Name: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (4- to 5-lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, thawed if frozen; 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Say goodbye to bland, dry turkey forever-this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the absolute juiciest and most flavorful you'll ever make! With buttery herbs, crispy golden skin, and tender, succulent meat, it's a true centerpiece that's surprisingly simple to prepare.

What makes this dish a must-try? It's practically foolproof, comes together in just over an hour, and roasts beautifully every single time. Whether you're feeding a cozy holiday crowd or want amazing turkey sandwiches all week, this is your new go-to.

Inspired by years of family gatherings (and a love of leftovers), this recipe delivers maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or even meal prep!

Golden, juicy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with herbs

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredibly juicy and never dry, thanks to a simple butter rub
Crispy, golden-brown skin with loads of herb flavor
Perfect for small gatherings, holiday meals, and easy leftovers
Minimal prep and easy, hands-off roasting-great for beginners

Key Ingredients for Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Turkey Breast

The star of the show! Use a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds) for best flavor and juiciness. The bone helps the meat stay moist, and the skin gets perfectly crispy as it roasts. You can also use boneless, just reduce cooking time by about 15 minutes per pound.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is key for a rich, moist turkey. Let it soften to room temperature so it spreads easily under and over the skin. If you're dairy-free, olive oil works too, though the flavor will be slightly different and the skin a bit less crisp.

Fresh Herbs

Use a mixture of rosemary, thyme, and parsley for classic, fragrant flavor. Fresh is best, but 1 teaspoon dried per tablespoon fresh is a good swap if needed. Sage or tarragon are delicious alternatives.

Garlic

Minced garlic brings out the savory side of the turkey and infuses incredible aroma. If you're short on time, a half teaspoon of garlic powder works in a pinch.

Lemon Zest

Just a bit of grated lemon zest brightens up the whole dish and keeps the flavor lively. Orange zest or a splash of juice also works if you prefer a different citrus note.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast cooking process

Instructions for Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat the Oven and Prep a Roasting Pan

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C), and place your oven rack in the lower third. Line a roasting pan or large baking dish with foil for easier cleanup, then add the chicken broth to the bottom (this keeps the turkey ultra moist and collects drippings for gravy).

Make the Herbed Butter

In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Mix until well combined and super fragrant.

Prepare the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels-this is the secret to crispy skin! Gently lift the skin away from the meat (without tearing) and rub half of the herbed butter directly onto the meat underneath. Spread the remaining butter over the skin.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a rack or directly in the pan. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes at 425°F to get that golden skin, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 50-65 minutes, or until a thermometer in the thickest part reads 160°F (it will rise to 165°F as it rests). Baste with pan juices once or twice for extra flavor!

Rest and Slice

Remove the turkey breast to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for at least 15 minutes-this keeps all the juices inside. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides!

Recipe Variations

Citrus and Herb Twist

Swap lemon zest for orange zest, and add a tablespoon of orange juice to the butter mixture for a slightly sweeter, citrusy flavor. It's perfect for a festive holiday spin!

Garlic-Lover's Turkey

Double the garlic in the butter mixture, and add an extra teaspoon of garlic powder to the salt and pepper. You'll get a deeply savory, aromatic roast that's perfect for garlic fans.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute-the turkey will still be juicy, though the skin may be softer and less golden.

Spicy Cajun Style

Replace the traditional herbs with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bold, Southern-inspired turkey breast.

Boneless or Split Turkey Breasts

This recipe works for boneless turkey breasts too! Just reduce the roasting time by about 15 minutes per pound and check for doneness with a thermometer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this oven roasted turkey breast alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or classic stuffing for a true holiday feast. Don't forget to drizzle with the flavorful pan juices or your favorite gravy! Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright pop of color and taste.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months-slice before freezing for easy reheating. To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth and warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Microwave gently with a little extra liquid to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Roasted Turkey Breast (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in?

A: Yes! Boneless turkey breasts roast faster-reduce oven time by about 15 minutes per pound, and always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Q: How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?

A: Use plenty of herbed butter, roast at a high temperature initially, and cover loosely with foil if the skin gets too brown. Always let the turkey rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Q: Do I need to brine my turkey breast?

A: Brining is optional in this recipe. The butter rub and broth keep the turkey juicy, but you can brine it overnight if you want extra moisture and flavor.

Nothing beats a homemade oven roasted turkey breast for simple, delicious meals any time of year. It's easy, flavorful, and always gets rave reviews-so give it a try and let me know how your turkey turns out! Leave a comment or rating below. Happy roasting!