This Turkey Breast Recipe is juicy and full of flavor! It requires only a few simple ingredients like herbs, garlic, and butter, making it easy to prepare for any occasion.
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up! I love serving it with mashed potatoes, and it always impresses my guests. Plus, the leftovers make a delicious sandwich! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A 3 to 4-pound boneless turkey breast is ideal, but bone-in can work too. If you’re short on turkey, chicken breast is a great substitute.
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using olive oil for its health benefits, but melted butter adds a rich flavor. Coconut oil is another tasty option if you want something different.
Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary): Fresh herbs are best for flavor, but dried will work in a pinch! If you don’t have thyme, try using Italian seasoning instead.
Garlic: Garlic adds a punchy flavor. If you prefer milder garlic flavor, roasted garlic can add a sweet touch.
Lemon: The roasted lemon adds citrus notes. You could swap it with orange for a sweeter flavor, or skip it altogether if you prefer.
How Do You Ensure Juicy Turkey Breast?
Getting a juicy turkey breast comes down to a couple of key steps!
- First, drying the turkey with paper towels helps the skin crisp up nicely when cooking.
- Next, when you make the herb rub, be generous under the skin. This helps infuse flavor directly into the meat.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial! Aim for 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out.
- Lastly, letting the turkey rest after cooking is essential. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and tasty.
Best Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) boneless turkey breast, skin on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 60 to 75 minutes to roast in the oven. Don’t forget to add an additional 10 to 15 minutes for resting the turkey after roasting. In total, you can expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours making this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your turkey will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Using paper towels, pat the turkey breast dry to remove any excess moisture. This helps to achieve crispy skin when cooking!
3. Make the Herb Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil (or melted butter), sliced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant herb rub will add tons of flavor to your turkey.
4. Rub the Mixture:
Generously rub this herb mixture all over the turkey breast. Be sure to get under the skin as well, which helps infuse the flavor directly into the meat.
5. Roasting Setup:
Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. This allows the heat to circulate and cook it evenly.
6. Add the Lemon:
Place the halved lemon cut-side down next to the turkey. As it roasts, the lemon will soften and release its juices, adding a lovely citrus aroma to the turkey.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Put the pan in the preheated oven. Roast the turkey for about 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
8. Browning the Skin (Optional):
If the skin isn’t as browned as you’d like, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
9. Rest the Turkey:
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
10. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain for the best texture. Serve it garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and the roasted lemon halves on the side for an added pop of flavor.
11. Enjoy!
This turkey breast goes wonderfully with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or any meal where you want to impress!
This method yields a moist, flavorful turkey breast with crispy herb-rubbed skin, making it a delightful dish for any occasion!
Can I Use Bone-In Turkey Breast Instead?
Yes! A bone-in turkey breast is a great option. Just be aware that it may take a little longer to cook—around 75-90 minutes depending on the size. Make sure to check the internal temperature in the thickest part!
What Can I Serve This With?
This turkey breast pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or a fresh salad. You can also use the leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, or salads!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the herb rub and season the turkey breast a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast it. This will enhance the flavors even more!