Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe | Easy Baked Turkey Breast (2024)

PUBLISHED November 16, 2023· MODIFIED November 15, 2023 · by the author listed in the recipe card 2048 words. · About 11 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

Roasting a turkey breast can be a game-changer, especially when you're short on time or cooking for a smaller group. This recipe for Roasted Turkey Breast is your ticket to a succulent and flavorful turkey dinner in a fraction of the time it takes to roast a whole bird.

Why This Is The Perfect Turkey Breast Recipe

• Saves Time. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you can have a delicious turkey breast ready in much less time.
• Easy Preparation. Roasting a turkey breast is simpler than dealing with a whole turkey. It's perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
• Juicy and Tender. The turkey breast turns out incredibly juicy and tender, with crispy skin on the outside and flavorful meat on the inside.
• Versatile Flavors. This recipe allows you to infuse your turkey breast with a medley of aromatic herbs, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal.

How Do You Keep Turkey Breast Moist When Roasting?

Keeping a turkey breast moist while roasting is essential for a delicious and tender result. Here are some tips to help you achieve a moist roasted turkey breast:

1. Brine the Turkey. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a solution of salt and water, sometimes with sugar and aromatics, for several hours or overnight before roasting. This helps the turkey absorb moisture and flavor, making it juicier. Rinse and pat dry before roasting.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer. Invest in a good meat thermometer to monitor the turkey's internal temperature. Overcooking can lead to dry meat. Roast the turkey until the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F).
3. Butter or Oil Under the Skin. Gently loosen the skin from the breast meat and rub softened butter or olive oil underneath. This helps to baste the meat from the inside as it melts during roasting.
4. Baste During Cooking. Basting the turkey with its own juices or a flavorful liquid (such as broth or white wine) every 30 minutes can help keep it moist. However, opening the oven frequently can also extend the cooking time, so baste sparingly.
5. Use a Roasting Rack. Elevating the turkey on a roasting rack allows hot air to circulate evenly around it, helping it cook more evenly and preventing it from sitting in its juices, which can lead to steaming and uneven cooking.
6. Cover with Foil. If you notice that the turkey breast is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while the meat continues to cook.
7. Rest the Turkey. After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for at least 15-30 minutes before carving. During this time, the juices redistribute, and the meat continues to cook slightly, resulting in juicier slices.

Should I Cover Turkey Breast When Roasting?

Covering the turkey breast with foil is an option if you want to retain moisture, prevent excessive browning, or promote even cooking. However, if you prefer crispy skin and a faster cooking time, leaving it uncovered is a better choice.

How Many Minutes Per Pound Should You Cook A Turkey Breast?

When roasting a turkey breast, the general rule of thumb for cooking time is approximately 20 minutes per pound at a temperature of 325°F.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Bone-in Turkey Breast- The turkey breast is the star of the dish. It provides the main protein and flavor. Roasting it with the bone-in helps keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor.
• Butter- The butter is used to coat the turkey breast. This coating helps crisp up the skin, adds richness, and contributes to browning during roasting.
• Salt and Pepper- Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the turkey breast. They enhance the natural flavors of the meat and create a balanced taste.
• Paprika- Paprika is an optional seasoning that adds a subtle smokiness and a reddish color to the turkey's skin.
• Dried Sage- Dried sage is an optional herb that imparts a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor.
• Dried Rosemary- Dried rosemary contributes a piney and herbal flavor to the turkey.
• Dried Thyme- Dried thyme, like rosemary, is an optional herb that adds an earthy, slightly floral flavor to the turkey.
• Garlic- Minced garlic adds a rich, pungent, and aromatic quality to the dish.
• Lemon- Lemon quarters are used to provide a citrusy brightness and aroma.

These ingredients work together to create a well-seasoned, flavorful, and aromatic roasted turkey breast. The optional herbs and spices allow you to customize the flavor profile to your liking, while the aromatics and liquids contribute to a moist and delicious final result.

How To Make Roasted Turkey Breast

1. Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast. Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. This helps the turkey cook more evenly by allowing air to circulate around it.
3. Season the Turkey. Rub the turkey breast with softened butter. This will help the skin brown and keep the meat moist. Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper. You can also add optional seasonings like paprika, dried sage, dried rosemary, and dried thyme for extra flavor.
4. Add Aromatic Ingredients. Place minced garlic, lemon quarters, fresh thyme sprigs, and fresh rosemary sprigs around the turkey in the roasting pan. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with wonderful flavors as it roasts.
5. Roasting. Place the roasting pan with the turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast the turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound. A 4-6 pound turkey breast will take approximately 80-120 minutes to cook. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
6. Check Internal Temperature. Begin checking the turkey's internal temperature after about 1 hour of roasting. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.
7. Resting. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender result when you carve the turkey.
8. Carve and Serve. After resting, carve the roasted turkey breast into slices and serve with your favorite side dishes and gravy if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Roasting a turkey breast can be a flavorful and satisfying meal, whether you're preparing it for a holiday feast or a regular family dinner. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your turkey breast turns out perfect:

• Choose the Right Size. Select a turkey breast that suits the number of servings you need. Estimate about 1/2 to 3/4 pounds of turkey breast per person.
• Seasoning. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter to promote a crispy, golden skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. You can also insert garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and lemon slices under the skin for added flavor.

Variations

Roasted turkey breast is a versatile dish that can be customized with various seasonings, marinades, and accompaniments to suit your taste preferences. Here are some delicious variations:

• Citrus-Herb Roasted Turkey Breast- Season the turkey breast with a mixture of lemon or orange zest, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with minced garlic. Add citrus slices (lemon, orange, or lime) to the roasting pan for extra flavor.
• Garlic-Herb Roasted Turkey Breast- Create a garlic herb paste using minced garlic, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast before roasting.
• Cajun-Spiced Roasted Turkey Breast- Season the turkey breast with a Cajun spice blend for a bold and spicy flavor. You can make your own blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

What To Serve With This Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

When serving roasted turkey breast, you have a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to choose from to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Gravy- Homemade turkey gravy made from the pan drippings is a classic and essential choice to drizzle over the turkey and side dishes.
• Mashed Potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and traditional side that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey. You can add garlic, butter, or herbs to customize the flavor.
• Stuffing- A savory stuffing or dressing made with bread, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes sausage complements the turkey's flavor and adds texture to the meal.
• Cranberry Sauce- Homemade or canned cranberry sauce provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory turkey. It's a classic Thanksgiving pairing.
• Green Beans- Roasted or steamed green beans seasoned with garlic, butter, or almonds make for a vibrant and nutritious side dish.
• Roasted Root Vegetables- A medley of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes adds color and earthy flavors to the meal.
• Brussels Sprouts- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or balsamic glaze offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

How Long Does It Last?

A roasted turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To maximize its freshness and safety, follow these guidelines:

• Cooling- Allow the roasted turkey breast to cool down at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after cooking. This helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Storage- Once cooled, transfer the turkey breast to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also place it in a resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigeration- Store the wrapped or containerized turkey breast in the refrigerator at or below 40°F.
• Labeling- It's a good practice to label the container or wrapping with the date when the turkey breast was cooked so you can easily keep track of its freshness.

Can You Freeze It?

After the 3 to 4-day mark, the turkey breast may still be safe to eat, but its quality and flavor can deteriorate, and it may become dry. If you have leftovers that you don't plan to consume within this timeframe, consider freezing them for longer storage.

Properly wrapped and frozen, roasted turkey breast can last for 2 to 6 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

More Tasty Turkey Recipes

• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Instant Pot Turkey Chili
• Instant Pot Turkey Breast

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Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.