If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your next meal, this Roast Turkey Breast Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautifully simple way to enjoy tender turkey with crispy skin, infused with aromatic herbs and garlic that bring every bite to life. Whether for a holiday gathering or a comforting dinner, this recipe delivers moist and delicious turkey breast that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, wholesome ingredients is all you need to create a remarkable roast turkey breast. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavor, enhancing moisture, and giving the dish its inviting golden color.
- 4–6 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast: The star of the dish, bone-in and skin-on ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps to create that irresistibly crispy skin.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the turkey with savory depth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Offers a fragrant, pine-like flavor that’s a classic pairing with turkey.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Brings earthy, lemony notes enhancing the herbaceous blend.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the skin.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick that complements the herbs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in roasting and adds a light fruity undertone.
- 1 lemon, halved: Imparts bright citrus notes while roasting.
- 1 onion, quartered: Adds natural sweetness and moisture inside the roasting pan.
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth: Keeps the turkey moist and creates a flavorful base for pan juices or gravy.
How to Make Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Turkey
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the turkey breast slowly, ensuring it remains juicy and tender. Next, pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp beautifully. Place the turkey skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan, so the heat circulates evenly around it.
Step 2: Create the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic butter blend is the secret to flavoring the turkey both under and over the skin. Loosen the skin gently and rub half of this mixture underneath; it’s a little trick that results in juicy, flavorful meat. Then spread the remaining butter generously over the top skin layer.
Step 3: Season and Arrange Aromatics
Drizzle the olive oil over your seasoned turkey breast, which helps achieve that gorgeous golden color as it roasts. Place lemon halves and onion quarters around the turkey in the pan—these aromatics infuse the bird with subtle citrus and sweet notes while roasting. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan to keep everything moist and catch those tasty drippings.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Roast the breast uncovered for about 1¾ to 2½ hours, depending on its size. The key to perfect roast turkey breast is patience! Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. During the last hour, baste the turkey occasionally with the pan juices for an extra layer of succulent flavor and shiny skin.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
When done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice tender and moist. Then carve up your masterpiece, serve with those rich pan drippings or your favorite gravy, and prepare for compliments.
How to Serve Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs add delightful color and a fragrant finish when garnished around the carved turkey. A few lemon wedges can offer a zesty contrast and a charming visual pop on your serving platter.
Side Dishes
Roast turkey breast perfectly pairs with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a holiday vibe, cranberry sauce and stuffing bring traditional flavors to your plate that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving sliced turkey breast over a bed of warm grain salads, like wild rice or quinoa mixed with nuts and dried fruit. You can also create elegant open-faced sandwiches with leftover slices on crusty bread, a smear of cranberry chutney, and fresh greens for a sophisticated lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover turkey breast tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making delicious sandwiches or quick dinner additions throughout the week.
Freezing
This Roast Turkey Breast Recipe freezes well. Slice the meat and pack it into airtight freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. Frozen turkey breast maintains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months—perfect for long-term meal planning.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven covered with foil or in a microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the meat from drying out. Using your stored pan juices or gravy during reheating adds extra succulence.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in adds flavor and moisture, boneless turkey breast can also work well. Just reduce the roasting time slightly and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to loosen the skin before applying the butter mixture?
Yes, loosening the skin lets the flavorful butter mixture penetrate directly into the meat, resulting in a moister and more aromatic roast.
How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?
The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. When it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, the turkey is safely cooked and ready to rest.
Can I brine the turkey breast for this recipe?
Definitely! Brining overnight enhances juiciness and flavor by tenderizing the meat. Just be sure to adjust any salt in the seasoning to avoid over-salting.
What should I do if the skin starts to brown too much before the turkey is cooked?
If the skin browns too quickly, loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the meat finishes roasting evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Roast Turkey Breast Recipe enough if you want a show-stopping yet easy meal that truly celebrates the flavors of turkey. It’s straightforward to prepare but results in a tender, juicy dish that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with how simple roasting can yield such delicious results!
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Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Roast Turkey Breast recipe features a juicy, flavorful turkey breast seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika, then roasted to perfection in the oven. Perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion, this dish delivers tender meat with a crispy skin, enhanced by fresh lemon and aromatic onions for added moisture and flavor.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (4–6 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional Flavorings
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a consistent roasting temperature.
- Prepare the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place it skin-side up on a rack within a roasting pan to allow even heat circulation.
- Make the butter herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Season the turkey: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast without detaching it. Rub half of the butter mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat, and smear the remaining half evenly across the top of the skin.
- Add oils and aromatics: Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned turkey. Arrange the lemon halves and quartered onion around the turkey in the pan, then pour the broth at the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist throughout roasting.
- Roast the turkey: Place the roasting pan uncovered in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey occasionally with pan juices during the last hour to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with pan drippings or your favorite gravy.
Notes
- For extra flavor and juiciness, consider brining the turkey breast overnight before roasting.
- Leftover turkey breast is excellent for making sandwiches or can be frozen for later meals.
