter. Each item plays a role in making this dish unforgettable.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small pile of smashed garlic cloves, two medium onions sliced into rings, a few bright orange slices, a handful of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs mixed together, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden softened unsalted butter, a small white bowl of clear low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl holding smooth pale Dijon mustard, small piles of dried garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper each arranged neatly in separate spaces, and a small white bowl with pale beige flour, all 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 brined turkey breast: Brining ensures juicy, tender meat and the skin crisps beautifully for that crave-worthy texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh smashed garlic delivers depth and a subtle kick that infuses every bite.
Onions: Sliced onions add natural sweetness to the roasting pan, enhancing the pan juices for gravy.
Orange slices: The orange’s zest and juice brighten the flavor and complement the herbs marvelously.
Fresh poultry blend herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): These herbs add the essential aroma and earthiness to balance the richness of the butter.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the meat moist while roasting and forms the liquid base for gravy.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the secret weapon—it's mixed with herbs and spices to create the luscious garlic herb butter.
Olive oil and Dijon mustard: These help bind the seasoning and butter to the skin while adding extra flavor layers.
Spices like garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper: Together, they create a well-rounded seasoning profile that’s savory, warm, and just a bit smoky.
Flour: For thickening the pan gravy to silky perfection.
Chicken bouillon (optional): Adds a flavor boost to the gravy if you want it richer.

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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

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste preferences and the occasion. You can spice it up, lighten it, or add seasonal twists effortlessly. You’ll feel like the chef in charge of your own delicious creation!

Variation: I’ve had great success swapping fresh poultry herbs for a blend I make from my garden, adding a hint of lemon thyme in summer for a fresh brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Dietary tweak: Use olive oil in place of some butter for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal switch: Add a few sage leaves pressed under the skin during autumn or sprinkle in some fresh thyme and rosemary for a winter warmer.

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

Step 1: Preparing the Herb Garlic Butter

First, I soften the unsalted butter to room temperature. Then I mix in the garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This herbaceous, spicy butter is the key to juicy, flavorful turkey — it’s what I rub all over and under the skin, ensuring every bite has that garlicky herb goodness. Take your time here; massaging the butter under the skin really makes a difference!

Step 2: Preparing the Turkey Breast

With a sharp knife or your fingers, gently separate the turkey skin from the breast meat. Be careful not to tear the skin. Spread a good amount of the garlic herb butter underneath the skin and over the top. Then, rub the outside with olive oil and Dijon mustard, which helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Arranging Aromatics and Roasting

I lay the sliced onions and orange slices in the roasting pan along with the fresh poultry blend herbs. Placing the turkey breast on top allows the pan juices to soak up all those flavors. Pour in about a cup of low sodium chicken broth to keep things moist during roasting. Then I roast the turkey at a moderate temperature—no flipping required—basting a few tablespoons of reserved herb butter over every 30 minutes. The result? A golden-brown, juicy turkey breast that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Making the Pan Gravy

Once the turkey is out and resting, I use those gorgeous drippings to whip up a quick pan gravy. Start by melting a few tablespoons of butter and whisking in flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth, scraping up those browned bits until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chicken bouillon if you want it richer. This gravy is sensational alongside the tender turkey slices.

Top Tip

In all my years of roasting turkey breast, these tips have saved my sanity and delivered the best results every time. Don’t skip these little steps—they really elevate the dish!

Butter under the skin: Spreading herb butter beneath the skin keeps the meat juicy and bastes it as it cooks—trust me, this trick is worth the extra minute!
Use a meat thermometer: Avoid dry turkey by pulling it out exactly when it hits 160°F; it will keep cooking while resting.
Let it rest: I always tent the turkey loosely with foil for 15-20 minutes before slicing—this retains the juices perfectly.
Don’t rush basting: Baste with the reserved herb butter every 30 minutes to deepen the flavor and boost browning without drying out the skin.

How to Serve Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

garlic herb turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this turkey with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a few extra sprigs of thyme. It adds color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a green bean casserole bursting with crunch, and buttery cornbread stuffing. Don’t forget a tart cranberry sauce for that sweet-tart contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve carved the turkey breast onto a wooden board surrounded by citrus slices and fresh herbs. It makes for a gorgeous centerpiece where everyone can help themselves, making the meal feel approachable and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover turkey breast slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3-4 days, perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze sliced turkey breast in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. When properly stored, it keeps well up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To keep that juicy texture, I reheat slices gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or covered in foil in a low oven (about 275°F) until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry out meat if overheated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?

For a 6-8 pound bone-in turkey breast, roasting usually takes about 2 ½ hours at 325°F. However, using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F is the best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked without drying out.

Can I use boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in?

You can, but bone-in tends to retain moisture better and imparts more flavor during roasting. Boneless turkey breasts cook faster and should be monitored closely to avoid drying out. The garlic herb butter technique still works well either way!

Do I need to brine the turkey breast before roasting?

This recipe starts with a pre-brined turkey breast, which helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful. If you buy unbrined, I recommend brining it yourself or marinating to achieve similar results.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can apply the herb butter and prepare the turkey breast a day ahead, then keep it covered in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper. Bring the bird to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Turkey Breast Recipe has become an absolute staple in my kitchen for special family meals and holidays alike. It manages to be show-stopping without the stress, and I love how the herbs and garlic come together for that unforgettable flavor. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to impress everyone at your table with such juicy, homey goodness!