Looking to make a full size turkey this year? Check out all you need to know to prepare it here.
Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
This year many of us are planning on a smaller gathering for the holidays so the perfect thing to prepare instead of a whole turkey is a turkey breast. It makes just enough for a family or for a pair with leftovers. The method is very straightforward and I’ve even included the directions to make the gravy. Because we all know the turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy is the highlight of the meal! Just be sure to monitor the temperature of the turkey breast and cook right to 165 for a perfectly juicy and tender result.
Ingredients Needed for Oven Roast Turkey Breast and Gravy
6 lb. bone-in skin-on turkey breast: Fresh or frozen and fully thawed will work here. Don’t forget to plan ahead to allow plenty of time for thawing in the fridge. Unsalted butter: Salted butter works fine too. Dry the turkey well with paper towels so the butter spreads on easier. Garlic: I like to use 1 Tbsp for a decent amount of flavor that isn’t overpowering. Thyme, rosemary, sage (or parsley): These are classic herbs for seasoning poultry. You can use dried herbs if you don’t want to pay the higher price for fresh. Use 1 tsp of each. Salt and pepper: Season somewhat generously. I use kosher salt but standard table salt is just fine. Yellow onion, carrot and celery: These are used to season the drippings for gravy. If you aren’t making gravy then just skip them. Flour: This ingredient thickens the gravy. Low-sodium chicken stock: Used to make gravy, preferably go for homemade. I make this anytime we buy rotisserie chicken or make roast a chicken, then just freeze it for later.
Scroll down for ingredient amounts, full directions and print option.
How to Roast a Turkey Breast
How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Oven
For a 6 lb bone-in turkey it takes 2 to 2 1/4 hours to bake in the oven at 325 degrees. Or about 20 minutes per pound at 325 degrees.
Can I use a larger or smaller turkey breast?
Yes just reduce or increase bake time accordingly. And as always test the temperature to 165 in center of thickest portion, for doneness.
Can I brine it first?
Yes you can brine the turkey breast first as long as it didn’t already come prepared with a salty broth added.
Does turkey need to be basted while cooking?
No. Here we used so much butter you don’t need to constantly baste the turkey as it bakes.
How to Prevent Over-Browning
Every oven is a little different, if you find the skin is browning too much before time is up then just loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Sides to Serve with Turkey Breast
Corn Casserole Green Bean Casserole Mashed Potatoes Stuffing Sweet Potato Casserole
If you’d like to pair it with the roasted vegetables I’ve included here:
Toss on baking sheet 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 1 lb halved brussels sprouts and 1 large crisp apple tossed with 3 Tbsp olive oil. Season with a little thyme, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees, about 35 minutes. Toss once halfway through.
