Foolproof Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Best Herb-Roasted turkey breast recipe: Sunday Dinner Delight!

By Amara Vitalis May 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Alright, let's dive into this turkey breast recipe thing. ever get that craving for thanksgiving but don't want the whole shebang? or maybe you're just having a smaller crowd this year.

I get it! this recipe's for you. it delivers all the thanksgiving food sides vibes with minimal fuss.

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast: Your New Weeknight Hero

This ain't your grandma's all-day thanksgiving cooking affair. think of it as a delicious sunday roast , american style. you know, oven-roasted turkey in manageable form.

The roots are classic american, but the execution is totally do-able, even for a beginner. it's easy roasted turkey at its finest.

Prep takes about 20 minutes, and cook time is roughly an hour to an hour and a half. it feeds 6-8 hungry folks.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, besides being easier than roasting a whole bird, this boneless turkey breast recipes oven situation is healthier . lean protein, you know? plus, it's perfect for a smaller thanksgiving dinner for two or a cozy family meal.

It's also great to cooking turkey breast for meal prepping. the best part? the aroma fills your house with pure holiday cheer.

Even better you can use leftover turkey recipes if you cook a bigger bird. it's a winner, winner, dessert turkey dinner! or maybe add a dessert thanksgiving option afterward.

So, what makes it special? that simple garlic and herb butter rub! it creates the most flavorful, juicy roast turkey breast you can imagine.

And the pan sauce? don't even get me started! okay, let's gather the ingredients.

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make the best turkey breast recipe ! It's easier than you think. Honestly, it's almost as simple as ordering dessert thanksgiving !

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so, here's the breakdown. We are focusing on an easy roasted turkey .

For the Brine (Optional):
- Water: 4 cups (950ml)
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 cup (60g) - Don't skimp on quality, it really matters!
- Brown Sugar, Packed: 1/4 cup (50g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, smashed
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf: 1
For the Turkey Breast:
- Bone-in, Skin-on Turkey Breast: 5-7 lbs (2.2-3.2 kg) - Look for a plump breast with good color. It's worth it! Boneless turkey breast recipes oven would require different timing.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Dried Thyme: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Sage: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml)
For the Pan Sauce:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (24g)
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (470ml)

Seasoning Notes

We need some flavor! It's time for garlic and herb butter .

For a classic taste, thyme, rosemary, and sage are essential. if you're missing rosemary, italian seasoning works in a pinch.

Want to amp it up? add a pinch of red pepper flakes. i had a friend one time who used pumpkin pie spice and she really loved it.

I prefer the savory route, though.

These flavors would be perfect thanksgiving food sides . Think of turkey recipes thanksgiving using these flavors!

Equipment Needed

Alright, keep it simple, silly!

Roasting pan with rack - This is key for even cooking.
Meat thermometer - Seriously, get one . Internal temp must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Whisk - For the pan sauce.
Small saucepan - Also for the pan sauce.

Don't have a roasting pan? A large oven safe skillet works, too. If you are making thanksgiving dinner for two , you can reduce the ingredient quantities

Listen, the beauty of this turkey breast recipe is that it's forgiving. don't stress too much about having everything perfect.

Just have fun with it and the oven-roasted turkey will be a smash. remember, you can also make turkey tenderloin recipes with these spices.

I will explore leftover turkey recipes later! we can also talk about cooking turkey breast later. honestly, this recipe thanksgiving is a keeper.

Okay, let's do this! Here's that article section, all chatty and real, just like we talked about.

Cooking Method: Roast Turkey Breast No Sweat!

Honestly, roasting a whole turkey can be intimidating. but a turkey breast recipe ? totally doable! you get that delicious thanksgiving cooking vibe without needing a forklift to get dinner on the table.

I love it because it's perfect for thanksgiving dinner for two or just a regular sunday supper. plus, you get killer leftover turkey recipes material for days!

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place: Get everything measured! Seriously, chop your herbs. Measure spices. It makes life easier. Oh my gosh, I can't stress this enough.
Time saving organization tips: If you’re brining (and you should!), do it the night before. Trust me. It's one less thing when you are ready for the recipe Thanksgiving .
Safety reminders: Raw poultry is no joke. Wash your hands. Sanitize surfaces. You know the drill.

step-by-step Roast Turkey Magic

Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 160° C) .
Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1 tablespoon dried thyme , 1 tablespoon dried rosemary , 1 teaspoon dried sage , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper together. This is your herb party!
Rub that herb mixture all over a 5-7 lbs turkey breast . Get under the skin if you can. It's messy, but worth it.
Place the breast in a roasting pan. Add ½ cup chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes . Until a thermometer reads 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part.
Let it rest for 15- 20 minutes before carving. Seriously, don't skip this!
While resting, make the pan sauce by whisking 2 tablespoons flour into the drippings and cooking. Then, slowly add 2 cups chicken broth and simmer until thickened.

