Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast: Your Easy Recipe for Weeknights & Holidays

This simple recipe for Roasted Turkey Breast is a true culinary delight, bursting with an incredible depth of flavor thanks to its rich herb-infused butter. Cooked to absolute perfection, it yields a turkey breast that is exceptionally juicy, tender, and incredibly satisfying. Far from being reserved solely for festive occasions, this easy turkey dinner recipe is versatile enough to grace your table any night of the week, making it a perfect solution for a quick yet elegant family meal. It also scales beautifully for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, providing all the traditional taste without the fuss of a whole bird. Follow our expert tips and detailed instructions below to master the art of roasting the perfect turkey breast and discover endless inspiration for your next delicious turkey dinner.

For this incredibly flavorful recipe, you will need just a few key ingredients: boneless turkey breast, high-quality butter, dried rosemary, dried parsley, a touch of garlic salt, and freshly ground pepper. These simple components combine to create an unforgettable meal.

Why Roasted Turkey Breast is a Game Changer

This fantastic roasted turkey breast recipe truly began as a happy accident. I remember picking up some boneless turkey breast at the grocery store without a definitive plan, and in a moment of spontaneous creativity, I simply combined a few pantry staples. The result? Pure deliciousness! It was one of those serendipitous culinary moments that transforms a simple idea into a family favorite. After refining it a few more times to perfect the proportions and technique, I can confidently say this recipe is not only incredibly easy but consistently yields spectacular results.

It’s fascinating how our perceptions of food change. My three-year-old, a fierce critic at times, once declared her dinner “disgusting” after encountering a piece of fat. Yet, the very next day, she happily devoured the leftovers, even asking for more, convinced it was chicken! This just goes to show how versatile and universally appealing well-prepared turkey can be, even for the pickiest eaters.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of our small, intimate Thanksgiving celebration last year. My mom was in town helping out after the arrival of our baby Ari (you can read about his exciting birth story here), so our holiday table included just my mom, husband, our older child August, and baby Ari. Oh, to go back to those days when Ari wasn’t mobile and attempting to throw everything within reach! Time truly flies, and Ari turning one has brought a flood of emotions. We prepared all the beloved Thanksgiving classics, but on a much smaller, more manageable scale. It was our first time focusing on just a roasted turkey breast, and it certainly won’t be our last. The sheer ease and reduced cooking time compared to wrestling with a whole turkey are undeniable advantages.

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To prepare this dish with ease, here are the essential tools you may need: a sturdy cutting board, a sharp knife for prepping your ingredients, a reliable sheet pan (stainless steel is my preferred choice for even cooking and durability), accurate measuring spoons for the herbs, and a small saucepan (like this one) for melting the flavorful herb butter. Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Unbeatable Reasons to Choose Turkey Breast

Opting for a roasted turkey breast over a whole bird offers numerous compelling advantages, making it a smart choice for diverse culinary needs:

• Pure Turkey Love: If you, like many, simply adore the lean, savory flavor of turkey, focusing on the breast means more of what you love, without any of the parts you might prefer less. It’s a direct route to turkey bliss.
• White Meat Preference: Does your family universally favor white meat? If so, why go through the effort of roasting an entire turkey when the dark meat often goes uneaten? By cooking only the breast, you cater directly to your family’s preferences, ensuring every bite is enjoyed and minimizing waste.
• Small Gatherings, Big Flavor: For intimate dinners or smaller holiday get-togethers, a whole turkey is often overkill. A boneless turkey breast provides the perfect amount of meat for a few people, delivering all the festive flavor without the overwhelming leftovers (unless you want them, of course!). It saves you hassle and ensures portion control.
• Time-Saving Convenience: Roasting a whole turkey can be a multi-hour commitment, demanding significant oven space and attention. This baked turkey breast recipe takes a mere fraction of that time to cook, typically less than 1.5 hours. Furthermore, carving a boneless breast is remarkably simpler and quicker, getting you from oven to table in record time.
• Holiday Helper for Large Feasts: If you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, sometimes one whole turkey isn isn’t enough to satisfy all your guests. Instead of roasting a second entire bird, adding a roasted turkey breast provides that much-needed extra white meat, making your holiday feast more abundant and enjoyable for everyone without doubling the labor.
• Healthier Lean Protein: Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious eaters. It’s lower in fat compared to dark meat and many other protein sources, contributing to a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: The ease of preparation and carving makes roasted turkey breast perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a breast on Sunday and have delicious, healthy protein ready for salads, sandwiches, or quick dinners throughout the week.

Creative Turkey Breast Dinner Pairings

One of the beauties of this roasted turkey breast recipe is its incredible adaptability, especially when it comes to creating a convenient and delicious sheet pan dinner. The very first time I made this, it was a complete meal baked all together on a single sheet pan. This meant minimal cleanup – just two dishes at the end – and maximum flavor. It truly is the best kind of meal: effortless and incredibly tasty!

