Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Discover how to make a perfectly juicy and flavorful Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with this simple, step-by-step recipe. Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or meal prepping, this recipe ensures tender meat with a crispy skin using minimal ingredients and easy techniques. Customize with herbs and spices to suit your taste and enjoy a healthy, protein-rich main dish everyone will love.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional brining time)
- Cook Time: 60 to 80 minutes (depending on weight, approx. 20 minutes per pound)
- Total Time: 75 to 95 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Turkey breast (skin-on) – about 3 to 4 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), chopped – about 1 tablespoon each
- Salt – 1 to 1½ teaspoons
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Optional Ingredients
- Lemon zest or juice – from 1 lemon
- Onion powder or paprika – ½ teaspoon
Variations and Enhancements
- Softened herb butter (butter mixed with herbs and garlic) – 2 tablespoons, for rubbing under skin
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper – ¼ teaspoon, for a spicy kick
- Orange or lime zest – 1 teaspoon, for citrus herb blend
- Maple syrup and mustard glaze – 2 tablespoons maple syrup mixed with 1 tablespoon mustard, for glazing
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during roasting. Carefully loosen the skin without tearing it to allow seasoning to be applied underneath for more intense flavor.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and any optional lemon zest or spices. Rub this mixture evenly both under the skin and over the skin of the turkey breast, making sure it is fully coated.
- Preheat the Oven and Arrange the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting rack set inside a shallow roasting pan. This setup promotes even heat circulation and helps the skin turn crispy.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast the turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness by inserting it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). If the skin browns too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest uncovered or tented loosely with foil for at least 15 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices. Carve the breast against the grain for the best texture and serve.
Notes
- Brining the turkey breast in a saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking can help retain moisture.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfectly cooked poultry.
- Do not skip the resting period after roasting to lock in juices.
- Be gentle when loosening the skin to avoid tearing, allowing seasoning to penetrate better.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for brighter and more aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (about 113 grams)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: oven roasted turkey breast, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, juicy turkey breast, easy turkey recipe, healthy turkey, turkey dinner