Pro Tips: Turkey Breast Recipe Edition

For crazy crispy skin? Dry brine! Salt the turkey 24 hours ahead and leave uncovered in the fridge. It’s like magic.
Don't overcook! A thermometer is your best friend. 165° F ( 74° C) is the sweet spot.
Pan sauce too lumpy? Strain it! Nobody wants a chunky gravy situation, especially after a long Thanksgiving dinner recipes session.
Thinking about Dessert Thanksgiving ? Plan ahead to keep the food flowing and people happy. It may be time to start making Dessert Turkey !

I was once roasting a boneless turkey breast recipes oven and totally forgot to add the broth to the pan.

Smoke alarm city! learn from my mistakes, folks! a little moisture goes a long way. another great thing about this recipe is the versatility: if you're not feeling the herb thing, consider going crazy with a garlic and herb butter rub yum!

so, ditch the stress of a whole bird and enjoy this easy roasted turkey option.

And hey, don't forget the thanksgiving food sides !

Alright, so you're diving into my foolproof herb roasted turkey breast recipe? awesome! honestly, i've made this thing a million times.

Here's the inside scoop. consider these my "recipe notes," like little post-it notes i'd stick to the recipe if we were cooking together.

Recipe Notes: Making Turkey Magic

This turkey breast recipe is seriously simple. i'm all about keeping it real and making thanksgiving cooking easier. whether you're prepping a thanksgiving dinner for two or just craving that classic taste, this recipe is your new best friend.

Plating and Presentation: Make it Look Good!

You know, presentation matters! i like to arrange sliced roast turkey breast on a platter with a drizzle of pan sauce.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley? chef's kiss! serve with vibrant sides like roasted veggies. don't forget the thanksgiving food sides ! a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling apple cider is always a winner.

Storage Secrets: Leftovers, Sorted!

Got leftover turkey recipes ? lucky you! fridge is your friend: keep the carved turkey in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, the freezer is the way to go. wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

Reheating tips? add a splash of broth when warming it up. nobody likes dry turkey.

Tweak It: Make it Your Own!

This turkey tenderloin recipes are a canvas! if you're going gluten-free, swap the flour in the pan sauce for cornstarch.

For a flavor kick, try adding some lemon zest and fresh herbs to the herb rub. wanna get fancy with the garlic and herb butter ? slather it under the skin before roasting.

Total game changer. speaking of changes of the season, why not making dessert turkey as the last course?

Nutrition Lowdown: Good Stuff!

Okay, not a nutritionist here. each serving has approximately 350 calories, 45g of protein, 15g of fat, and 5g of carbs.

That protein will keep you full and happy! and let's be honest, this is comfort food that nourishes the soul.

Honestly? mastering the perfect oven-roasted turkey is a game changer. it's easier than you think, trust me. this easy roasted turkey is going to impress everyone.

So, go ahead, give this recipe thanksgiving a try! you've got this! and don't forget to enjoy some dessert thanksgiving after.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my turkey breast from drying out while roasting? It's happened to me before, and it was drier than the Sahara!

Nobody wants a turkey breast that tastes like sawdust! To combat dryness, ensure you don't overcook it a meat thermometer is your best friend here, aiming for 165°F (74°C). Brining (either wet or dry) before roasting also helps the turkey retain moisture.

Lastly, tenting the turkey breast with foil during the resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

What's the best way to get crispy skin on my turkey breast recipe? I’m aiming for Mary Berry worthy perfection!

Achieving crispy skin is all about removing excess moisture. Patting the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels before applying the herb rub is crucial. Consider dry brining the turkey breast 24 hours in advance; salting draws out moisture, leading to incredibly crisp skin.

Some folks even like to blast it with a bit of higher heat in the last 15-20 minutes, but watch it like a hawk!

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this turkey breast recipe?

Yes, you can substitute a boneless turkey breast. However, keep in mind that boneless breasts tend to cook faster than bone-in ones, so you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start checking the internal temperature about 30 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

Also, boneless turkey breast can sometimes be drier than bone-in, so paying attention to the temperature is especially important.

What can I do with the leftover turkey breast? I always end up eating turkey sandwiches for days!

Turkey sandwiches are classic, but let's think outside the box! Use leftover turkey breast in turkey pot pie, turkey chili, or sliced on top of a salad. You can also shred it and toss it with BBQ sauce for a delicious turkey BBQ sandwich.

Don’t forget to freeze any leftovers you won’t eat within 3-4 days to avoid it going off like a dodgy prawn cocktail!

How long will cooked turkey breast keep in the fridge?

Cooked turkey breast is best consumed within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Ensure it's cooled down completely before placing it in an airtight container. If you aren't planning on eating the leftovers within that time frame, freezing is a great option!

Frozen turkey breast will maintain its quality for about 2-3 months.

Is this turkey breast recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet? What changes do I need to make?

Good question! The roasted turkey breast itself is naturally gluten-free. However, the standard pan sauce uses all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Use the same amount, and you’ll be golden.

Double check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free, as some brands add gluten containing ingredients.