If you’re craving a dish that feels special yet stays wonderfully simple, this Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Tender, juicy turkey with a golden, herb-infused crust makes every bite a cozy celebration. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just when you want a comforting meal without fuss, this recipe lets the natural flavors shine through. You’ll fall in love with how effortless roasting a turkey breast can be, delivering deliciousness that rivals the big birds but without the overwhelm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping ingredients straightforward but incredibly flavorful, each item in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, enhancing texture, and adding vibrant color to your turkey breast.
- Bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (4 to 6 pounds): The star of the dish, bone-in for juicy meat and skin-on for that irresistible crispiness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and helps distribute the herbs evenly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a lovely depth of flavor and helps the skin brown beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses savory aroma and mild pungency to balance the richness.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings an aromatic pine-like flavor that complements turkey wonderfully.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a subtle earthiness enhancing the herbaceous profile.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides mild smoky notes and a gorgeous warm hue.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers just the right mild heat and complexity.
- Lemon (1, sliced): Adds bright citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the meat moist during roasting and creates savory pan juices perfect for basting.
How to Make Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Turkey
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels – this step is key for crispy skin. Place it on a rack in a roasting pan to allow heat to circulate evenly around the meat, which ensures perfect roasting.
Step 2: Mix the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, melding creamy, savory, herbal, and spicy elements.
Step 3: Infuse the Flavor
Carefully loosen the turkey’s skin to create a pocket, then rub half of your herb butter mixture underneath. Spread the remaining butter all over the top of the skin. This technique ensures flavorful juiciness beneath while crisping the exterior to golden perfection.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Broth
Tuck lemon slices under and around the turkey breast to impart a subtle zesty lift as it roasts. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan – this not only helps keep the meat moist but also produces flavorful drippings for basting.
Step 5: Roast with Care
Place the turkey breast uncovered in the oven, roasting for about 20 minutes per pound. Baste every 20-30 minutes with pan juices to maintain moisture and build flavor complexity. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Step 6: Optional Crispy Finish
If you crave extra crispy skin, switch your oven to broil during the last 5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning. This finishing touch adds delightful texture.
How to Serve Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate by serving with fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme, and a wedge of lemon on the side. They add a pop of color and a hint of fresh aroma that complements the warm, roasted flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides such as roasted root vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a holiday table, consider savory stuffing or cranberry sauce to bring out traditional comfort vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the turkey breast thinly and layer it over warm bread with cranberry mayonnaise for an irresistible sandwich. Alternatively, shred the meat to top salads or toss with a light vinaigrette for a quick, tasty lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the skin separate or crisp them up before eating to maintain texture.
Freezing
If you want to save turkey for later, slice or shred the meat, then freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It stays delicious for up to 3 months and defrosts quickly in the fridge.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm turkey gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C) covered with foil to keep it moist. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but be sure to cover and use lower power to avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time slightly since boneless breasts cook faster. Use a meat thermometer to check for that safe 165°F internal temperature for juicy, safe meat.
How do I get crispy skin without drying out the turkey?
Patting the skin dry before applying the herb butter and roasting uncovered helps. Also, broiling for the last few minutes of cooking adds that crispy finish without compromising moisture if you watch it closely.
Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh in the recipe?
Yes, dried herbs can be used but use half the amount since their flavors concentrate more. The dish will still taste wonderful, though fresh herbs give the brightest flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe a safe and satisfying choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. When it reads 165°F (74°C), your turkey is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is the perfect way to bring a flavorful, juicy centerpiece to your table without hours of fuss. Whether it’s a holiday, weeknight, or special occasion, this recipe delivers reliable deliciousness that you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, give it a try and watch your family’s taste buds celebrate with every tender bite!
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Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy oven roasted turkey breast recipe features a juicy, flavorful turkey seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. Perfect for holidays or any special meal, the turkey is roasted to a succulent finish with a crispy skin.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (4 to 6-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon (sliced)
Roasting Liquid
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for roasting the turkey evenly.
- Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove moisture and place it on a rack inside a roasting pan to allow even heat circulation during cooking.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful rub.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the butter mixture under the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Then rub the remaining mixture evenly over the top of the skin for maximum taste and browning.
- Add Lemon and Broth: Place lemon slices under the skin and around the turkey in the pan for fresh citrus aroma. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey breast uncovered for about 20 minutes per pound. Baste occasionally with pan juices to keep the meat juicy. Continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for a moist final product.
- Optional Crisp Skin: For crispier skin, broil the turkey breast during the last 5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure safety.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at half the amount.
- Boneless turkey breast can be used; reduce cooking time slightly and monitor internal temperature closely.
- For crispier skin, broil the turkey breast for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
