Roasted Turkey Breast – Juicy, Tender & Perfect for Small Holiday Gatherings

Roasted Turkey Breast – Juicy, Tender & Perfect for Small Holiday Gatherings

This Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect holiday main dish when you want all the flavor and aroma of a classic Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey—without cooking a full bird. It’s juicy, tender, beautifully seasoned, and roasted until the skin turns golden and crispy. Whether you're hosting an intimate holiday dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or adding an extra turkey option to the feast, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep. With garlic herb butter, fresh citrus, and warm aromatics, every bite is succulent, savory, and packed with holiday comfort.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast

1 whole turkey breast bone-in or boneless, 3–5 lbs
4 tbsp softened unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
4 garlic cloves minced

Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)

1 onion quartered
1 lemon or orange sliced
3 –4 rosemary sprigs
3 –4 thyme sprigs

Equipment

Roasting pan or cast-iron skillet
Small bowl
Meat thermometer
Basting brush
Aluminum foil

Method

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin).
Gently lift the skin and rub 1–2 tbsp butter underneath.
Massage the remaining butter + olive oil all over the outside.
Season generously with:
salt & pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
Italian seasoning
Place aromatics in the roasting pan and set turkey breast on top.

Step 2: Roast

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roast turkey breast uncovered for 60–90 minutes, depending on size:
Boneless: 20 minutes per pound
Bone-in: 23–25 minutes per pound
Baste once or twice with the pan juices.
Turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Step 3: Rest & Slice

Remove from the oven and tent with foil.
Rest 10–15 minutes to lock in juices.
Slice against the grain and serve with pan drippings or gravy.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2 months

Reheat gently in foil at 300°F with a splash of broth to keep moist.

🥄 Variations

Garlic Herb Butter Roast
Add extra rosemary + thyme + minced garlic.

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Brush with maple syrup during last 20 minutes.

Lemon Pepper Turkey
Add lemon zest + extra black pepper.

Cajun Turkey Breast
Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.

Honey Mustard Roast
Brush with honey + Dijon glaze.

Butterflied Quick Roast
Butterfly turkey breast for faster cooking.

White Wine Infused
Add ½ cup white wine to the pan.

Orange Rosemary Holiday Turkey
Add orange zest + rosemary under skin.

Smoked Paprika Version
Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Roast at 350°F for 45–55 minutes (boneless).

❓ 10 FAQs

Should I use bone-in or boneless?
Bone-in is juicier, boneless cooks faster.

Do I need to brine it?
Optional — butter + seasoning keeps it juicy.

How do I prevent dryness?
Don’t overcook; remove at 165°F max.

Can I use frozen turkey breast?
Yes — thaw completely first.

Should I roast covered or uncovered?
Uncovered for crispy skin; cover only if browning too fast.

What if my turkey breast is HUGE?
Increase time by weight and check temperature.

Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Absolutely — add broth + flour.

Is an oven bag okay?
Yes, but skin won’t get crisp.

Can I season it the night before?
Yes — enhances flavor.

Can I serve it cold?
Delicious sliced for sandwiches.

🏁 Conclusion

This Roasted Turkey Breast is juicy, tender, and wonderfully seasoned — the perfect holiday main when you want classic turkey flavor without roasting a whole bird. Easy, flavorful, and beautifully golden, it fits any festive menu and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.

A simple, elegant, and foolproof holiday centerpiece.