We will be showing you how easy it is to make the best and juiciest oven-roasted turkey breast recipe ever. Marinated with a mixture of maple syrup, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Enjoy tender, juicy, roasted turkey breast for Thanksgiving dinner without having to cook a whole turkey!
OVEN-ROASTED TURKEY BREAST
Some of us don’t want to cook a whole turkey for thanksgiving and some may feel like preparing for a whole turkey is such a hassle. Therefore, making a turkey breast roast instead is the perfect solution. Especially if you arent hosting thanksgiving for s huge crowd! This baked turkey breast recipe is so easy to make, low carb, high protein, hassle-free, so juicy, and full of flavor.
HOW TO COOK A TURKEY BREAST
We’ve found that the best way to cook a turkey breast it to bake (roast) it in the oven. Have an air-fryer and would rather air fry your turkey breasts then go right ahead. You will get the same great taste.
Here is how we made this easy oven-roasted turkey breast:
Thaw: If you are using frozen turkey breast, allow it to thaw or defrost in the fridge at least 24 hours ahead.
Rinse: Rinsing your turkey breast is an option and comes down to your preference. The FDA doesn’t recommend you rinse your poultry. Some may find it impossible to not rinse their chicken or turkey. Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
Mix marinade: In a small bowl combine all marinade ingredients.
Marinade: Place the turkey breast into a gallon ziplock together with the marinade, and
mix well through the bag. For best results refrigerate overnight to marinate.
Cook/bake/roast: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the turkey breast to an ovenproof dish or roasting tray and keep it on the counter for about 20 minutes, to get close to room temperature.
Place it in the preheated oven and roast until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of turkey registers 170°F. About 60minutes.
Serve: Allow it to rest, covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving.
Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast Marinade
The marinade that was used to make this oven-roasted turkey breast:
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
We have put together some frequently asked questions for you. If we haven’t covered most of it, please leave us a comment below with any feedback or questions that you may have.
How long do you cook a turkey breast per pound
The size your your turkey breast will determine the amount of time it needs to be fully cooked. Knowing how much your turkey breast weighs is key and it will give you an idea of how long it will be in the oven. It takes about 15 minutes for every 1 lb.
A 4 lb turkey breast should take about an hour. Use a thermometer to help you determine when your turkey is done. Insert it in the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is done and fully cooked when the thermometer reads 165-170 F.
What temperature to cook a turkey breast
Turkey breast can be baked at anywhere between 350 and 400 F. Either way you go, the higher the temperature the less time it will take. Make sure to test doneness with a thermometer. If you don’t have one, pierce the thickest part of the breast with a knife and ensure that there aren’t any pink liquids flowing out.
Turkey breast temperate
To determine if the turkey breast is fully cooked, the temperature using a food thermometer should read 160-170 F.
How to thaw a turkey breast
Thawing a turkey breast is simple. Plan ahead and allow it to thaw in the fridge at least one day ahead. Assuming the turkey breast is between 3-5lbs. Anything larger may take longer than 24 hours to thaw. Don’t forget to place it in a dish to prevent leaks in your fridge.
How to season a turkey breast
Rule of thumb is: use your favorite seasonings. Your marinade or seasonings should have some herbs, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper.
Pat dry the turkey breast using a paper towel. If you prefer not to marinade the breast in a Ziploc bag, then place the turkey breast in an oven-safe dish, add olive oil, your seasonings, garlic, lemons, salt, and pepper. Using your fingers, distribute the seasoning all over the breast and then place it in the oven.
Where to buy turkey breast
Thanksgiving season means you will be able to find whole turkeys or turkey breasts at all major food markets and stores like Meijer, Kroger, whole foods, Walmart, and so on. Look in the frozen meat section for a frozen turkey, and head over to the fresh meat counter for possibly getting a fresh turkey.
How much turkey breast per person
It is best to consider about 0.75-1 lb per person to be safe. If you do end up with leftovers, even better because we have a few recipes for you to make with any leftover turkey (mentioned below).
Leftover turkey breast recipes
If you end up with leftover turkey, try these recipes out and used shredded turkey instead of chicken
- Easy Chicken Chili
- White Chicken Chili
- Chicken Lemon Rice Soup
- Italian Chicken and Bean Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Side dish recipes to try with this oven-roasted turkey breast recipe:
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Creamy Mexican Corn
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Eggplant and Zucchini Gratin
- Butternut Squash Casserole
- Maple Roasted Carrots
- Garlic Roasted Mushrooms
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Oven Roasted Maple Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 Boneless turkey breast (2-4 lbs) halved, skin removed
For the marinade
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Maple syrup or honey
- 3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 Tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 Tsp Sea Salt
- 1 Tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry. (you may skip rinsing and just pat dry)
- In a small bowl combine all marinade ingredients.
- Place the turkey breast into a gallon ziplock together with the marinade, and mix well through the bag. For best results refrigerate overnight to marinate.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the turkey breast to an ovenproof dish or roasting tray and keep it on the counter for about 20 minutes, to get close to room temp.
- Place it in the preheated oven and roast until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of turkey registers 170°F, about 60
minutes. - Allow it to rest, covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
- If using frozen turkey breast, allow it to thaw in the fridge 24 hours ahead.
- Rinsing your poultry is a preference. The FDA recommends to NOT rinse in order to avoid contamination and spreading of germs.
Margaret V says
I had turkey breast tenderloins, so I halved those (there were four) and cooked it for about 30-35 minutes, and they came out great! Would definitely try it again 🙂
Rena says
Perfect!
Dannigyelle says
I’m making this tomorrow for dinner. Seeing that I’m up every morning at 3:45 am I’ll make the marinade in the morning and allow it to rest I. The sauce all morning till about noon and then cook it off. I lost pictures once I’m done.
Thanks for sharing
Rena says
Looking forward to seeing this.
Dannigyelle says
Well as promised I cooked this delicious roasted maple (is used organic honey) turkey breast. It came out so pretty golden brown and the marinade in the pan made a sauce. The smell of the breast just made my house smell o so good. There’s no option for me to upload my photo. Thanks for sharing
Kristen says
Made this for Covid thanksgiving and liked it so much we made it again for Christmas dinner. Even my daughter who “doesn’t like turkey” likes this dish. Thank you!!
Rena says
Thank you. So happy you guys loved it.
SP says
Family favourite! Thank you!
Sometimes I add some guava/apple juice to the bottom of the pan while it’s cooking and baste every so often.
Rena says
Sounds like a great idea