Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey breast with a golden-brown crispy skin. Simple ingredients and straightforward roasting techniques ensure a perfect centerpiece for weeknight dinners or festive holiday meals without the hassle of managing a whole turkey.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Turkey Breast
- 1 fresh or thawed boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 to 3 pounds)
Seasoning & Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Roasting
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
- Prep the Turkey Breast: Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pat the skin dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish and better seasoning adhesion.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, covering both the skin and the underside evenly for maximum flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place a roasting rack inside the pan. Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to create moisture during cooking. Set the turkey breast skin-side up on the rack.
- Roast in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the turkey breast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Occasionally baste the turkey with pan juices to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender slices. Carve and serve as desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and to guarantee perfect doneness.
- Patting the skin dry before seasoning ensures crispy skin.
- For intensified flavor, season under the skin by gently lifting it and applying seasoning directly on the meat.
- Resting the turkey is essential for juicy slices and less mess while carving.
- Lemon zest or juice acts as a tenderizer and adds brightness to the flavor.
- Basting is optional but recommended to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning or use reduced sodium broth for a low sodium option.
- Try variations like herb butter rub, added spices for heat, or a citrus glaze for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (112 g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: oven roasted turkey breast, juicy turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, roasted turkey breast, simple turkey dinner, gluten free turkey recipe