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Home » Recipes » Poultry

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Published: Nov 3, 2022 · Modified: Nov 15, 2022 by Kate

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Pictures of roasted turkey, with list of ingredients and text: Oven baked turkey breast.
Turkey breast with a slice out, with text: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast.

This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe is simple to make and results in a juicy and tender bird with crispy skin. Turkey crown is smaller so it's perfect for a holiday meal with fewer guests, or a weeknight dinner for the family. Serve it up with your favorite comforting side dishes!

Table with a plate of oven roasted turkey breast.
Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Sometimes you don't need a whole turkey to enjoy the taste of roasted turkey.

This recipe is for roasted turkey breast only (also called Turkey Crown), making it much easier (and quicker) to prepare.

It's great for a smaller meal and for those who like skipping the dark meat and drumsticks.

It's also better for the squeamish cook, since there are no giblets to deal with.

Roasting a turkey breast couldn't be easier!

This turkey crown uses a simple blend of seasonings mixed into butter.

They get placed on the skin and under the skin along with sliced oranges to add a hint of sweetness and keep the turkey breast moist during cooking.

Once seasoned, add it to a roasting tray and cook in the oven until the meat is tender and juicy all the way through and the skin is crisp on top.

Roasted turkey breast is great for a smaller crowd on Thanksgiving or Christmas or for a weeknight protein that pairs well with many different side dishes!

Serve it up with Microwave Green Bean Casserole, Microwave Brussels Sprouts, or Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon, pus Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, or Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes.

Jump to:
  • Why Make This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Cook's Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage & Freezing
  • FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments
A turkey crown with a slice removed.

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect for those who prefer white meat over darker cuts like legs and thighs.

Great for a small holiday or celebration or to make on a weeknight, since a turkey breast is smaller.

Roasted turkey is warm and comforting and makes great leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or roasted turkey soup.

This recipe uses a very simple blend of seasonings that let the natural flavors of the turkey come through.

The trick of adding sliced oranges under the turkey skin, makes it super juicy and moist.

An oven roasted turkey breast with orange slices under the skin.

Ingredients

  • Turkey Breast - Also known as a turkey crown, these can be found in most grocery stores during the holidays. You'll need one that is about 5-7 pounds on average depending on how many people you are serving.
  • Butter - Used to blend the seasonings together. It also adds a rich buttery flavor and helps tenderize the meat and crisp up the skin.
  • Dried Herbs - A mix of dried basil, rosemary, or sage is a great way to enhance the natural flavor of poultry.
  • Fresh Thyme - Gives the turkey breast even more of a herbed aromatic flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper - Balances and enhances the flavor of turkey.
  • Oranges and Onions - Used to add additional flavor and texture to the turkey breast by sitting on the bottom of the turkey as it roasts in the oven.

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.

Instructions

Wondering how to make this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast recipe? It's easy!

Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

Prepare for roasting: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Get out a high-sided roasting tray and set it aside.

Mixing the herb butter.

Prepare the seasonings, oranges, and onions: Add the butter to a small bowl, and mix in the herbs, salt, and pepper to form a spreadable paste. Cut the oranges into thin (½-inch thick) slices. Peel the onion and cut it into eight wedges.

Rubbing butter on turkey breast and placing slices of oranges under the skin.

Marinate the turkey breast: Carefully loosen and separate the skin from the turkey breast and lift it up gently so you can spread ⅓ of the butter under the skin. Place some orange slices under the skin (about 4 slices). Replace the turkey skin and smooth it out to cover the meat. Brush the turkey all over with the remaining herb butter.

Rubbing butter on the outside of the turkey breast, and a cooked turkey breast.

Roast the turkey breast: Place the turkey breast into a high-sided roasting dish on top of the remaining orange slices and the onion pieces. Pour ½ cup of water into the roasting dish. Cover the dish with foil, and bake for 1 ½ hours, then remove the foil and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden.

Rest and carve: Remove from the oven and place a foil tent on top of the turkey breast. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving to make it nice and moist while it 'rests'. Enjoy!

Cook's Tips

For extra crispy skin, place the turkey breast under the broiler for a minute or two once it's done cooking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.

The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey breast is 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the herb butter and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to roast, follow the instructions above.

