This turkey breast recipe is simple and super tasty! With flavorful herbs and spices, your turkey will shine as the star of any dinner.
What’s great is that it’s quick to prepare and perfect for holidays or any day you want to impress! I love serving it with some roasted veggies for a comfy meal. 🦃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A boneless, skin-on turkey breast gives you moist meat and crispy skin. If you can’t find this, you could use bone-in turkey breast, just adjust cooking time since it may take longer.
Olive Oil: This oil is great for roasting and adds flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, canola or avocado oil also work well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a rich flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a quick substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon for every clove.
Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried herbs can do the trick but use less since they are more potent—about a third of the amount.
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. If you don’t have a lemon, vinegar can add acidity, but the flavor will change a bit.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Breast Stays Moist While Roasting?
To get that juicy turkey bread everyone’s after, the key lies in preparation and cooking method. Start by making sure to pat your turkey dry and then rub the herb mixture well. Here’s how to keep it moist:
- Use olive oil generously; it helps keep the skin crispy and adds flavor.
- Basting is important! Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the pan juices over the turkey.
- Cooking to the perfect temperature is crucial. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest after roasting! This step allows juices to settle back into the meat.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to serve a turkey breast that’s delicious and juicy every time!
Best Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (3 to 4 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for basting or baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey breast recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time. Additionally, it’s essential to let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, bringing the total time commitment to about 2 hours. This should provide you with a wonderful, juicy turkey breast that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your turkey roasts evenly from the start.
2. Prepare the Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix them together well; this blend will coat and flavor your turkey beautifully.
3. Prepare the Turkey Breast:
Take your turkey breast and gently pat it dry with paper towels. Then, rub the herb and garlic mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get some under the skin if you can. This step is vital for maximizing flavor!
4. Roasting Setup:
Place the turkey breast skin side up on a roasting rack in a baking pan. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the turkey, helping it cook evenly. If you’d like, you can add chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
5. Roast the Turkey:
Put the turkey in the oven and roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of your turkey breast. Remember to baste it with the pan juices halfway through for added moisture and deliciousness.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once your turkey breast reaches the correct temperature, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful. After resting, slice the turkey breast and serve it garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.
This recipe yields a moist, flavorful turkey breast with a crispy golden skin—perfect for both holiday dinners and satisfying weeknight meals! Enjoy! 🦃✨
Can I Use Other Cuts of Turkey?
While this recipe is designed for a boneless, skin-on turkey breast, you can use bone-in turkey thighs or drumsticks as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts typically require longer cooking times to reach the right internal temperature.
What Should I Do If My Turkey Breast Is Frozen?
If your turkey breast is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to let it sit in the fridge for 24-48 hours. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a few hours.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or in a covered pan on the stove to retain moisture. You can also make sandwiches with the turkey for a tasty lunch!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Using an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! If using an air fryer, preheat it to 360°F (182°C) and cook the turkey breast for about 30-45 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Basting halfway through will help keep it moist and tasty!
