Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy

Discover a simple, juicy Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe that’s perfect for quick meals and festive gatherings. This flavorful dish combines tender, perfectly roasted turkey breast with a rich, savory gravy that elevates every bite. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe designed for both beginners and experienced cooks who want to impress with minimal fuss while delivering maximum comfort and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and approachable: Uses easy steps and common ingredients for a stress-free cooking experience.
• Juicy and tender turkey: Ensures the turkey breast stays moist without drying out.
• Rich, homemade gravy: Adds that luscious, classic flavor that ties the whole dish together.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or holiday meals alike.
• Customizable flavors: Adapt herbs and seasonings to suit your personal taste effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a well-rounded Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy. From seasoning the turkey for flavor to creating a smooth and savory gravy, this recipe balances simplicity and taste beautifully.

• Turkey breast: A boneless skin-on turkey breast ensures juicy meat and crispy skin.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Helps brown the skin and lock in moisture during roasting.
• Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage add aromatic depth and warmth.
• Garlic and onion powder: Provide essential savory notes to enhance the turkey’s flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings that bring out the turkey’s natural taste.
• Chicken broth or stock: The base for a rich, smooth gravy from pan drippings.
• Flour or cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
• Butter for gravy: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.

Variations for Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to different dietary needs, ingredient availability, or simply to add a personal twist. Let your creativity shine!

• Herb variation: Swap fresh herbs for dried or experiment with sage and tarragon for a unique flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning rub for subtle heat.
• Gluten-free gravy: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour to keep it gluten-free.
• Citrus infusion: Include lemon zest and juice in the rub for a bright, zesty aroma.
• Garlic butter baste: Mix minced garlic into melted butter and baste the turkey during roasting for extra flavor.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast

Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Rub the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the skin, then generously season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped fresh herbs. Let it rest briefly for the flavors to set in.

Step 2: Roast the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra moistness.

Step 3: Rest the Turkey

Once out of the oven, let the turkey breast rest for at least 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices when carving.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

While the turkey rests, use the pan drippings to make the gravy. Place the roasting pan on medium heat, add butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until the gravy is smooth and reaches your desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Slice the roasted turkey breast and pour the rich gravy over the meat. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy

• Dry the skin well: Moisture prevents crisp skin; patting dry improves texture.
• Use a meat thermometer: Ensures the turkey is cooked perfectly without guesswork.
• Don’t skip resting: Essential for juicy, tender slices rather than dry meat.
• Save the drippings: They are the flavor foundation for a deeply savory homemade gravy.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste your gravy as you go for perfect balance.

How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the sliced turkey add a pop of color and a fresh aroma that enhances every forkful.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement the rich flavors without overpowering the turkey and gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the sliced turkey breast elegantly fanned out on a wooden board with gravy in a small bowl on the side, perfect for sharing at family dinners or festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover turkey breast and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked turkey breast and gravy separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. This makes future meals easy and quick.

Reheating

Warm leftover turkey covered with foil in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through, and reheat gravy gently on the stove while whisking to restore its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use skinless turkey breast for this recipe?

You can, but leaving the skin on helps keep the turkey moist and adds flavor during roasting.

Is it necessary to baste the turkey while roasting?

Basting is optional but recommended to enhance moisture and encourage even browning of the skin.

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The best way is using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare the gravy without the pan drippings?

Yes, you can make a delicious gravy using chicken broth and butter if you don’t have pan drippings, but pan drippings add deeper flavor.

What’s the best way to carve the turkey breast?

Slice against the grain into even, thin pieces for maximum tenderness and ease of serving.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy tender, juicy meat paired with rich, flavorful gravy any time of year. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!

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