Name: Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (3 to 4 pound) bone-in turkey breast; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 2 garlic cloves, minced; fresh herbs, for serving; drippings from the turkey (¼ cup to ⅔ cup); 16 ounces chicken or turkey stock; 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 28 reviews

If you’re looking for a way to impress at dinner without breaking a sweat, let me share this fan-freaking-tastic Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe that I’ve made countless times. It’s utterly delicious, ridiculously comforting, and packed with those cozy oven-roasted flavors you can’t get enough of. Plus, the gravy that comes out of this? It’s just the thing to elevate your turkey from good to unforgettable. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through the whole process, with tips that I’ve picked up along the way to make sure your roast turkey breast turns out juicy, flavorful, and beautifully browned every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Butter Rub: The butter and spice mixture seeps under the skin for juicy, flavorful meat without complicated marinades.
Slow Roasting at 350°F: This gentle temperature cooks the turkey evenly, ensuring it stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
Homemade Gravy from Drippings: Using those pan juices means every drop of flavor ends up in your gravy, making it rich and savory.
Resting Time: Letting the turkey rest before slicing locks in moisture for succulent slices every time.

Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy, turkey breast roast recipe, juicy turkey breast with gravy, oven-roasted turkey breast, easy holiday turkey recipe - The image shows sliced roasted chicken with golden brown, crispy skin and juicy white meat inside, arranged in two rows on a white patterned plate. The chicken slices have a slightly shiny texture from the glaze and small charred spots. Fresh green rosemary and thyme sprigs are placed on the right side of the plate, adding color and freshness. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe really starts with the ingredients themselves — nothing fancy or hard to find, just simple, well-balanced flavors that complement each other perfectly. Knowing why each ingredient is there helps make sense of the whole process.

Turkey Breast: A bone-in breast gives you juicy meat and even cooking — plus, the bones add flavor to the gravy later.
Unsalted Butter: Butter helps deliver moisture and carries the herbs and spices right under the skin for deep flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle, caramelized sweetness and promotes beautiful browning of the skin.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances every other flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth without overpowering, tying together the spices beautifully.
Dried Oregano: Provides a mild herbal note that contrasts nicely with the rich butter and paprika.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds punchy aroma and bite, key for that savory depth.
Fresh Herbs (for serving): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds bright color and a fresh finish to your plate.
Chicken or Turkey Stock: Used in the gravy to keep it silky and flavorful.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency without lumps.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or what herbs I have on hand, and I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you want to add a little heat or keep it classic, it’s your kitchen — have fun!

Add a Kick: Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the butter rub for a subtle spice that amps up the flavor without being overwhelming.
Herb Swap: Feel free to swap dried oregano for thyme or rosemary — I’ve done all, and each brings a slightly different but equally delicious aroma.
Lemon Zest: For a bright twist, I’ve grated some lemon zest into the butter mixture; it adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich turkey.
Make it Gluten-Free: If you can’t have gluten, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy instead of regular flour — it works great!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Turkey and Butter Rub

First things first — take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is key for even cooking. While the turkey rests, mix the butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and minced garlic in a bowl into a smooth, spreadable paste. Don’t skip getting that butter soft beforehand; it makes smearing it under the skin a breeze, and it’ll stick beautifully.

Step 2: Butter It Up and Get Roasting

Place the turkey breast on a wire rack set over a baking sheet — this lets the heat circulate all around for crispy skin. Gently slide your fingers under the turkey skin and spread some of the butter mixture underneath; this is where the magic happens, locking in moisture. Then rub the rest all over the surface. Roast at 350°F for about 90 minutes, but keep an eye on the internal temperature – aim for 165°F. Rotate the pan once halfway through for even browning.

Step 3: Rest and Prepare the Gravy

Once your turkey hits 165°F, pull it out and let it rest for a solid 30 minutes. This waiting game lets the juices redistribute so every slice stays juicy. While you wait, it’s gravy time! Pour the pan drippings through a fine sieve to get rid of any large bits — you want smooth, silky gravy. Heat the drippings on medium low, and while it’s warming, shake your stock and flour together until fully combined into a slurry (no lumps here!). Slowly whisk the slurry into the drippings and keep stirring for 10 to 20 minutes until your gravy thickens and looks rich and glossy.

Step 4: Season, Serve, and Enjoy

Taste your gravy and don’t be shy with salt and pepper — it really pulls all those flavors together. Keep it warm on low heat, stirring occasionally until you’re ready to serve. Slice up that juicy turkey breast, pour on the gravy, and enjoy your masterpiece!

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Pro Tips for Making Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: I can’t stress this enough — it’s your best friend to avoid overcooking and drying out your turkey.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the turkey lets the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and moist.
Patience with Gravy: Whisk continuously and don’t rush — your gravy will reward you with that perfect silky texture.
Gentle Skin Lift: When spreading butter under the skin, go slow and gentle to avoid tearing and losing your flavorful fat layer.

How to Serve Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my turkey with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme — the green pops on the golden roast and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a few thin lemon slices on the side for color and a hint of brightness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes (because gravy always calls for them!), roasted green beans tossed with garlic and almonds, and a simple cranberry sauce for a touch of tartness. For a hearty meal, I sometimes add a warm stuffing studded with herbs and toasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I love arranging thick turkey slices fanned out on a platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and roasted baby carrots. A drizzle of gravy over the meat makes it look restaurant-worthy, and a few pomegranate seeds scattered around add a festive pop of color. Presentation is all about those little details that make guests feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftover turkey breast tightly in foil or airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. I like slicing the turkey before storing — it makes reheating and sandwich-making so much easier throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, turkey breast freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. Same goes for gravy — freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for easy portions later on.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, keep gentle heat in mind to avoid drying out the turkey. I rewarm slices covered with a drizzle of broth or gravy in the oven or microwave on low power. For gravy, I stir in a splash of water or stock while warming to bring it back to silky perfection.

FAQs

Can I make this Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the butter rub in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to apply. The turkey breast can be prepped a few hours ahead and roasted just before serving. Gravy can be made during resting or even the day before and reheated gently.
Can I use boneless turkey breast instead?

Yes, but bone-in tends to retain moisture better and adds flavor to the gravy. If using boneless, watch cooking times carefully as it tends to cook faster and be sure not to overcook to avoid dryness.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can substitute regular paprika or add a small pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder for a smoky kick. The goal is to add that warm, slightly smoky background flavor, so feel free to experiment a bit.
How do I know when the turkey breast is done?

The key is using a meat thermometer — insert it into the thickest part of the breast and look for 165°F. Resist the urge to go beyond, as the turkey will carry overcook slightly while resting.
Can I use pan drippings to make gravy without chicken stock?

You could, but the gravy might be too thick or intense in flavor. The stock helps balance the richness and adds volume so your gravy isn’t too heavy or overly salty.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Roast Turkey Breast with Savory Gravy Recipe has been a go-to for me when I want to serve up something that feels special but isn’t intimidating. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together effortlessly, whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — the juicy turkey, the rich gravy, the simple ingredients coming together just right. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too.