Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect alternative to a full size turkey for small families. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, your whole family is going to love this one!
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and dreams of cranberry sauce, pie, and turkey are dancing through our heads. Thanksgiving is the feast of all feasts, a time for family gatherings, a chance to rest and recharge, and what’s not to love about that? We know that the thought of a large Thanksgiving meal can be daunting, stressful, and, well…the opposite of restful. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Has anyone else ever felt pressured to roast a whole turkey just for tradition’s sake? We are here to tell you that you do NOT have to roast a whole turkey. Turkey breasts are totally satisfying and delicious with their crispy skin and juicy meat. Pair this with your favorite mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie for a Thanksgiving to remember!
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Can I use an oven bag to roast a turkey breast?
There is some debate on oven bags vs. traditional roasting. The idea behind an oven bag is that it should lock in moisture and flavor. Your turkey will also cook faster, you don’t have to worry about basting, and cleanup is a breeze! There are a lot of benefits to roasting in a bag, however if you prefer to roast a bird the traditional way sans bag, more power to you. It’s really just about personal preference.
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Turkey Skin: Optional?
We are big proponents of always cooking with bone in and skin on meat. The flavor can’t be beat, and there’s nothing quite as delicious as crispy skin. If you avoid excess fat for dietary reasons, or just aren’t a fan of the skin, you can always remove the skin before roasting.
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To Baste or Not to Baste:
Basting requires you to open the oven door repeatedly, losing a ton of heat! You do not need to baste, and we actually recommend not basting with this recipe. If you do decide to baste, you will need to plan on some additional cooking time.
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Boneless or Bone-in Turkey Breast
Turkey breasts are sold both boneless, and bone-in. Bone-in turkey breasts tend to be larger and contain both sides of the breast, while boneless turkey breasts are generally just one breast. This recipe will work with either, though a single boneless turkey breast will require a shorter cooking time.
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What should I do with leftover Oven Roasted Turkey Breast?
Leftover turkey is one of the best things about Thanksgiving! We doubt you’ll be able to stop yourself from eating this whole turkey breast with your family. However, if somehow you end up with leftovers, you should always use them in a sandwich the next day with some cranberry sauce, provolone cheese, and your favorite leafy greens. Mmmmm!
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious Thanksgiving inspired recipes:
Watch the video below where we will walk you through every step of the recipe with a video demonstration.
I am confused. Why do you have options at the top that are 1,2 or 3? Is it based on the puns of the breast or 1-3 breasts?
That is if you wanted to 2xs the recipe or 3xs the recipe. A lot of people like to double our recipes so we do the math for you!
Do you cook it with the lid on the roasting pan or do you cook it uncovered?
No lid needed! Cook it uncovered for a perfect skin.
Great what sides can I put around the breast!
Cubed onions, potatoes and carrots or other root vegetables do great around this.
The rub may not be traditional, but it was really good. I think it may be a tradition now!
Silly question but is this Turkey breast like a frozen butterball Turkey breast from your local grocery store?
It will say on the package, “breast meat on bone”. There are some roast out there that are formed meat pieces, into a loaf shape and those won’t give you the same results.
Exactly what I was looking for thanksgiving for my son and I 😘
What type of liquid can I add so the turkey breast don’t get dried out? It sounds like you just put the breast in a oil pan and nothing else?
Correct! We simply add just the breast to the pan. If you do want to add some liquid, you can add some poultry broth.
Made this last year. I seasoned it the day before, covered it with foil. It was absolutely the best. Loved it! Making it again this year.
You’re great, keep at it
Can I also brush some butter on the outer sides of the turkey?
Of course! Note though that butter does burn easily at high temps.
Can you make gravy with just a breast?
If you have enough drippings then yes! even if you have just a little bit, you can add some stock and stretch it out.
Just what I was looking for, a simple recipe.lm preparing dinner for 100 people at our Community center. Thank you.Teresa Rutherford. RR Oregon
If you don’t mind I would like to respond to your post. Prep stuffing like you would onions celery with some butter some stock whatever you use to cook the onions and celery in. Don’t forget to season it salt pepper poultry seasoning maybe a little bit of garlic. When your onions and celery are cooked strain them and the drippings from that pan can get poured over the turkey breast which will then be in the base of the roasting pan which you will use for gravy
Do u cook the stuffing under ur turkey breast?
We cook the stuffing separate.
So glad I found this recipe. I am looking forward to trying it for the first time. We love stuffing baked in the turkey. Are there any tips about baking stuffing underneath the turkey breast?
Just do so how you normally would and ensure that the turkey breast is safely cooked!
I’m definitely going to try it. My mouth is already watering. How about adding some sage and poultry seasoning? Will it change the recipe?
It will be a different flavor than this exact recipe but it will still be delicious!