Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

This melt-in-your-mouth Roasted Turkey Breast is a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic holiday flavor without tackling an entire bird. With a perfectly seasoned butter rub that creates a golden, crispy skin and keeps the meat incredibly tender, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a full turkey dinner with half the effort. Ready in just over 2 hours, it’s perfect for smaller gatherings or when you’re craving those comforting turkey flavors without waiting for a holiday!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Manageable Size: Perfect for smaller gatherings when you don’t need a whole turkey but still want that traditional flavor.
• Incredibly Moist: The butter rub locks in moisture, ensuring your turkey breast stays juicy and tender.
• Flavor-Packed: This isn’t your bland, dry turkey breast! The herb and garlic butter rub infuses every bite with savory goodness.
• Less Intimidating: If you’ve been nervous about cooking a whole turkey, this is the perfect entry point to turkey success.
• Built-In Gravy: The drippings make an incredible homemade gravy that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bone-in Turkey Breast: The bone helps conduct heat evenly and keeps the meat juicy. Don’t worry about the exact weight – this recipe is forgiving.
• Butter: Creates a rich base for our rub and helps crisp the skin to golden perfection.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Salt and Pepper: The foundation of good flavor – don’t skimp!
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret is.
• Dried Oregano: Provides that classic herb flavor that pairs beautifully with poultry.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the meat with irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: For garnishing. They add a pop of color and freshness to your serving platter.
• Chicken or Turkey Stock: Forms the base of your gravy, combining with the turkey drippings.
• All-Purpose Flour: Works as the thickening agent for the gravy, creating that perfect consistency.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your turkey breast:

• Herb Lover’s Version: Replace the oregano with a mixture of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for a traditional herb-forward flavor.
• Citrus Infusion: Add orange or lemon zest to your butter mixture for a bright, zesty twist.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for those who enjoy heat.
• Wine-Infused Gravy: Replace some of the stock with white wine for an elegant, complex gravy.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Set up a wire rack on a baking sheet or inside a roasting pan. Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes – this ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Butter Rub

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Mix until you have a spreadable paste that’s evenly combined.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Place the turkey breast on the rack. Gently lift the skin (without tearing it) and massage some of the butter mixture underneath. This puts flavor directly on the meat. Then rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey breast.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Roast the turkey breast for approximately 90 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The most reliable way to know it’s done is when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.

Step 5: Rest Before Carving

This is crucial! Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for a full 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

While the turkey is resting, strain the drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Heat these drippings in a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate container, shake the stock and flour together until fully combined with no lumps. Pour this slurry into the hot drippings, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk and cook until the gravy thickens, about 10-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer. Turkey breast is perfectly cooked at 165°F – any higher and it may dry out.
• Butter at Room Temperature: Make sure your butter is properly softened for easy mixing and spreading.
• Don’t Rush the Rest: Those 30 minutes of resting time are non-negotiable for juicy meat.
• Gravy Success: Keep whisking! Continuous whisking prevents lumps in your gravy and stops it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Season Confidently: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper in the gravy – they bring all the flavors together.
• Get Under That Skin: Taking the time to put butter mixture under the skin makes a huge difference in flavor.

How to Serve

This roasted turkey breast is versatile enough to be the star of various meals:

Holiday Style:

Serve sliced on a platter with gravy on the side or drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Complete the Meal:

Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables for a traditional turkey dinner experience.

Casual Option:

Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a more relaxed meal. The gravy makes an excellent dipping sauce for the bread!

Sandwich Supreme:

Use leftover slices for the world’s best turkey sandwiches the next day. Layer with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a touch of mayo on good bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store sliced turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the meat covered with a little gravy or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Turkey breast freezes beautifully! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

Gently reheat turkey slices covered with foil in a 325°F oven with a splash of broth until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the meat tough.

Gravy Storage

Refrigerate leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to a week. When reheating, place in a saucepan with a splash of water or stock over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and hot.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless turkey breast works well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Generally, boneless breasts cook faster, so start checking the temperature after about 60 minutes. Remember, the target temperature remains 165°F for food safety.

Why is my turkey breast dry even though I followed the recipe?
The most common cause of dry turkey is overcooking. Turkey breast continues cooking slightly during the resting period, so consider removing it from the oven when it reaches 160-162°F, as it will reach the safe 165°F while resting. Also, make sure you’re properly measuring the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.

My gravy has lumps. Can I fix it?
Yes! Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Next time, make sure your slurry is completely smooth before adding it to the hot drippings, and whisk constantly while incorporating it.

Can I prep any of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! Make the butter rub up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before applying. You can also prep the turkey with the rub the night before cooking – just cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Turkey Breast recipe brings all the joy of a traditional turkey dinner without the fuss of cooking a whole bird. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, making a special Sunday dinner, or just craving those holiday flavors, this juicy, flavorful turkey breast delivers every time. The combination of that herb-infused butter rub and homemade gravy transforms an ordinary turkey breast into something truly spectacular. Give it a try – I’m confident it will become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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