This delicious roast turkey breast is perfect for your Thanksgiving meal. Super easy to make, and it comes out wonderfully juicy and flavored every single time. Be sure to grab this foolproof turkey breast recipe this year. It's the best!
Wash turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Remember to take out the giblets.
Season inside of turkey cavity generously with salt and pepper.
Using the back of a spoon, carefully separate the skin from the turkey meat, moving downwards with the spoon’s back. Loosen the skin from both sides of the turkey breast. You can also just use your fingers to do this, but I find it easier with the spoon. Set aside.
Make compound butter by adding butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped herbs to a small bowl. Using a fork mash and mix until well combined.
Spread out 2/3 of the garlic lemon compound butter under the turkey’s skin using a spoon and using your hands to spread it evenly. Spread the rest of the compound butter over the top of the skin. Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and fresh ground pepper; pour in olive oil and mix until well incorporated.
Slather the spice rub all over the turkey breast on the outside.
Add onion wedges, chopped celery and carrots, garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs to a small roasting pan or large enough baking dish or skillet.
Place turkey breast on top, skin side up. If making ahead, stop here; cover turkey with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Remove from the fridge 1 hour before cooking.
Pour chicken stock into the pan.
Transfer to the oven and place on the middle-lower rack, don’t cover the turkey. Reduce oven heat to 325˚F.
Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the size of the turkey breast (see turkey breast cooking time chart below,, or until internal temperature reaches 155˚F. About 15 to 18 minutes per pound. Use a instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness.(If you want crispier skin, baste the turkey breast every 30 minutes. If the top of the turkey breast starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent a piece of foil over the turkey breast and continue to roast.)
Remove from the oven & let stand for 20 - 30 minutes before cutting.
NOTES
If using frozen turkey breast, allow time for it to thaw fully before seasoning. You need about 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator to thaw a whole turkey breast.
Patting the skin of the turkey removes any excess moisture and helps to get crispy skin.
If making ahead of time, take the turkey out of the fridge an hour before roasting it.
Roast the turkey breasts for about 15 - 18 minutes per pound of turkey. (see cooking time chart above)
Make sure you add herbs and butter under the skin to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
Make sure the skin is well brushed with oil or with the oil spice rub from the recipe.
Baste the turkey breasts if you want a crispy skin, and use a baster.
If the top of the turkey breast starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent a piece of foil over the turkey breast and continue to roast.
Let the roast turkey breast rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking time chart:
4 - 6 lbs - 1 to 1 3/4 hours
6 - 8 lbs - 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours
8 - 10 lbs - 2 to 3 hours
10 - 12 lbs - 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
12 - 14 lbs - 3 to 4 1/4 hours
14 - 16 lbs - 3 1/2 to 4 3/4 hours
NUTRITION
Nutrition Facts
Roast Turkey Breast
Amount Per Serving
Calories 681Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 286mg95%
Sodium 2279mg95%
Potassium 1295mg37%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 100g200%
Vitamin A 4221IU84%
Vitamin C 26mg32%
Calcium 105mg11%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword How to cook turkey breast, how to roast turkey breast