Key Takeaways
- Quick and Easy: Roast a delicious turkey breast in under 2 hours
- Serves 4 People: Ideal for intimate gatherings and family dinners
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight meal
- No Whole Turkey Hassle: Simplified cooking with maximum flavor
Why Roast Turkey Breast?
Tired of wrestling with an entire turkey? Roast turkey breast is your culinary lifesaver. This recipe tackles the challenge of creating a mouthwatering main dish without the complexity of cooking a whole bird. Whether you’re planning an intimate Thanksgiving or a Sunday night dinner, a perfectly roasted turkey breast delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in Turkey Breast | 3-6 lbs | Choose a 3-pound breast for 4 people |
| Kosher Salt | 2 tbsp | For seasoning |
| Black Pepper | 1 tbsp | Freshly ground |
| Dried Thyme | 1 tsp | Adds herbaceous flavor |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | Optional but recommended |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Unsalted, room temperature |
| Chicken Stock | 1 cup | For basting and moisture |
Kitchen Equipment Checklist
- Roasting pan
- Roasting rack
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Sharp carving knife
Step-by-Step Roasting Instructions
Prep Work
- Thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator (24-48 hours).
- Remove from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- Let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
Seasoning
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Rub butter under and over the skin.
- Generously season the entire breast.
Roasting Technique
- Place turkey breast on roasting rack.
- Pour chicken stock into bottom of pan.
- Tent with foil to prevent over-browning. I like Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil.
- Roast approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
Checking Doneness
- Internal Temperature: 165°F (74°C) at thickest part
- Cooking Time: Roughly 1.5-2 hours for a 3-pound breast
- Pro Tip: Use instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy. I absolutely LOVE my Thermapen ONE Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer. (I use it mainly for grilling, but it’s perfect for testing your turkey as well.) It’s the most accurate way to tell when your turkey is done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Overcook: Leads to dry, tough meat
- Skip Resting: Let turkey rest 15-20 minutes after roasting
- Forget Basting: Keeps meat juicy and flavorful
- Neglect Thermometer: Temperature is key to perfect doneness
Serving Suggestions
- Slice crosswise against the grain
- Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy
- Perfect for hot turkey sandwiches the next day
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3-4 days
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 0g
Cooking is an art, and this roast turkey breast is your canvas. Enjoy the process!
