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 have a 3lb and an almost 3lb breast to cook. 375 for an hour?
Yes, it’s about 1 hour.
Can you put stuffing around the turkey breast?
Yes you could do it that way if it’s a smaller turkey breast of 3 to 4 pounds.
I am using a roaster instead of my oven. 9 lb bone in breast. The pkg says 325 degree oven for 3 1/2 hrs. Does this sound right?
We recommend cooking for 20 minutes per pound as a rule of thumb. The only way to be accurate is to use a meat thermometer.
This should be called “roasting turkey for dummies”. I’ve NEVER been good at roasting anything with a bone in it. This turned out so good. My entire family thinks I’m Gordon Ramsey now hahahah! Hey I didn’t tell em how easy it was!
Absolutely epic recipe. Saving it forever! Thank you!
No basting?
No basting required with this recipe 🙂
I have a 10lb boneless turkey breast; is the cooking time still 20 minutes per pound at 375?
Yes, the cooking time remains the same estimate.
I’m doing a 5.69 lb young turkey breast in a roaster, will there be a difference in time verses conventional oven?
It should remain roughly the same.
I am cooking a 13.5 lb turkey breast. Would the temperature setting for a large breast be 375 at 20min per lb? I wasn’t sure if a larger breast would need a different temperature
I’ve never come across one that large! It will still be the same temperature at 20 minutes per pound.
Best recipe ever!
How long should I cook if I have four turkey breasts that are 3 an 1/4 pounds each? The same as for one breast?
Turkey breast take approximately 20 minutes per pound.Cooking multiple turkey breasts in one oven does not change the cooking time, though it would be difficult to cook more than 2 turkey breasts in one oven. I assume you’ll be using two ovens. So just over an hour is the approximate time it will take to reach 165 degrees. There are far too many variables to give an exact time, so be sure to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Terrific. Can I use this recipe for full turkey?
Yes, you can use the herb blend for a whole turkey which you can find here: https://thestayathomechef.com/juiciest-turkey-recipe/
Should I use 2 turkey cooking bags for 2 8.5 lb turkey breast? And I don’t have to cook longer than if just one?
Using two separate turkey cooking bags for two 8.5-pound turkey breasts is a great idea! This allows each breast to cook evenly and helps ensure they both stay moist and tender. If you try to fit both into one bag, they may be overcrowded, and heat might not circulate properly.
As for cooking time, you don’t need to cook the turkey breasts longer than you would for just one. Each breast will cook independently in its own bag, so the timing should remain the same. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. That way, you’ll know for sure they’re perfectly cooked!
Só, no foil to cook this? Just foil to let it stand at the end?
Correct!
I have to admit I’ve not been a very successful turkey maker. This year bought just the breast and tried this recipe. Best, most moist, tasty turkey I’ve ever made. This will be my go to from now on. Thank you!