Roasted Turkey Breast

Perfect Roasted Turkey Breast – Tender & Delicious

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🦃 Roasted Turkey Breast: Juicy, Tender, and Effortlessly Elegant

Roasted Turkey Breast

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There’s something incredibly comforting about a beautifully roasted turkey breast, isn’t there? It whispers promises of cozy family dinners, festive celebrations, or simply a magnificent meal any day of the week. Imagine pulling from the oven a golden-skinned, aromatic turkey breast, its surface glistening with savory herbs and a hint of lemon. Each slice reveals incredibly juicy, tender meat, bursting with flavor that satisfies the soul. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a centerpiece of warmth, perfect for turning a simple evening into something special or creating cherished holiday memories without the fuss of a whole bird.

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Quick Glance

  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 6
  • 💥 Vibe: Juicy, Aromatic, Comforting

Jump Ahead

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first loving step to creating culinary magic! For this simple yet spectacular roasted turkey breast, you’ll need just a few fresh, flavorful components that truly sing together.

  • 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for basting)

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast

Roasted Turkey Breast

Let’s dive into creating this masterpiece! Every step is designed to ensure a perfectly succulent, flavorful turkey breast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan or a cast-iron skillet.
  2. Pat It Dry: Unwrap the turkey breast and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that wonderfully crispy skin!
  3. Craft Your Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a fragrant, inviting paste.
  4. Season with Love: Place the dried turkey breast in your prepared roasting pan. Generously rub the herb butter mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin if possible, for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Initial Roast: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to get that gorgeous golden-brown skin started.
  6. Lower & Continue: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for another 40-60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C). If using broth, you can pour it into the bottom of the pan and baste the turkey every 15-20 minutes.
  7. Rest, Sweet Rest: Once the turkey reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist.
  8. Carve & Serve: Slice against the grain and serve immediately, perhaps with some of those delicious pan drippings.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Roasted Turkey Breast

Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe your own! Here are some delightful ideas to inspire you and elevate your roasted turkey breast experience.

  • Smoky Paprika Punch: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your herb butter mixture for a warm, smoky depth of flavor that’s utterly delicious.
  • Mustard & Honey Glaze: During the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey with a mixture of 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey for a sweet and tangy crust.
  • Root Vegetable Medley: Roast your favorite root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips) alongside the turkey in the same pan. They’ll soak up all those amazing drippings!
  • Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing: Serve slices of turkey breast with a side of your favorite homemade cranberry and pecan stuffing for a truly festive, comforting meal.
  • Next-Day Sandwiches: Don’t forget the incredible potential of leftovers! Thinly slice the cold turkey for epic sandwiches piled high with cranberry sauce and a little arugula.

Reviews

We love hearing from our community! Here’s what some fans are saying about this roasted turkey breast recipe:

  • Andry L. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This turkey breast was a revelation! So moist and flavorful, my family couldn’t believe how easy it was. Definitely a new staple in our home.”
  • Cole K. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I always worried about drying out turkey, but these instructions were spot on. The skin was crispy and the meat was perfectly juicy. Thank you!”
  • Maria P. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for our small Thanksgiving dinner. It felt special without all the stress of a whole bird. The herb butter makes all the difference!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this beautiful roasted turkey breast!

  • Q: How do I know when my turkey breast is done?
    A: The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone if present. It should read 165°F (74°C).
  • Q: Can I use a boneless, skinless turkey breast?
    A: Yes, you can! However, the cooking time will be shorter, and it won’t have the crispy skin. Basting more frequently will help keep it moist.
  • Q: How long can I store leftovers?
    A: Cooked turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s wonderful for meal prep!
  • Q: Can I prepare the turkey breast ahead of time?
    A: You can prepare the herb butter mixture and rub it all over the turkey up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until about an hour before roasting, allowing it to come to room temperature.

Conclusion

There you have it, friends – a recipe for roasted turkey breast that promises not just a meal, but an experience. It’s about bringing warmth to your kitchen, comfort to your table, and joy to your heart with every tender bite. Don’t let the idea of roasting intimidate you; this recipe is truly forgiving and so rewarding. We encourage you to tie on your apron, gather those beautiful ingredients, and let the wonderful aromas fill your home. Happy cooking, and may your table always be full of love and delicious food!

Recipe Note

Remember, the resting period after roasting is absolutely vital! Don’t skip it. It locks in all those precious juices, ensuring your turkey breast is as tender and moist as possible.

Roasted Turkey BreastRoasted Turkey Breast

Prep Time: 20 minutes,Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on size)
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course, Holiday Recipe, Dinner
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: 300-350 calories per serving 

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (2.5-3.5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for the pan)

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a roasting rack, place it in a shallow roasting pan. If not, you can create a bed of chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the pan.

2. Pat the turkey breast very dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.

3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika.

4. Place the turkey breast on the roasting rack or vegetable bed. Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the skin of the turkey breast.

5. Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the entire turkey breast, making sure to coat all sides.

6. If using, pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the bottom of the roasting pan; this helps keep the turkey moist and can be used for gravy later.

7. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (without touching bone, if bone-in) registers 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

8. Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

9. Carve the turkey breast against the grain into slices and serve immediately.

Chef’s Notes: For an even juicier turkey breast, consider a simple brine for 4-6 hours before roasting. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. Resting the turkey is crucial for juicy results; don’t skip this step!

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