Description

This oven roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or anytime you crave juicy, flavorful turkey. Seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs, paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then roasted to golden perfection, this dish ensures moist and tender meat every time. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or any special occasion, it offers all the festive flavors with less preparation compared to a whole turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Breast

3 to 8-pound turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)

Seasoning Paste

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ Tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting your turkey breast evenly.
Make herb rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well to form a fragrant, thick paste.
Prepare turkey: Place the turkey breast skin side up on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan. Gently loosen the skin with your fingers and a spoon, then spread some of the seasoning paste underneath the skin, coating as much meat as possible for maximum flavor and moisture.
Season the skin: Rub the remaining herb paste evenly on top of the turkey skin to create a flavorful crust once roasted.
Roast the turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the oven for about 20 minutes per pound. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast; it should reach 160℉.
Rest the meat: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165℉ for safe and juicy results.
Slice and serve: Once rested, slice the turkey breast horizontally for uniform, juicy slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Notes

Cooking time varies with turkey breast size; boneless breasts cook faster.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid over- or undercooking.
Bone-in breasts often yield more tender and flavorful meat compared to boneless.
Don’t discard pan drippings—use them to make a delicious turkey gravy.
Slice turkey breast horizontally for uniform slices. Skin can be left on or removed depending on preference.
For a richer flavor, extra virgin olive oil can be substituted in the herb rub.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven roasted turkey breast, turkey breast recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, holiday turkey, juicy turkey breast, bone-in turkey breast, boneless turkey breast, Italian seasoning turkey