This turkey breast recipe is perfect for a smaller crowd or for meal prep.
A turkey breast is simply seasoned and roasted to juicy perfection in the oven. It’s perfectly tender every time!
It’s delicious enough for a holiday and easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Quick & Easy Roast Turkey Breast
I love roasting a whole turkey but sometimes a roast turkey breast is just right for a weeknight meal or smaller crowd.
- This roast turkey breast recipe makes moist & juicy turkey.
- The prep is super easy, it cooks quickly, and cleanup is quick too!
- No waste – just tender, juicy slices of turkey!
What Kind of Turkey Breast to Buy
Boneless Turkey Breast – This recipe is for boneless turkey breast, which is sometimes called turkey breast roast. You can purchase a turkey breast at most grocery stores. While a turkey breast is all white meat, you can also buy a combination of white and dark meat. Both will cook for the same amount of time.
Account for approximately ½ pound of boneless turkey breast per person. Make extra if you have big eaters or want to have leftovers.
Bone-In Turkey Breast – This recipe also works with a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast. See the recipe notes for adjusted cooking times.
Seasoning for Turkey Breast – Season the turkey breast with salt & pepper and a bit of poultry seasoning or turkey seasoning. Add fresh herbs for extra flavor. We love parsley, rosemary, sage, and/or thyme.
How to Roast a Turkey Breast
For boneless or bone-in turkey breasts, a frozen 3 to 7-lb breast will take approximately 1 ½ to 3 hours.
- Prepare the turkey breast: Turkey breast is often sold as a roast in a net; leave it in the net for roasting. If the breast is not net-wrapped, tie it with kitchen twine for even roasting.
- Season: Brush turkey breast with oil and sprinkle on herbs & seasonings (per the recipe below).
- Roast: Preheat the oven to 350°F and roast the turkey breast with a little bit of broth and onion.
- Rest: Let the turkey breast rest before slicing.
If desired, the oil and herbs can be replaced with garlic herb butter or another flavored butter mixture.
How Long to Roast Turkey Breast
A boneless turkey breast will need to roast for 30-35 minutes per pound. The shape of the breast (some are thicker and rounder while some are flatter) can affect the cooking time. Tie it with twine for even cooking and use an instant-read thermometer.
- 2 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 60 to 70 minutes.
- 2.5 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 75 to 85 minutes.
- 3 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 90 to 105 minutes.
- 4 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 2 hrs to 2 hrs and 20 minutes.
Check it Early!
Always check a turkey breast earlier than you expect it to be done so it doesn’t overcook. Shape, size, and even the type of pan used can affect the cooking time.
Ensure you take the turkey breast out just before it reaches 165°F (I take it out closer to 160°F as the temp will continue rise as it rests.
Do not use a disposable pan for this recipe (you can line your own pan with foil if needed).
Tips for Juicy Turkey Breast
- Turkey is lean, most importantly, do not overcook it.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure you get juicy meat. The turkey must reach 165°F. Remove it from the oven about 5 degrees early (160°F) as it will continue to cook as it rests.
- Always rest the roast turkey breast. Remove it from the hot pan so it doesn’t overcook and rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Drippings or juices can be used to make gravy, add additional chicken or turkey broth if needed.
Roasting from Frozen
It’s safe to roast a turkey breast from frozen, add more roasting time to the recipe. Always use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast to gauge if it’s fully cooked.
Leftovers
Keep leftover turkey breast in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze slices in a zippered bag with the date labeled on the outside for up to 2 months. Use leftovers to make a big pot of homemade turkey soup, a hot turkey sandwich, or make a hearty turkey casserole that’s stuffed with pasta and cheese.
My Favorite Sides for Turkey Breast
Here are our favorite classic sides to pair with a roast turkey breast!
Did your family love this Roast Turkey Breast recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!
Herbed Roast Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast boneless, approx. 2 ½ -3 ½ pounds
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or as needed
- 3 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped *see note
- salt and black pepper
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth or as needed
Instructions
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Remove the turkey breast from the fridge and let it sit out for about 30-60 minutes at room temperature.
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Tie the turkey breast (if it's not tied or in a net already). If it is already in a net, leave it in the net to cook.
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Brush the turkey breast with olive oil. Generously sprinkle with fresh herbs, salt, & pepper.
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Place the turkey breast in a small casserole dish and nestle onions (and extra herbs if desired) alongside the turkey.
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Roast the turkey breast uncovered for 30 minutes. Add about 1 cup of broth, just enough to cover the bottom of the dish.
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Continue roasting (an additional 30-60 minutes) until the temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. (Approximate cook times below).
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Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
- 2 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 60 to 70 minutes.
- 2.5 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 75 to 85 minutes.
- 3 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 90 to 105 minutes.
- 4 lb Turkey Breast – roast for 2 hrs to 2 hrs and 20 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Turkey
Cuisine American
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how long to cook one side of turkey breast at 2 lbs. and oven temp. I am reading l5 min. to a lb. so it would be ready in 30 min.
A boneless turkey breast will need to roast for 30-35 minutes per pound. The shape of the breast (some are thicker and rounder while some are flatter) can affect the cooking time. We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Excellent perfect recipe.