Roast Turkey Breast
Enjoy a holiday-worthy meal without the fuss of a whole bird. This roast turkey breast is incredibly juicy, with a crispy, herb-rubbed skin. Perfect for smaller gatherings or a special Sunday dinner, it's comfort food at its best.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 110 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Turkey and Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- c.Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it completely dry inside and out with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
- d.Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to take the chill off, which promotes even cooking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Herb Butter
- b.In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped thyme, rosemary, sage, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Mix with a fork until it forms a smooth, combined paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season the Turkey Breast
- b.Gently loosen the skin from the turkey meat using your fingers, creating a pocket over the breast meat. Be careful not to tear the skin.
- c.Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin.
- d.Rub the remaining one-third of the herb butter all over the outside of the skin.
- e.Drizzle the olive oil over the skin and rub to coat evenly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Roasting Pan
- b.Scatter the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery across the bottom of a roasting pan. This will act as a natural roasting rack and flavor the pan drippings.
- c.Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables.
- d.Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan, being careful not to wash the seasoning off the turkey.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Roast the Turkey
- b.Transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
- c.Roast for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. A general guideline is 15-20 minutes per pound.
- d.The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (not touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C).
- e.If the skin begins to brown too quickly, tent the breast loosely with aluminum foil.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest, Carve, and Serve
- b.Carefully transfer the roasted turkey breast to a clean cutting board.
- c.Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- d.After resting, carve the turkey against the grain into slices and serve warm. Use the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked, juicy turkey. Don't guess!
- 2Patting the turkey skin completely dry is the most important step for achieving that coveted golden, crispy skin.
- 3Do not skip the resting period. Cutting into the turkey too soon will result in a dry bird as all the juices will run out.
- 4For extra flavor, you can baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30-40 minutes during roasting.
- 5Save the pan drippings and roasted vegetables to make a rich, flavorful gravy from scratch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Citrus-Herb
Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the herb butter mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
Smoky & SpicySmoky & Spicy
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the butter for a smoky kick.
Boneless VersionBoneless Version
This recipe works well with a boneless turkey breast. Reduce the cooking time significantly, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) after about 1 hour.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Turkey breast is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Rich in B Vitamins
This dish provides significant amounts of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and vitamin B6. These vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting brain health.
Provides Key Minerals
Turkey is a good source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cell damage, and phosphorus, which is vital for bone health.
Frequently asked questions
A 200g serving of this Roast Turkey Breast contains approximately 555 calories, including the skin and herb butter. The exact amount can vary based on the size of the breast and the amount of butter used.