Oven Roasted Turkey Breast 2 Recipe

Ever stumbled upon a turkey recipe that feels like an edible hug? This flavorful feast featuring a perfectly roasted turkey breast, kissed with a lemony zest and just the right touch of herbs and spices, is about to become your new culinary obsession.

I love putting together uncomplicated but tasty recipes, and this Baked Turkey Breast is a prime example. The meat from a 4 to 5 pound turkey breast, when slathered with olive oil, the roasted kind of garlic, paprika, and thyme, gives you a tender, flavorful meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

I served it up for Oliver’s (my husband’s) commandeered family dinner this week, with an Omnipollo beer and a warm quinoa and sorghum salad on the side. I guarantee perfect results with this simple recipe.

You will enjoy the clean flavors and the moist, tender breast meat.

Ingredients

• Turkey Breast: High in protein, low in fat, promotes muscle growth, and supports a healthy diet.
• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats, aids heart health, and offers a robust flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory kick, boasts antioxidant properties, and supports immune health.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb with antioxidants, enhances flavor, and aids digestion.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Provides a tangy freshness, packed with vitamin C, and aids iron absorption.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole turkey breast (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

How to Make this

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Wash the turkey breast in cold water and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Set it, skin-side up, on a roasting rack situated in a roasting pan.

3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and dried rosemary to form a paste.

4. Massage the seasoning paste onto the turkey breast, taking care to distribute it evenly all over.

5. Add flavor to the turkey by doing the next two steps. These steps also ensure that the turkey will be moist and fully cooked.
1. Zest the lemon.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon. Both actions should be performed directly over the turkey.

6. Evenly scatter the quartered onion and minced garlic around the turkey in the roasting pan.

7. Add the chicken broth or water to the bottom of the roasting pan to ensure the moisture content of the turkey remains high throughout the roasting process.

8. Loosely cover the breast of the turkey with aluminum foil and put the roasting pan into the oven, which has been preheated to the proper temperature.

9. Cook the turkey breast in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about
1.5 to 2 hours. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast and remove the breast when it registers 165°F (74°C).

10. Take off the foil for the final 30 minutes of cooking to let the skin brown and crisp. Allow the turkey to rest for a minimum of 15 minutes before cutting into it and serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Roasting pan
3. Roasting rack
4. Small bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Paper towels
7. Zester or grater
8. Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)
9. Instant-read thermometer
10. Aluminum foil
11. Knife
12. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?Certainly, a boneless turkey breast is an excellent choice. Just remember to alter the cooking time, as boneless cuts can sometimes cook up to 25 percent faster than bone-in cuts.
• What is the best way to ensure the turkey breast stays moist?Keeping the turkey moist can be assisted by basting it with the pan juices every now and then and covering it with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?Indeed, the seasoning mix can be made and applied to the turkey breast a day before roasting. Just cover it and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to put the turkey in the oven.
• What should the internal temperature of the turkey be?The thickest part of the breast should hit an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?Sure, fresh herbs can absolutely be utilized. Use an amount of fresh herbs that is three times the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe.
• Is it possible to use the drippings for gravy?Certainly! The drippings can indeed be transformed into a delicious gravy, full of depth and character, by simply thickening it up with a bit of flour or cornstarch. Use a 1:1 ratio of your flour or cornstarch to rendered fat for a smooth, lump-free gravy. Adjust to taste, of course, salting and peppering as necessary.
• What side dishes go well with roasted turkey breast?Traditional accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce are the perfect counterpoints to the centerpiece of roasted turkey breast. They make the meal so much more than just the meat.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast 2 Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil can be replaced with melted butter or avocado oil, which offers a richer or different flavor than olive oil.
Kosher salt or sea salt can be used instead.
Black pepper. White pepper can be used for a milder taste.
Powdered garlic: Substitute with an equal amount of garlic in granules or with 4 more chopped garlic cloves.
Thyme, if dried: Substitute with fresh thyme, about 1 tablespoon, or use dried oregano for an herbal twist.

Pro Tips

1. Brining for Extra Moisture Consider brining the turkey breast for 12 to 24 hours before cooking. Use a simple brine solution of water, salt, and sugar, along with any aromatics you like (such as bay leaves or peppercorns). This can enhance the moisture and flavor of your turkey.

2. Herb Butter Under the Skin Prepare a compound butter with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of the same seasonings used in your paste. Gently separate the skin from the meat and spread this butter under the skin before adding the seasoning paste. This method will impart rich flavor and keep the meat juicy.

3. Rotating During Cooking Halfway through the cooking process, rotate the roasting pan in the oven. This ensures even cooking and browning of the turkey breast since oven temperatures can vary in different spots.

4. Basting for Flavor Periodically baste the turkey breast with its own juices or a mixture of melted butter and chicken broth every 30 minutes. This helps to keep the turkey moist and adds a layer of flavor to the skin.

5. Save the Drippings After roasting, save the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy. Simply remove excess fat, thicken with flour or cornstarch, and season to taste for a delicious accompaniment to your turkey.