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Juicy Herb Butter Turkey

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

This way to juicy turkey! Butter loaded with herbs melts under the skin, keeping the meat tender and tasty. Comes complete with a delicious sauce and easy steps to follow.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 13:05:52 GMT
Golden roast turkey breast and herb garnish standing beside crispy potato slices on a clean white plate. Pin it
Golden roast turkey breast and herb garnish standing beside crispy potato slices on a clean white plate. | tastyhush.com

I can't wait for you to try the way I fix turkey breast that always knocks everyone's socks off. Through loads of holiday dinners, I've dialed in this garlicky, herby butter version that comes out ridiculously moist every single time. As soon as you open the oven, all that roasted garlic and fresh green smell fills your kitchen, and suddenly everyone appears with hungry faces!

Irresistible Reasons to Try This Turkey

Skip the holiday fuss with this easy method! That dreamy butter packed with garlic and herbs soaks right into the meat, locking in flavor and keeping things juicy. Bonus: those awesome pan drippings turn into sauce all by themselves, so you can forget about gravy. Friends and family are always blown away by how tender and tasty it is—trust me, it all comes from that herby butter magic.

Star Ingredients for Garlic Herb Butter Turkey

  • Pan Vegetables: Extra cloves of garlic and bundles of fresh herbs tossed into the pan bring out those drool-worthy juices.
  • Salt and Pepper: Don’t be shy—shake these on for real punchy flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Go wild with parsley, rosemary, and thyme—it’s my go-to blend for bold flavor.
  • Butter: Go for a rich, good-quality one—it really makes everything better here.
  • Garlic: Only use fresh cloves—trust me, the taste is way better.
  • Turkey Breast: Pick up a nice piece, bone-in or boneless, whatever feels right for you.

Let’s Jump Into Cooking

The Finishing Touch
Once the turkey reaches 165°F, those pan juices are ready to be poured right over as a tasty finishing sauce.
Into the Oven
Layer the roasting pan with herbs and garlic, lay in your buttered turkey, and roast it at 325°F, basting with drippings whenever you can.
Butter Under the Skin
Now for the fun part: slide your hands under the skin and slather on the garlic herb butter. Really work it all around!
Making That Magic Butter
Blend soft butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs until it smells amazing—this is your flavorful base.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

  • That Butter Though: Lay it on thick—herb butter is what really dials up the flavor here.
  • Keep Basting: Don’t let those pan juices sit at the bottom—scoop them up and baste often!
  • Temperature is Key: Get a reliable meat thermometer—you’ll nail doneness every time.

Tasty Sides to Add On

Yeah, I go for the classic fixings most times with this turkey, but I also like switching things up—try it alongside garlicky bread stuffing or a peppery arugula salad. Don’t forget, those pan juices are awesome poured all over any side on your table.

Next-Level Ways With Leftovers

Don’t toss leftover turkey—turn it into something special! It’s great stirred into comforting enchilada soup or tucked into a cheesy pot pie. And if you saved that garlic butter sauce, oh man, your sandwiches are going to be incredible!

Sliced turkey breast with fresh herbs and gravy, all topped with thyme, sitting on a serving plate. Pin it
Sliced turkey breast with fresh herbs and gravy, all topped with thyme, sitting on a serving plate. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this in advance?
Sure thing! Buttered turkey can sit in the fridge up to 24 hours. Let it warm to room temp about 45 minutes before roasting.
→ Are dried herbs okay to use?
Absolutely. Swap in 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, and sage. Skip dried parsley; it won't do much.
→ When's the turkey fully cooked?
A meat thermometer will tell you—hit 74°C or 165°F in the thickest part. It usually takes about 15 minutes per pound (or 500g).
→ What if my turkey's already brined?
Cut the salt in the butter to around 3/4 teaspoon. That way, your turkey won't turn out overly salty!
→ How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store the turkey whole, keeping the butter and drippings on it. It'll stay juicy, and slices nicely like deli meat the next day!

Herb Butter Turkey Breast

Golden turkey breast seasoned with buttery garlic herbs under the skin for unbeatable taste. Comes with a rich pan sauce.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
110 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 turkey breast)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 One turkey breast (2.5-3 kg), bone in, skin on.
02 1/2 tsp of salt.
03 Freshly ground black pepper to taste.
04 10 sprigs of fresh thyme.
05 4 sprigs of rosemary.
06 8 sprigs of sage.
07 12 garlic cloves, crushed.
08 150g of softened butter, unsalted.
09 1/2 tsp ground pepper (to season butter).
10 1 1/4 tsp table salt (to season butter).
11 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced.
12 1 tbsp of chopped parsley (fresh).
13 1 tbsp of rosemary, diced small.
14 1 tbsp of sage, chopped finely.
15 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves.

Instructions

Step 01

Take the turkey out of the fridge about 45 minutes before starting. Set your oven to 200C/390F to preheat.

Step 02

Put the smashed garlic cloves and the herb bunches in the center of your roasting dish.

Step 03

Mix the softened butter, minced garlic, all the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 04

Using a spoon, loosen the turkey's skin gently. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the rest all over the outside and underside.

Step 05

Place the turkey breast on top of the herbs in the dish. Lower the oven temperature to 180C/350F, and let it roast for 1.5 hours, basting every half an hour.

Step 06

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should be 74C/165F. If it turns golden, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 07

Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Pour the pan juices over it to serve.

Notes

  1. You can prep the turkey up to a day ahead.
  2. Cook for 15 minutes per 500g/1lb weight.
  3. If you don't have fresh herbs, dry ones work too.
  4. Skip some salt if you're using a pre-brined turkey.

Tools You'll Need

  • Roasting dish.
  • A meat thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 598
  • Total Fat: 45 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 52 g