To transform this roasted turkey breast into a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal, simply arrange your favorite vegetables alongside the turkey on the baking sheet. The magic happens when you generously pour that aromatic, herb-infused butter not only over the turkey breast but also over all the accompanying veggies. They absorb all those wonderful flavors as they roast to perfection. Need some inspiration for what to pair it with? Here are a few delectable suggestions:

• Classic Comfort: Roast this turkey breast with hearty potatoes (cut into chunks for even cooking) and crisp Brussels sprouts. The earthy flavors complement the turkey beautifully, and the herb butter will make them irresistibly delicious.
• Sweet & Savory Medley: Combine tender carrots or parsnips, which caramelize slightly when roasted, with fresh green beans. Add the green beans to the sheet pan during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time to ensure they remain vibrant and crisp-tender, not overcooked.
• Autumnal Delight: For a uniquely delicious pairing, cut acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side up on the baking sheet. Fill the cavities with a little extra herb butter. This makes a wonderfully sweet and savory accompaniment, especially when served with a fresh, crisp salad.
• Light & Bright: Sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness, pair wonderfully with the savory turkey. Bake cubed sweet potatoes from the start, then introduce fresh asparagus spears to the pan for the final 30 minutes of baking, ensuring they are perfectly tender with a slight snap.
• Mini Thanksgiving Feast: If you’re aiming for a compact holiday experience, you might need two sheet pans, but the effort is worth it! Roast the turkey breast alongside potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans (again, add green beans during the last 30 minutes). To complete the classic feel, prepare some Stove Top stuffing separately. This combination delivers all the beloved flavors of Thanksgiving without the extensive preparation. Yum!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Roast a Boneless Turkey Breast

Achieving a perfectly juicy and tender roasted turkey breast is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear, detailed steps to ensure a delicious outcome every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper, which I highly recommend for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. While aluminum foil can be used, I personally try to avoid it. (Confession: I sometimes skip the parchment for photos, but always use it for real cooking, I promise!).
2. Craft the Herb-Infused Butter: In a small saucepan, combine a few tablespoons of high-quality butter with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1/2 tablespoon of dried rosemary, and a generous pinch of garlic salt and pepper. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, allowing the butter to gently melt and the herbs to infuse their aromatic flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, just enough to release the oils from the herbs.
3. Remove from Heat: As soon as the butter mixture reaches a simmer, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat. This prevents the herbs from burning and ensures the butter retains its fresh, vibrant flavor.
4. Arrange Turkey and Vegetables: Carefully place your boneless turkey breasts on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re opting for a convenient sheet pan dinner, now is the time to arrange any desired vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts) around the turkey. Ensure they are spread in a single layer for even roasting.
5. Generously Coat with Herb Butter: With the turkey and vegetables arranged, pour the warm, herb-infused butter evenly over everything. Be sure to coat both the turkey breasts and all the vegetables for maximum flavor penetration. Add a bit more salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
6. Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your turkey breasts and whether you included vegetables. The most crucial indicator of doneness is the internal temperature: use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced.
7. Rest Before Slicing: Once the turkey is cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Tent the turkey breast loosely with foil and let it rest for a crucial 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains incredibly tender and moist. Skipping this step can result in dry turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasting Turkey Breast

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast?

The cooking time for a turkey breast primarily depends on its size and whether it’s boneless or bone-in. A general rule of thumb for boneless turkey breast is approximately 20 minutes per pound when roasted at 375°F (190°C). So, if you have a two-pound boneless breast, expect it to take around 40 minutes to an hour. For a larger breast, or if you’ve added dense vegetables to the pan, it might lean towards the longer end of the spectrum. Always prioritize reaching the correct internal temperature over strict timing.

How do you know your turkey breast is done?

The most reliable way to ensure your turkey breast is safely cooked and perfectly done is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones if it’s bone-in. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C). Visually, when you slice into the turkey, there should be no pink visible, and the juices that run out should be completely clear, not cloudy or reddish.

Why do you let the turkey rest before slicing and eating?

Allowing the turkey to rest after cooking is a critical step that ensures maximum juiciness and tenderness. As the turkey cooks, the muscle fibers contract, pushing the internal juices towards the center. If you slice it immediately, these juices will simply run out onto your cutting board, leaving you with dry meat. Resting gives the muscle fibers a chance to relax and reabsorb those delicious juices, distributing moisture throughout the entire breast. A rest of 10-15 minutes, tented loosely with foil, is typically sufficient for a turkey breast.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will impart an even brighter and more vibrant flavor to your turkey. As a general rule, use three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs. So, for this recipe, you would use 3 teaspoons of fresh parsley and 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped. If using fresh herbs, you might want to add them to the melted butter a little later in the process or gently warm them to prevent burning, ensuring their delicate flavor is preserved.

How do I store leftover roasted turkey breast?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious turkey leftovers. Once the turkey breast has cooled completely (within two hours of cooking), slice or shred it and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked turkey breast for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Delicious Dinner Inspirations

Looking to diversify your weeknight menu or find the perfect accompaniment to your roasted turkey? Explore these delightful recipes:

• For a comforting and healthy meal, try my new favorite Chicken Lentil Soup – an easy weeknight soup that’s packed with flavor.
• These Honey Glazed Carrots would make a divine and subtly sweet side dish, perfect alongside your savory turkey.
• Elevate your bread basket with these delicious and aromatic Rosemary Spelt Rolls, offering a wonderful texture and herbaceous note.
• If you’re craving something hearty and unique, these Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bowls With Beef provide a satisfying and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes.