Roasted Turkey Breast

This post may contain affiliate links. View my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more details.

This Roasted Turkey Breast is an easy way to serve up juicy, flavorful turkey with perfectly golden, crispy skin for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner. All you need is butter, salt, and pepper to bring out that classic roasted turkey flavor. It’s simple to prepare, cooks faster than a whole turkey, and makes a delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.

 

If you love this, try my Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for a whole roasted turkey that’s perfect for a bigger gathering.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe keeps things simple with a few basic ingredients that bring out the turkey’s best flavor. Here’s what you’ll need!

• Turkey Breast: Use fully thawed bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with the back bones removed for juicy, flavorful meat.
• Salted Butter: Softened or melted butter helps keep the turkey moist and gives the skin a nice golden finish.
• Kosher Salt: Adds flavor and helps season the turkey throughout.
• Black Pepper: Adds a little extra flavor, but it’s completely optional.
• Honey: Brushed over the turkey during roasting to help the skin develop a beautiful golden color.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast

Roasting a turkey breast is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for juicy meat and beautifully golden skin.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Rub with Butter

Rub softened or melted butter all over the turkey breast. Get underneath the skin where you can, too.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Sprinkle the turkey breast generously with kosher salt. Add black pepper if you like a little extra seasoning.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Set a roasting rack inside a roasting pan and place the turkey breast on top, skin-side up.

Step 5: Start Roasting

Place the turkey in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 350°F. Roast for 1 hour.

Step 6: Brush with Honey

At the 1-hour mark, carefully remove the turkey from the oven and brush a layer of honey over the skin. Return it to the oven to finish roasting. The honey helps the skin develop an even, beautiful golden color.

Step 7: Check the Temperature

Continue roasting for about 20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer, and make sure not to touch the bone.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. The internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests, reaching about 170°F.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Slice the turkey breast and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve with roasted vegetables and warm gravy on the side for a delicious, complete meal.

Tips for Success

A few simple tips will help you get juicy meat, golden skin, and the best results from your roasted turkey breast.

• Watch the skin toward the end: Honey can brown quickly in the oven, so watch the turkey during the final 20 minutes. If the skin starts getting too dark before the meat is done, loosely cover it with foil.
• Check more than one spot: Turkey breasts can have uneven thickness. Check the temperature in the thickest areas to make sure the meat cooks evenly.
• Use the right roasting pan: Make sure the pan is large enough to let hot air circulate around the turkey. A crowded pan can lead to uneven browning.
• Save the pan drippings: Don’t toss the flavorful juices left in the roasting pan! Strain them and use them as a base for homemade gravy.

What to Serve With Roasted Turkey Breast

Roasted turkey breast goes perfectly with classic holiday sides. Here are a few favorites to round out your meal, from creamy potatoes to savory stuffing and fresh vegetables.

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery potatoes are perfect with sliced turkey and gravy.
• Sausage Stuffing – A classic savory side that goes perfectly with roasted turkey.
• Homemade Turkey Gravy – Pour it over sliced turkey for extra flavor and moisture.
• Roasted Root Vegetables – Caramelized vegetables add a little sweetness and balance to the meal.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls are great for soaking up any leftover gravy.

I hope this Roasted Turkey Breast becomes a favorite at your holiday table! It’s simple, flavorful, and just the right size for a smaller gathering. Enjoy every bite!

More Turkey Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Turkey Legs
• Turkey Salisbury Steak
• Turkey Casserole
• Smoked Turkey
• Turkey Hand Pies

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced turkey in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, cover the slices with a little gravy or broth and warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. This helps keep the meat moist.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tag me @laurens_latest.