Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy Recipe

Here’s my go-to solution for holiday dinners, cozy Sunday suppers, or any time you want to wow the table: Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy. Think juicy, aromatic turkey with golden skin, nestled over a bed of sweet onions, lemon, and herbs—plus a dreamy, from-scratch gravy that takes just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or craving turkey beyond Thanksgiving, this recipe transforms a simple turkey breast into a centerpiece that tastes like pure comfort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few classic, quality ingredients come together to deliver maximum flavor. Each one plays a vital role—herbs boost aroma, butter gives richness, and even the sliced lemon adds brightness for the best Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy.

• 3-pound fresh boneless turkey breast: Look for a plump, juicy turkey breast—boneless cooks faster and is easier to slice.
• ½ sweet onion, sliced: Creates an aromatic bed and sweetens the pan juices for your gravy.
• 1 lemon, sliced: Adds incredible freshness and prevents the turkey from tasting heavy.
• Fresh poultry blend herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): The soul of classic roast turkey—choose a hearty handful for maximum fragrance.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Rubbing the turkey with butter guarantees golden, crisped skin and juicy meat.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Don’t skimp; proper seasoning is the secret to flavor in every bite.
• ½ teaspoon garlic (minced or powder): Brings subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to the skin.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Reinforces that woodsy, herbal flavor.
• ¼ cup turkey or chicken stock: Moistens the pan, lifting up all the flavorful bits as the turkey roasts.
• For the pan gravy:
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds body and silkiness to your gravy.
• 3 cups turkey or chicken stock: The base for a luscious, spoonable gravy.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Whisks up smooth and lump-free for perfect gravy texture.

Variations

This Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy is a wonderful template to riff on—don’t be afraid to tweak it to match your pantry, occasion, or dietary needs. Here are a few delicious ideas to inspire creativity in your kitchen.

• Citrus Twist: Swap the lemon for sliced orange or blood orange to add a sweeter, mellow note to your turkey and gravy.
• Garlic-Lovers’ Version: Amp up the garlic with a few whole cloves tucked under the turkey for extra aroma and depth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter for both rubbing the turkey and in the gravy—surprisingly still rich!
• Herb Swaps: Mix in tarragon or marjoram if you have them; they play beautifully with poultry and add a unique flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Build an Aromatic Base

Start by preheating your oven to a roaring 450 degrees F to set the stage for golden, crispy skin. In the center of a cast iron skillet or ceramic baking dish, arrange sliced onions, fresh lemon rounds, and a bounty of herbs. This fragrant “bed” will cradle your turkey breast, infuse the meat with moisture and aroma, and provide flavorful drippings for your easy pan gravy.

Step 2: Season and Butter the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast completely dry—don’t skip this step! Dry skin means better browning. Lay the turkey atop the onion and herb bed. Slather it generously with softened butter and give it a liberal sprinkling of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, then shower that over the turkey for a savory, aromatic crust. Pour ¼ cup stock into the pan to help everything stay moist as it roasts.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and roast for 20 minutes at high heat, which helps render the skin extra crisp. Then, lower the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue roasting for another 30 to 40 minutes. The turkey is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F—use an instant-read thermometer for peace of mind. Remove from the oven and transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board to rest. This ensures every slice stays juicy, never dry.

Step 4: Make the Easy Pan Gravy

While your turkey rests, make the easiest, most flavorful gravy right in the same pan. Remove large pieces of onion, herbs, and lemon with a slotted spoon. Place the pan over medium-low heat and melt a pat of butter into those rich drippings. In a jar with a tight lid, shake together flour and stock until totally smooth (goodbye, lumps). Slowly stream this into the pan, whisking constantly. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes until silky and thickened. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Slice the rested turkey breast and arrange on your serving platter. Ladle over the hot, golden pan gravy—or serve on the side for those who love “extra.” Every bite is packed with the essence of the herbs, citrus, and buttery goodness you started with.

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

Garnishes

For a truly stunning presentation, scatter extra fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs over your platter, and add fresh lemon slices for a cheerful pop of color. A little drizzle of that glossy pan gravy just before serving makes the Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy look utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

This turkey roast is dreamy alongside creamy mashed potatoes (for soaking up the gravy!), green beans almondine, or oven-roasted carrots. For a lighter touch, try a crisp autumn salad with apple and walnuts. Don’t forget warm, crusty rolls for sopping up every drop of gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the turkey and layer on a wooden board surrounded by roasted vegetables and colorful citrus wedges. Individual plates with a generous spoonful of pan gravy and a sprinkle of herbs feel special, too. Or, stuff the sliced turkey and gravy into soft rolls for festive sliders at your next casual party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store turkey and gravy separately for best texture—just slice what you need and nestle the rest back in the juices to avoid drying out.

Freezing

Both the turkey breast and the gravy freeze surprisingly well. Wrap sliced turkey in plastic and foil, and freeze the cooled gravy in a lidded container for up to 2 months. Defrost both overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bring gravy gently to a simmer in a saucepan, adding a splash of stock if it’s too thick (a quick whisk works wonders). Warm turkey slices in the oven, covered, at 300 degrees F until heated through, or nestle slices in the gravy itself for ultimate moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a turkey dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but show-stopping enough for a holiday, this Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy is for you. I hope it brings joy—and plenty of satisfied smiles—to your table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and savor every bite!

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