Close-up of a sliced, herb-roasted turkey breast garnished with sage, rosemary, and cranberries on a white platter.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: Your Juicy and Effortless Holiday Showpiece

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Searching for the perfect turkey centerpiece—without the fuss and drama of a whole bird? This easy oven roasted turkey breast recipe delivers crowd-pleasing tenderness, real holiday flavor, and simple prep, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner. Follow along for step-by-step success, flavor upgrades, and the essential tips for juicy, memorable results.

An overhead shot of a beautifully roasted, sliced turkey breast on a white platter with sage, rosemary, and cranberries.
Elevate your holiday table with this succulent, perfectly roasted and sliced turkey breast, adorned with fragrant herbs and tart cranberries. A true feast for the eyes!

Why Choose Turkey Breast?

A whole turkey is a classic holiday showstopper, but a turkey breast is the savvy choice for smaller gatherings, weeknight meals, or anyone craving that festive taste in less time. Boneless or bone-in, turkey breast brings all the flavor and celebration without the marathon cooking!

Essential Ingredients

An overhead shot of raw turkey breast in a roasting pan with spices and olive oil on a white surface.
Get ready to cook! This flat lay showcases a raw turkey breast in a roasting pan, surrounded by essential spices and olive oil, perfect for your next delicious meal. What are you cooking tonight?
  • 3–8 lb. turkey breast (boneless or bone-in)
  • Olive oil (for moist roasting)
  • Italian seasoning (or try classic fresh herbs)
  • Kosher salt, black pepper
  • Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder

Flavor upgrades: Swap Italian seasoning with rosemary, thyme, parsley, or add lemon/orange zest for brightness. Add a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick, or lay bacon strips over the breast for smoky depth.

Quick Prep, Easy Roasting

An overhead shot of a white bowl filled with a dark herb marinade, surrounded by various labeled spice jars on a white surface.
Get ready to flavor your next meal! This rich herb marinade, surrounded by fresh spices like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, is perfect for any dish. What are you cooking next?
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, garlic and onion powder, pepper into a paste.
  3. Loosen the turkey skin and rub half the paste underneath, the rest on top.
  4. Place breast, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes per pound. Use a digital thermometer; aim for 160°F before resting.
  6. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 15 minutes (temp rises to 165°F).
  7. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Juicy Turkey Tips

A golden-brown roasted turkey breast seasoned with herbs, garnished with sage, rosemary, and cranberries on a white platter, with gravy and cranberry sauce in the soft-focus background.
Savor the flavors of the holidays with this beautifully roasted, herb-crusted turkey breast, presented with fresh garnishes. Perfectly golden and ready to carve!

The #1 challenge for home cooks: keeping turkey breast moist! Here’s how to fill that gap:

  • Always rub oil and seasoning paste under the skin.
  • Check the internal temperature—never trust your oven clock alone!
  • Let rest after roasting for juiciness; do not rush slicing.
  • Cut against the grain for slices that stay tender.

Should You Baste or Cover?

Thanks to olive oil and proper temperature, your skin will be golden and crisp while the interior stays moist. No need to baste. If browning is too fast, tent loosely with foil in the last half hour.

Don’t Forget the Gravy

Transform your pan drippings into delicious homemade gravy: pour into a saucepan, whisk with broth and a spoonful of flour until silky and rich. This simple step elevates every plate!

Festive Serving Suggestions

Pair this turkey breast with must-have sides for the full feast:

  • Cheesy mashed potatoes
  • Homemade cranberry sauce
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
  • Sweet potato casserole
  • Classic sausage stuffing

For even more inspiration, check out these feature pages:

Smart Leftover Storage

Slice leftover turkey breast, wrap well, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating trick: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), layer slices in a dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and heat for 15–20 minutes. Or microwave gently, watching closely so it doesn’t dry out.

Reader Questions Answered

  • How long to cook a turkey breast? About 20 minutes per pound, but always verify with a thermometer. Remove at 160°F, rest to reach safe 165°F.
  • Boneless or bone-in? Boneless cooks faster and is easy to slice; bone-in often gives richer taste. Both are excellent!
  • Carving tips: Slice horizontally for uniform, tender pieces. Leave the skin on for looks, or remove if you prefer.
  • How to boost flavor? Try extra herbs, citrus zest, or bacon for new twists every holiday.

Addressing Recipe Gaps: Tips, Gravy, Flexible Flavors

  • Expanded tips for juicy turkey (oil under skin, thermometer, resting)
  • Gravy made easy for pan drippings
  • More flavor options for year-round versatility
  • Two working internal links to top turkey and holiday recipe collections

Nutrition Snapshot (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 208
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Sodium: 933mg

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