Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is a tender and juicy dish perfect for entertaining smaller groups or anytime you’re in the mood for an elegant dinner that’s oh-so-easy to prepare!
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes? Try Roasted Fall Vegetables, Sweet Potato Casserole, Turkey Gravy, or Cornbread Stuffing!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email, and we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get delicious new recipes from us every Friday!
Why I love this recipe:
- Juicy Tender Meat: When craving tender turkey breast, this recipe is easy to make and roasts perfectly every time.
- Easy: If making a whole Thanksgiving turkey seems intimidating, roasting the breast is super simple and quick, without basting or brining.
- Delicious: Inspired by my self-basting turkey recipe, this roasted turkey breast is packed with delicious flavor. The herb butter infuses the meat while roasting, making it delicious and tender!
How to make Roasted Turkey Breast:
Thaw the turkey, allowing about 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey. Then remove it from the refrigerator, and its packaging, pat the skin dry with paper towels, and let sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 1: Make herb butter
Combine butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs in a bowl.
Step 2: Prep turkey breast
Set the turkey on a sheet pan or rack if you have one. Loosen the skin from the breast and smear a spoonful of prepared herb butter on both sides of the bone. Then, spread the remaining butter all over the outside.
Step 3: Roast
Cook for 14-15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature (inserted into the thickest part of the breast) reaches 165 degrees.
Tip: If the turkey breast is wobbly, I like to give it an aluminum foil collar to keep it upright in the oven.
More Turkey Recipes to Try
- Apple and Turkey Tea Sandwiches
- Roast Turkey Recipe with Apple Cider and Thyme
- Easy Herb Roasted Turkey
- Easy Turkey Dry Brine Recipe
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-6 pounds turkey breast whole or half bone in
Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
Instructions
- Thaw turkey if frozen. Allow for 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey for thawing. Before roasting, remove it from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes
- Preheat oven to 325℉ and position the oven racks so that the turkey will roast in the middle of the oven.
Make Herb Butter
- Combine softened butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs in a bowl.
Prep the Turkey Breast
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help crisp the skin. Set the turkey on a sheet pan or rack if you have one. Loosen the skin from the breast and smear a spoonful of prepared herb butter on both sides of the bone. Then, spread the remaining butter all over the outside.
Roast the Turkey
- Cook for 14-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature (inserted into the thickest part of the breast) reaches 165 degrees.
Rest the Turkey
- Remove from oven, tent a sheet of aluminum foil over the top, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Bone-in Turkey Breast: This turkey breast has the backbone and ribs intact, and the skin is on. The only difference between a whole turkey and a bone-in turkey breast is the legs and thighs have been removed. A half turkey breast will also work for this recipe, and the cooking time will be shorter.
- Herbs: You can use any herb combination you prefer in this recipe. I love the combination of rosemary and thyme, but parsley and sage are great options too!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
This turkey breast is amazing! Not only is it great for smaller guests at Thanksgiving, but it’s one I make all year. It takes a fraction of the time and is great as a main dish, as well as for soups, stews, and sandwiches.