Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of perfectly juicy turkey with a golden, buttery crust and all the herby, savory smells of Thanksgiving—minus the massive undertaking—this Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy is about to become your new favorite. It’s incredibly simple, loaded with flavor from crispy herbs and fresh citrus, and the luscious homemade gravy brings everything together in just over an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy delivers incredible taste using just a few essential ingredients, most of which you probably already have! Each one brings something special to the juicy turkey, crisp skin, or luscious gravy—making every bite count.

• Fresh boneless turkey breast (3 pounds): The star of the show! Choose a breast with the skin on for best texture and flavor.
• Sweet onion, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and savory depth as a base for roasting.
• Lemon, sliced: Infuses the meat with a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh poultry blend herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and sage): Classic herbs for robust aroma and earthy flavor—don’t be shy!
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup + 1 Tbsp): Softened, this is key for that golden crust and silky gravy—go for the real deal.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for pulling out all the nuanced flavors of the turkey and herbs.
• Garlic (½ teaspoon): Gives the roast a delicious, savory backbone.
• Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): A touch of smoke and color makes this roast irresistible.
• Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Extra herby boost if you’re a thyme fan!
• Turkey or chicken stock (¼ cup + 3 cups): Used for moisture while roasting and as the base for that creamy, craveable pan gravy.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup): For thickening the gravy to silky perfection.

Variations

The beauty of Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy is how flexible it is! Feel free to tweak the herbs, swap aromatics, or adjust for dietary needs and personal tastes—this dish will rise to any occasion.

• Citrus Swap: Try orange slices instead of lemon for a sweeter, milder aroma.
• Dairy-Free: Use a good-quality olive oil in place of butter for both the rub and gravy base.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch for thickening.
• Herb Adventure: Toss in tarragon, marjoram, or even a little parsley for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy

Step 1: Prep the Roasting Base

Preheat your oven to 450°F. In the center of a large cast iron skillet or ceramic pan, lay out the onion and lemon slices, then scatter over the fresh herbs. This fragrant, flavorful bed keeps the turkey elevated and infuses it with flavor while keeping it moist. Your kitchen will already smell amazing.

Step 2: Season and Butter the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels—this step is key for crisp skin! Place the turkey directly onto your herb-onion-lemon bed. Rub the entire surface generously with softened butter, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Next, generously season with kosher salt and pepper. In a small dish, stir together the garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, then sprinkle this savory blend all over your turkey. Finally, pour ¼ cup stock into the pan to create the perfect steamy environment for roasting.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to start that gorgeous browning. Then, lower the oven to 350°F and continue roasting for an additional 30–40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. Transfer the turkey breast onto a cutting board, and let it rest under loose foil while you work magic on the pan gravy.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Easy Pan Gravy

Using a slotted spoon, remove the onions, lemons, herbs, and any big bits or fat from the pan. Place the pan with the turkey drippings over medium-low heat and add the remaining one tablespoon of butter. In a lidded jar or shaker cup, combine the flour with the stock; shake it up until smooth with no lumps. Slowly pour this mixture into your pan, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking until the gravy thickens up (5-10 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper—it’s practically impossible not to sneak a spoonful!

Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Savor

Once your turkey has rested, remove any twine or casing if it was included, then slice into generous portions. Plate up the juicy turkey breast and spoon over the silky pan gravy. The result is a Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy that’s worthy of any gathering, big or small.

How to Serve Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy

Garnishes

Tuck extra sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary along the platter, and finish with a scattering of lemon slices for a pop of color. A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped parsley makes every slice even prettier (and tastier!), truly elevating your Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy.

Side Dishes

This turkey roast loves company! Classic mashed potatoes, a mound of sautéed green beans, or roasted root veggies are all sublime at soaking up the pan gravy. For a fresh twist, try a crisp autumn salad with apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Arranged on a rustic wooden board with the pan gravy in a vintage pitcher, this dish turns everyday dinner into a celebration. Or go restaurant-style: slice the turkey, fan it over creamy mashed potatoes, and drizzle the Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy over the top in dramatic ribbons. Bonus: a little extra lemon zest sprinkled just before serving makes everything sing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, keeping the gravy separate if possible. Sliced turkey stays wonderfully juicy when it’s covered with a bit of the leftover gravy before refrigerating.

Freezing

Freeze leftover turkey slices wrapped tightly in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Pour any extra Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy into small freezer containers, leaving a little space for expansion.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm turkey slices (and gravy) covered with foil at 300°F until heated through. For the gravy, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, whisking in a splash of stock to restore its silky smoothness—it’ll taste freshly made!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself (and your family!) to this Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy soon. It’s a true comfort dish, simple enough for any weeknight but special enough for a holiday table. I know it’ll bring joy, ease, and plenty of happy bellies to your kitchen!

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