Easy Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with Butter Gravy

This Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with Butter Gravy is an easy way to serve a cozy Thanksgiving dinner without roasting a whole turkey. The turkey breast is coated with garlic, butter, and herbs, then roasted until golden on the outside and juicy on the inside.

It is perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, Sunday dinner, or any holiday meal when you want all the traditional flavor with less work and fewer leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

• Perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving dinner
• Serves about 4–6 people
• Easier than cooking a whole turkey
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Juicy turkey with a buttery garlic-herb crust
• Includes an easy homemade gravy
• Great with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast

• 1 boneless turkey breast, about 3–4 pounds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth

For the Butter Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1/2 cup pan drippings from the turkey, if available
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions Garlic Herb Turkey Breast

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Place it in a baking dish or roasting pan.

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Rub the garlic-herb butter mixture all over the turkey breast, covering the top and sides well.

Pour the broth into the bottom of the baking dish around the turkey.

Roast the Turkey

Roast the turkey breast uncovered for about 60–90 minutes, depending on its size and thickness.

Begin checking the turkey toward the lower end of the cooking time. The turkey is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil during the final portion of cooking.

Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely cover it with foil.

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the turkey moist.

Make the Butter Gravy

While the turkey rests, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Slowly pour in the broth and pan drippings while whisking.

Add the garlic powder and onion powder.

Continue cooking for about 4–6 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy is smooth and thickened.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little additional broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

How to Serve this Garlic Herb Turkey Breast

Slice the turkey breast against the grain and arrange it on a serving platter.

Spoon a little butter gravy over the sliced turkey or serve the gravy on the side.

For an easy Thanksgiving dinner, serve it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Thanksgiving stuffing
• Green beans
• Dinner rolls
• Cranberry sauce
• Apple crisp or pecan pie bars

Tips for Juicy Turkey Breast

Don’t skip the butter

The garlic-herb butter adds flavor while helping the outside of the turkey become golden and appetizing.

Use a meat thermometer

Turkey breast can dry out if it cooks too long. Checking the internal temperature is much more reliable than relying only on cooking time.

Let the turkey rest

Allowing the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing helps keep the juices inside the meat.

Save the pan drippings

The drippings add extra turkey flavor to the homemade gravy.

FAQ for Garlic Herb Turkey Breast

Can I Use a Bone-In Turkey Breast?

Yes. A bone-in turkey breast works well, but it may require additional cooking time.

Always use the internal temperature rather than the clock to determine when the turkey is finished cooking.

Can I Make This Ahead?

You can prepare the garlic-herb butter mixture one or two days ahead and keep it refrigerated.

You can also season the turkey the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to roast.

For the best texture, I recommend roasting the turkey on the day you plan to serve it.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Store the gravy separately in a covered container.

Reheat the turkey gently with a small amount of broth or gravy to help prevent it from drying out.

Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey?

Yes. Place cooled sliced turkey in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Add a spoonful or two of broth to help retain moisture.

Freeze for up to about 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60–90 minutes

Rest Time: 10–15 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Servings: 4–6

Method: Oven Roasted

Serve this garlic herb turkey breast with my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a classic

Thanksgiving side and don’t forget about the Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing with Herbs to complete the holiday plate.

Planning your full holiday menu? See my Easy Budget Thanksgiving Dinner for 4–6 People

for the complete meal, shopping strategy, and cooking timeline.

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