If cooking a smaller or larger turkey breast/crown then roast in the preheated oven, as above, for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until cooked (internal temperature of 165F, tested with a meat thermometer in the thickest part).

The actual cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast. Boneless turkey breasts will cook faster.

Variations

Try using different citrus: lemons, limes, tangerines, or grapefruits can be used in place of the oranges.

Change up the herbs: use any combination of dried or fresh herbs that you like. Popular choices include sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Add garlic: for extra flavor, try adding a few minced garlic cloves to the herb butter.

To make dairy free: omit the butter and use olive oil or avocado oil in its place.

Storage & Freezing

Cooled turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, tightly wrap cooled turkey breast in freezer-safe plastic wrap and/or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Leftover roasted turkey breast can be reheated in a 350F oven until warmed through.

Close up of a slice of oven roasted turkey breast.

FAQs

What's the best way to keep turkey breast from drying out?

You can do a few things to help prevent your turkey breast from drying out. First, make sure you don't overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and take the turkey out of the oven when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Second, try marinating the turkey breast overnight with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This will help to keep it moist and flavorful. Be sure to also 'rest' the turkey out of the oven so the juices permeate it.

Should I roast turkey breast covered or uncovered?

If desired, you can roast turkey breast covered for the first part of cooking, then uncovered for the last 30-40 minutes. This will help to keep it moist and prevent the skin from overcooking.

What is the best temperature to cook a turkey breast?

The best temperature is between 350 and 375 degrees F.

📖 Recipe

Plate with slices of turkey breast.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is juicy and tender with crispy skin. Turkey crown is small so it's perfect for fewer holiday guests.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to roast turkey breast in the oven, oven roasted turkey breast, roasted turkey breast
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 688kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
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Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Roasting Tray

Ingredients

  • 7 pound turkey breast (turkey crown)
  • ⅓ cup butter at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil (rosemary, or sage)
  • 8 sprigs thyme fresh
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 oranges
  • 1 onion

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Add the butter to a small bowl, and mix in the herbs, salt and pepper to form a spreadable paste.
  • Cut the oranges into thin (½-inch thick) slices. Peel the onion and cut into eight wedges.
  • Carefully loosen and separate the skin from the turkey breast and lift it up gently so you can spread ⅓ of the butter under the skin. Place some orange slices under the skin (about 4 slices). Replace the turkey skin and smooth it out to cover the meat.
  • Rub the turkey all over with the remaining herb butter.
  • Place the turkey breast into a high sided roasting dish on top of the remaining orange slices and the onion pieces. Pour ½ cup of water into the roasting dish.
  • Cover the dish with foil, and bake for 1 ½ hours, then remove the foil and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden.
Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

Notes

For extra crispy skin, place the turkey breast under the broiler for a minute or two once it's done cooking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.
The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey breast is 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the herb butter and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to roast, follow the instructions above.
If cooking a smaller or larger turkey breast/crown then roast in the preheated oven, as above, for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until cooked (internal temperature of 165F, tested with a meat thermometer in the thickest part).
The actual cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast. Boneless turkey breasts will cook faster.

Nutrition

Calories: 688kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 133g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 331mg | Sodium: 1139mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 617IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 9 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Tayler

    November 03, 2022 at 11:40 am

    5 stars
    We’re having a smaller Thanksgiving this year, so I can’t wait to make this turkey breast. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Matej @ CookWeWill

    November 03, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    Always looking for more turkey breasts recipes and yours turned out really great. The meat was tender, juicy and full of flavors.

    Reply
  3. Holley

    November 03, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    How flavorful and juicy! I also love how easy it is to prepare! Great recipe!

    Reply
  4. Toni

    November 06, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, this is such a perfect recipe for turkey breast!! So moist and delicious! Thank you! Didn't wait for thanksgiving, made it so we can slice it for lunch sandwiches!

    Reply
  5. maryanne

    November 06, 2022 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    So much flavor from such a simple recipe, and it was nice and moist. Now the best part: eating leftover turkey 20 different ways - one of my favorite fall traditions!! Thanks for a stellar turkey breast recipe!

    Reply
  6. Jacqueline

    November 08, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    I love that you used orange and nice choice of herbs too. So moist!

    Reply

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Kate cooking.

Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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