This turkey breast recipe is super simple and perfect for any meal. It’s juicy, flavorful, and gets golden brown on the outside—just the way we love it!
You won’t believe how easy it is! I love making this dish for family dinners. Just season, roast, and enjoy—the leftovers are great in sandwiches the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breasts: Boneless turkey breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook evenly and remain juicy. If you can’t find boneless, bone-in breasts work too—just adjust the cooking time.
Olive Oil vs. Butter: I prefer using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits, but melted butter lends a rich taste. Choose based on what you enjoy or have at hand.
Herbs: Fresh herbs really elevate this dish. If you can’t find fresh thyme or rosemary, dried versions work just fine, though you may need less since they’re more concentrated.
Broth or White Wine: Using broth or wine in the pan keeps the turkey moist. If avoiding alcohol, use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead.
How Do You Keep Turkey Breast Moist While Roasting?
Keeping turkey moist can be a challenge! Here are some key tips:
- **Pat Dry:** Always start by patting the turkey dry. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- **Herb Paste:** The herb paste comprises oil, garlic, and seasonings—this adds flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- **Baste:** Basting halfway through cooking with the pan juices makes a big difference in keeping the turkey juicy.
- **Resting Time:** Don’t skip resting your turkey after roasting! This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious turkey breast that’s sure to impress!
Best Roasted Herb Turkey Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless turkey breasts (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed (reserve 2 whole for roasting)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for basting or roasting pan)
- Fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 60 to 75 minutes to roast the turkey breast in the oven. Allow some extra time for resting the turkey, about 10 to 15 minutes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying a delicious roasted turkey breast in just over an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows your turkey to cook evenly for that perfect roast!
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Take your turkey breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully when roasting.
3. Make the Herb Paste:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil or melted butter with the smashed garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. You want to create a fragrant herb paste that will coat the turkey.
4. Coat the Turkey:
Rub that delicious herb mixture all over the turkey breasts! Make sure to coat them evenly, getting every nook and cranny so it’s packed with flavor.
5. Place in the Roasting Pan:
Set the turkey breasts in a roasting pan or an ovenproof dish. Tuck the two reserved whole garlic cloves on top of the breasts for even more flavor during roasting.
6. Add Moisture:
If you’d like, pour chicken broth or white wine around the turkey in the pan. This will keep the turkey nice and moist while it roasts.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Roast your turkey uncovered for about 60 to 75 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook!
8. Baste for Juiciness:
About halfway through cooking, baste the turkey breasts with the pan juices. This helps keep it juicy and adds even more flavor!
9. Rest the Turkey:
Once it’s roasted to perfection, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with foil. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes; this lets the juices redistribute, so every slice is succulent.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, slice the turkey breasts and serve them with the pan juices drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful roasted turkey breast with its deliciously browned herb crust!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s essential to fully thaw the turkey breasts in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the meat from being tough or dry.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs in a 1:3 ratio, so for every tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried ones. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor!
How Can I Ensure the Turkey Breast Doesn’t Dry Out?
To keep the turkey moist, pat it dry before seasoning, use a flavorful herb paste, and be sure to baste it halfway through cooking. Also, letting it rest after roasting is crucial for juicy slices!
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist. Enjoy it on sandwiches or salads for a tasty meal!