Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet sensational centerpiece for your next family dinner or holiday feast, the Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy is pure comfort on a platter. Tender, juicy turkey infused with fresh herbs and lemon, nestled on fragrant onions, and finished with the silkiest gravy — it’s a feast that feels both classic and impossibly easy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients join forces here, working their magic to create the Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy. Each brings something special — flavor, aroma, tenderness, or gorgeous color — and together, they guarantee a roast that tastes as amazing as it looks.

• 3 pound fresh boneless turkey breast: This is the juicy star of the show; choosing boneless means super easy carving and even roasting.
• ½ sweet onion, sliced: Lays the foundation for savory, fragrant steam and richer pan drippings.
• 1 lemon, sliced: Adds bright, citrusy notes that wake up the turkey and balance the richness.
• Handful of fresh poultry blend herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): Whole herbs infuse the meat with deep, woodsy aroma and tons of flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Rubbing the turkey with real butter locks in moisture and guarantees a glorious golden finish.
• Kosher salt and pepper: The essential duo for seasoning every layer, from roast to gravy.
• ½ teaspoon garlic: Adds savory punch and warmth — fresh or granulated works.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness and lovely color; totally elevates the flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: A little dried thyme reinforces the herbiness, especially if you’re stretching your fresh herbs.
• ¼ cup turkey or chicken stock: Poured into the pan to keep everything juicy and help form the base for the gravy.
• For the pan gravy:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enriches the gravy right from the start.
  • 3 cups turkey or chicken stock: Forms the flavorful backbone of the gravy — use whatever you have, but a good stock makes a big difference.
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to luxuriously silky perfection.
  • Kosher salt and pepper: Adjust to taste; don’t be shy!

Variations

Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or simply want to get creative with the Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy, there’s tons of flexibility. Try one of these simple twists and really make this roast your own!

• Herb Flexibility: Don’t have fresh herbs? Use a combination of dried thyme, sage, and rosemary — just reduce the amount to avoid overpowering.
• Citrus Swap: Try orange slices instead of lemon for a slightly sweeter, more aromatic flavor profile.
• Butter Blends: Mix the softened butter with finely chopped garlic or a spoonful of Dijon for extra zip.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for the gravy thickener — it’s just as silky.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder onto the turkey before roasting if you like a little heat.

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

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by preheating your oven to a blazing 450°F to encourage that gorgeous golden crust. Arrange your sliced onions, lemon rounds, and a big handful of fresh herbs in the center of a cast iron skillet or ceramic baking pan, creating a flavorful “bed” for your turkey to rest on. This simple layer infuses the meat with gentle aromatics — and sets the stage for swoon-worthy drippings.

Step 2: Butter Up and Season the Turkey

Give that turkey breast a thoughtful pat-down with paper towels so it roasts up beautifully. Place your turkey right on top of your onion and herb nest. Smother the bird all over with softened butter — don’t be shy! Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then combine the garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme in a little dish and rub or sprinkle all that goodness across every surface. Finish by pouring ¼ cup of stock into the pan to keep things juicy.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Roast the turkey at high heat (450°F) for 20 minutes to lock in moisture and encourage browning. Then drop the oven to 350°F and continue roasting for 30–40 minutes, until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer. Tent with foil and let it rest while you move on to the gravy — this resting time is key for juicy slices!

Step 4: Make the Easy Pan Gravy

Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the onions, lemons, herbs, and any bits left in the roasting pan. Set the pan with its glorious drippings over medium-low heat and stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra flavor. In a separate jar, shake together 3 cups stock and ¼ cup flour until no lumps remain. Pour this into the pan slowly, whisking like you mean it. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until it thickens into silky, golden pan gravy — then season to taste.

Step 5: Carve and Serve

Remove any casing or twine from the turkey, then carve into beautiful thick slices. Plate the turkey and generously spoon over that buttery, herb-packed gravy. The Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy is ready for its moment in the spotlight!

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

Garnishes

For a feast-worthy finish, scatter freshly chopped parsley, extra snipped thyme, or a few tiny rosemary sprigs right over your platter. Add a slice or two of lemon for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of olive oil or an extra grinding of black pepper is always welcome for extra shine and snap.

Side Dishes

This Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy shines alongside ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, earthy roasted veggies, classic stuffing, or a simple crunch of green beans. Even a tangy cranberry sauce or crusty bread will feel right at home, ready to scoop up every last drop of pan gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the sliced turkey fanned out on a wooden board or platter, interspersed with extra lemon rounds and a tumble of fresh herbs for a rustic-chic look. Pour the pan gravy into a little pitcher or gravy boat for guests to drizzle themselves — or go all out with individual plates, each with a swirl of gravy under every slice, for restaurant flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slice any leftover turkey and place it in an airtight container, separating it from the gravy for easy reheating. Stored this way in the fridge, the Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

The turkey breast (and gravy!) both freeze surprisingly well. Cool the turkey completely before tightly wrapping slices in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. For the gravy, use a freezer-safe container and leave a little room for expansion. Both keep beautifully for up to 2 months — perfect for future busy nights or special cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm turkey slices in a covered dish with a splash of stock or water to keep them juicy, either in the oven or microwave. Warm the gravy over low heat on the stovetop, whisking in a little extra stock if needed — it comes back together in minutes and tastes just as dreamy as freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this Butter and Herb Turkey Breast Roast with Easy Pan Gravy — it’s one of those heartwarming, showstopper recipes that somehow feels special and effortless all at once. Whenever you need a little comfort (or just the best turkey sandwiches of your life), you’ll be so glad you made it. Enjoy every juicy, herby, gravy-drenched bite!

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