This turkey breast recipe is all about juicy, tender meat with a tasty, crispy skin. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
I love how easy it is to prepare this turkey, and the leftovers make fantastic sandwiches! Just remember to keep it moist so it remains flavorful—nobody wants a dry turkey at the table! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A 3 to 4-pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast is ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find boneless, you may also use bone-in, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the turkey moist. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can use melted butter or avocado oil instead.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary really enhance the flavor, but if you don’t have fresh, dried versions work just fine. Use a third of the amount when switching to dried herbs.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can be an alternative, using about 1 teaspoon instead.
Lemon: Fresh lemon slices brighten the dish. If you don’t have lemon, orange slices can be a lovely substitute for a different citrus note.
How Do You Ensure Your Turkey Breast Stays Juicy?
Keeping your turkey breast juicy is all about proper preparation and cooking techniques. Here’s what you need to do:
- Dry the Bird: Patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels helps achieve a crispy skin. Moisture on the skin will steam it instead of crisp it up.
- Herb Paste: Rub the herb mixture under the skin as well as on top of it. This infuses flavor directly into the meat while cooking.
- Baste Regularly: Basting the turkey with pan juices helps keep it moist. It’s simple—just use a spoon to pour juices from the pan over the turkey every 20 minutes.
- Let It Rest: Allow the turkey to rest after cooking for about 10-15 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices for better flavor and tenderness.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a deliciously juicy turkey breast every time! 🦃
Best Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (3 to 4 pounds) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious turkey breast recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook, depending on the size of your turkey. Make sure to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting so that all the juice and flavor stays in.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your turkey cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Using paper towels, pat the turkey breast dry. This is crucial for getting that beautiful crispy skin. A little moisture on the surface will prevent browning.
3. Make the Herb Paste:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a nice, smooth paste.
4. Season the Turkey:
Take the herb paste and rub it all over the turkey breast, getting underneath the skin for maximum flavor. Don’t be shy, cover it well!
5. Arrange with Lemon:
Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan. Now, arrange the lemon slices around and underneath the turkey. This adds a lovely citrus flavor while cooking.
6. Roast the Turkey:
Put the turkey in the oven and roast it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste for Moisture:
Every 20 minutes or so, take the turkey out and baste it with the pan juices. This will keep the meat moist and full of flavor.
8. Let It Rest:
Once the turkey is done cooking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat.
9. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the turkey breast and arrange it on a serving platter. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of color.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious turkey warm and watch everyone enjoy the juicy, flavorful bites! Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home!
This recipe yields a mouthwatering turkey breast with crispy skin and delightful herb and lemon notes—ideal for any occasion!
Can I Use a Different Type of Turkey?
Yes, you can use a bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as it may take longer to cook thoroughly—check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with melted butter or avocado oil. Both alternatives will still help achieve that moist and flavorful turkey breast!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare the Herb Paste in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the herb paste up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and take it out right before you’re ready to use it to season the turkey.
