Succulent roasted turkey breast on a wooden cutting board garnished with herbs

Tender and Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast

Tender and Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast
mediumstar
1 hour 15 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories320kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat8gram

Protein50gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • boneless, skin-on turkey breast1.5 kg
  • olive oil2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves, minced3 piece
  • fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)1 tbsp
  • salt1.5 tsp
  • black pepper, freshly ground1 tsp
  • lemon zest1 tbsp
  • chicken broth (or water)100 ml

This recipe guides you through roasting a turkey breast that comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a comforting dinner or holiday treat, this method uses simple seasoning and clear cooking instructions tailor-made for home cooks with average skill and common kitchen tools. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 USD / €14 / £12 / ₹1100. The dish yields about 4 servings and clocks in at roughly 320 calories per serving, making it a medium-complexity, moderately timed recipe perfect for family dinners. Food safety is prioritized with detailed internal temperature guidelines and tips to ensure your turkey is safely cooked and delicious every time.

Preparation instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Turkey Breast

1Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with a crisp skin. Place the turkey breast on a plate or tray to season.

Season the Turkey

2Combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey breast, ensuring it is well coated. This seasoning imparts great flavor and helps keep the meat moist.

Roast the Turkey Breast

3Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting pan or a baking dish. Pour the chicken broth into the pan to keep the environment moist and catch drippings. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature after 1 hour to avoid overcooking.

Check for Safe Internal Temperature

4Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding bone if any. The safe internal temperature for turkey breast is 74°C (165°F). When it reaches this temperature, it is safely cooked through. If it has not reached this temp, continue roasting and checking every 10 minutes.

Rest and Serve

5Once the turkey reaches 74°C internally, remove it from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final result. After resting, slice and serve.

Cooking Tips

1Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid undercooked or overcooked turkey.

2Resting the turkey is crucial for juicy meat.

3Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and washing hands after handling raw turkey.

4You can substitute rosemary with thyme or sage for a different herb flavor.

5For extra crispy skin, pat the skin dry before seasoning and roast uncovered.

Equipment

  • Roasting pan or baking dish
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Small bowl for mixing seasoning
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Paper towels

Shopping List

  • [ ] Boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 1.5 kg) approx. $12 — choose a fresh turkey breast with firm, pale skin and no strong odor.
  • [ ] Olive oil approx. $0.50 — extra virgin for best flavor.
  • [ ] Garlic cloves approx. $0.30 — fresh, firm cloves.
  • [ ] Fresh rosemary or dried rosemary approx. $1 — fresh herbs have richer flavor but dried works well.
  • [ ] Lemon approx. $0.50 — for fresh zest, select firm and heavy for juiciness.
  • [ ] Chicken broth approx. $0.80 — use low-sodium for better control over salt.
  • [ ] Salt and black pepper (pantry staples)

Total estimated cost: around $15

FAQ

How can I tell when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer and ensure the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 74°C (165°F), which is the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry.

Can I use frozen turkey breast?

Yes, but it must be thawed completely in the refrigerator before roasting to ensure even cooking and to prevent bacteria growth.

Why should I let the turkey breast rest after roasting?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more tender when sliced.

Can I cook the turkey breast without the skin?

Yes, but the skin helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor and texture. Without skin, cover the breast with foil to retain moisture during roasting.