Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast
Roasting just the turkey breast rather than the whole bird is a great option if you’re having a small gathering, don’t care much for dark meat, or if you like to serve turkey alongside another main dish, like ham. You are going to love how simple this turkey is to make and in less time than it would take to roast an entire turkey. There’s no need to baste either. Simply rub the turkey with herbed butter, add some vegetables, and let the oven do all the work!
Ingredients
Turkey breast – Be sure to get a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast for incredible flavor and juiciness. Both fresh or frozen will work. If using the latter, be sure to thaw in the fridge 1-2 days prior, depending on the size of the turkey. The packaging isn’t waterproof so don’t forget to place a bowl underneath to catch any juices. Butter – for flavor and to keep the meat moist. Vegetables – potatoes, carrots, and onion work really well in this recipe but you can also add celery, sweet potatoes..whatever you wish! Or not! I like to add the veggies as it eliminates the need for using a roasting rack and you’ll also end up with an instant side dish. But if you’d rather just cook the turkey breast, then be sure to place on a roasting rack so it’s not touching the bottom of the pan. Thyme, Sage, and Rosemary – I highly recommend using fresh herbs, if possible, but you can use 1 teaspoon each of dried herbs as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for avoiding dry turkey breast
Turkey breast doesn’t have a lot of fat, which means it can dry out quickly. Follow these tips for the juiciest white meat.
Use bone-in turkey breast with skin-on. Add liquid to the pan – Pouring chicken broth into the roasting pan will help create steam that will keep both the turkey and vegetables moist and tender. Preheat the oven to 450°F, and as soon as you put the turkey in, lower the heat to 350°F. By doing so, you will achieve perfectly golden-brown skin while maintaining a juicy inside. Take the turkey out of the oven when the temperature reads 160°F to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and the temperature will come up to 165°F through carry over cooking.
Storage Suggestions
Transfer leftover turkey breast into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place turkey in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water. To prevent the breast from drying out, heat on medium-low until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
What to do with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
There are so many ways to enjoy turkey leftovers!
Make sandwiches with this healthy cranberry sauce, cheese, and some fresh greens. Enjoy with Thanksgiving Pasta Add to casseroles, such as pizza couscous casserole or chicken quinoa casserole. Add to hearty soups
Turkey Breast Side Dishes
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Healthy Moist cornbread Green bean casserole without mushroom soup Frozen Green Beans Roasted brussels sprouts and carrots Miso and pumpkin spiced kabocha Vegetarian cauliflower cornbread dressing Slow cooker sweet potato casserole Instant pot mashed sweet potatoes Sauteed Vegetables
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