Are you searching for the perfect Easy Roasted Turkey Breast recipe that promises flavor without the fuss? Look no further! This simple herb-infused turkey breast is your answer to a delicious, moist, and tender turkey centerpiece, ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday meal, a Sunday dinner, or batch meal prep, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity, making it a go-to for home cooks everywhere.
Key Ingredients for Easy Roasted Turkey Breast
To embark on this culinary delight, gather these essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in developing the rich, herbaceous flavors and ensuring a perfectly juicy turkey breast.
- 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast: While boneless saves time, skin-on is key for crispy, flavorful skin.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil works best.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference, providing a vibrant, aromatic lift.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Another aromatic hero, thyme pairs beautifully with turkey.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Or two cloves of minced fresh garlic for a bolder flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a touch of warm, smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: For a mild kick and aroma.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water): To keep the turkey moist and create a flavorful pan sauce.
How to Make Easy Roasted Turkey Breast
This Easy Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is remarkably simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Its key features are its straightforward approach, packed with vibrant herb flavors that infuse every bite, and its ability to deliver a wonderfully tender and juicy turkey with a golden, crispy skin. You’ll be amazed at how such a gourmet-tasting dish can come from so little effort. The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 60-90 minutes, making it achievable even on busy weeknights.
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the turkey breast from its packaging, pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Drying the turkey is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Make the Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until a paste forms.
- Season the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or an oven-safe dish. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get underneath the skin if possible, for maximum flavor penetration.
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps keep the turkey moist and creates a flavorful base for any pan drippings or gravy later.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for 60-90 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast reads 160-165°F (71-74°C). The exact cooking time will vary based on the size of your turkey breast and your oven.
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting is vitally important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately with the pan drippings, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Roasted Turkey Breast
You’ll adore this Easy Roasted Turkey Breast for so many reasons, but the main highlight is undoubtedly its incredible juiciness paired with a perfectly crusted, herb-infused skin. It’s an elegant dish that tastes like it took hours, but comes together with minimal effort. This recipe is also a fantastic money-saver, offering a delicious, high-quality meal at a fraction of the cost of dining out or buying pre-cooked options, making it perfect for budget-conscious home cooks without compromising on flavor.
The fresh rosemary and thyme, combined with the subtle smokiness of paprika, are the flavorful toppings that truly make this dish special, elevating a simple turkey breast into something extraordinary. If you enjoyed the straightforward elegance of this dish, you might also like our recipe for Simple Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken! Give this recipe a try and experience how effortless a gourmet meal can be. You won’t regret bringing this delicious, wholesome dish to your family’s table!
What to Serve Easy Roasted Turkey Breast With
This versatile Easy Roasted Turkey Breast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a star of any meal.
- Classic Comfort: Mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or a hearty wild rice pilaf are excellent for soaking up those delicious pan juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green bean casserole, or sweet potatoes complement the herb flavors perfectly.
- Fresh & Light: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a vibrant cranberry sauce can cut through the richness of the turkey.
- Bread Options: A crusty sourdough or a soft dinner roll is always a welcome addition.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Roasted Turkey Breast
Achieving a perfectly cooked Easy Roasted Turkey Breast is simpler than you think with these expert tips:
- Pat it Dry: This is perhaps the most crucial step for crispy skin. Even if it seems dry, pat it again. Moisture on the skin prevents browning and crisping.
- Don’t Overcook: Turkey breast is lean and can dry out quickly. Use a reliable instant-read thermometer. The target internal temperature is 160-165°F (71-74°C). Remove it at 160°F, as it will continue to cook a bit while resting (carryover cooking).
- Resting is Non-Negotiable: After roasting, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result. Slicing too early will result in dry meat.
- Herb Freshness: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs. They offer a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile than dried herbs. If you must use dried, use about half the amount as the flavor is more concentrated.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage, marjoram, or tarragon. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water will work, though broth adds more flavor.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t constantly open the oven door. This drops the internal temperature and prolongs cooking time, potentially leading to a dry turkey. Trust your thermometer!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious Easy Roasted Turkey Breast leftovers.
- Storage: Once cooled, slice the turkey breast and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Place sliced turkey in freezer-safe bags or containers with a little extra broth or pan juices to prevent freezer burn and keep it moist. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For quick reheating of individual servings, place sliced turkey on a microwave-safe plate with a tablespoon of broth or water. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
- Oven: To reheat larger portions or to retain moisture, place sliced turkey in an oven-safe dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover tightly with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop (for smaller pieces): Gently warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or broth, flipping occasionally, until heated through. This method is great for adding to sandwiches or salads.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Roasted Turkey Breast recipe proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to come with complicated steps. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward roasting process, you can achieve a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful turkey that will impress without the stress. It’s perfect for any meal, providing a healthy and delicious centerpiece that adapts wonderfully to various side dishes. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Roasted Turkey Breast FAQs
- Q: Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can! A bone-in turkey breast will take a bit longer to cook, typically 90-120 minutes, as the bone insulates the meat. Ensure you still check the internal temperature to 160-165°F.
- Q: How do I know when the turkey breast is cooked through?
- A: The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone if present. It should register 160-165°F (71-74°C).
- Q: Can I prepare the herb rub ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! You can mix the herb rub up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before applying to the turkey.
- Q: My turkey skin isn’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?
- A: The most common reason is moisture. Make sure your turkey breast is thoroughly patted dry before applying the rub. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated, and avoid opening the oven door too frequently. Roasting at a slightly higher initial temperature (like 400°F for the first 15-20 minutes) can also help crisp the skin before reducing to 375°F.
- Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
- A: You can use dried herbs as a substitute, but reduce the amount. A general rule is to use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. For this recipe, you would use 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
Easy Roasted Turkey Breast – Simple Herb Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven & Prep Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the turkey breast from its packaging, pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Drying the turkey is crucial for achieving crispy skin.1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- Make the Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until a paste forms.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Season the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or an oven-safe dish. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get underneath the skin if possible, for maximum flavor penetration.1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps keep the turkey moist and creates a flavorful base for any pan drippings or gravy later.1/2 cup chicken broth
- Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for 60-90 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast reads 160-165°F (71-74°C). The exact cooking time will vary based on the size of your turkey breast and your oven.
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting is vitally important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately with the pan drippings, if desired.