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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Just took out the 9 lb turkey breast, bone in. Delish! Took two hours at 350. Flavorful and moist. This is a keeper. Thank you.
This dry rub was fantastic! I cooked a 5 pound turkey breast with skin and bone, so cut the amounts in half. It took about an 1.5 hrs in the oven +30 minutes tented. While cooking, my whole house smelled wonderful from all of the spices! I will definitely use this again. Next up, I’m going to try it on some chicken! The only thing I substituted was 1 teaspoon of butter instead of the olive oil. I rubbed the turkey down with the butter and then applied the dry rub under and over the skin. My husband and I thought this was absolutely delicious! Thank you!
This was the best Turkey we have ever had. First time to cook just the breast and I was afraid it would be dry. Far from dry, super moist and very tasty. Printed the receipt and will use it every time I cook a Turkey!
Excellent flavor! Made with counter top roaster. Enough drippings for about 4 servings of flavorful gravy.
Outstanding recipe! The turkey was delicious and juicy and the skin was crisp. I used an oven roasting bag, but otherwise followed the recipe. Excellent and easy!
So delicious, thank you for the perfect recipe!
Turned out great. I have saved to use again.
What an amazing mouth watering recipe !! Perfect and easy ! Love it !!
Thank-you
Thank you for this recipe! I had never cooked a turkey breast and it was easy and absolutely delicious. We have a new tradition!
Came out excellent. Had an 8lb breast w rib bones. My only change will be to cut down on any of herbs used to rub skin with. Kinda took away the good taste of salt and black pepper skin. I placed bird on a rack and used like an inch or so of hot water in 13×9 pan. My gravy killed with the help of butterball. Thanks. This was 100% better than a whole bird.