Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly roasted turkey breast that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, with a golden-brown skin infused with aromatic herbs and garlic. This isn't just another turkey recipe – it's a culinary journey that will transform your home-cooking and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Whether you're preparing a special holiday meal or simply craving a delicious protein-packed dinner, this Simple Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Turkey breast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting turkey breast, ensuring it cooks evenly and remains juicy.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the turkey breast. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice golden-brown skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Mix well to create a flavorful herb paste.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to cover it evenly. Pay special attention to the underside and the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast on a roasting pan or baking dish, skin side up. If you have a rack, use it to allow air to circulate around the meat, promoting even cooking.
- Insert the turkey breast into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
- During the last 30 minutes of roasting, you can baste the turkey breast with the pan juices to enhance the flavor and keep it moist.
- Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick slices. Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious roasted turkey breast!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Always thoroughly pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning. This helps achieve that coveted crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Don't Rush the Resting: Let your turkey breast rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Herb Infusion: For maximum flavor, gently massage the herb mixture into the turkey breast, making sure to get under the skin and in all the nooks and crannies.
- Basting Bonus: Basting during the last 30 minutes of cooking adds an extra layer of moisture and flavor to your turkey breast.
- Rack Recommendation: If possible, use a roasting rack to allow air circulation around the meat, promoting even cooking and a more consistent result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
