The best turkey breast recipe isn’t cooked in the crockpot but is roasted in the oven with wine, lemon and butter for a moist turkey breast every time.
The Best Turkey Breast Recipe
Cooking a full-blown turkey for a crowd is usually reserved for just one time a year—happy Thanksgiving! But if you’re cooking for a smaller gathering, or even just for two, cooking a smaller roasted turkey breast instead is a really good idea. And really, Thanksgiving isn’t the only time to talk turkey. Sure, it’s a popular protein over the holidays, but when roasting a turkey breast is as easy as cooking a chicken, it should totally be considered as a dinner contender any time of year.
Turkey. It isn’t just for sandwiches anymore.
My turkey breast recipe tricks result in a perfect oven roasted turkey breast that’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and ready to gobble down, whether it’s served with all the fixins’, in my favorite turkey pot pie, or yes, even as an awesome grilled cheese turkey sandwich.
What’s in This Roast Turkey Breast?
When it comes to cooking turkey breasts, I’ve found that keeping things simple is the way to go.
There’s no need for brining or a dry rub, just a handful of fresh herbs and aromatics.
The only ingredients you’ll need for this roast turkey breast recipe are:
- turkey breast (best with bone-in and skin on)
- butter (salted or unsalted, I use salted but it’s your choice)
- white wine (always use the same quality you would drink)
- lemon
- garlic cloves
- fresh thyme
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
see more: 31 Days Of Comfort Food Favorites To Make Now
How to Prep the Turkey Breast
I use the same technique to cook turkey breasts as I do when roasting chicken. And just like my whole roast chicken or my best baked chicken breasts, it’s a recipe that’s easily adapted for boneless turkey breasts too.
Keep the skin on and bone in for max flavor and moisture. Cooking meat on the bone helps keep the poultry from drying out. The skin holds in the moisture as well.
Add softened butter under the skin for flavor. Gently work your fingers under the skin and pry it away from the turkey meat before sliding the softened butter under the skin. Press the butter onto the top of the skin as well. As the turkey cooks, the butter melts into the meat and helps brown the skin.
How to Cook a Turkey Breast
Add aromatics and wine for steeping in the flavor. Before or after buttering, place the turkey breast on the the high rimmed baking sheet, and pour the wine over the turkey. Use a decent white wine, something you’d be happy to drink. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to the turkey and scatter fresh thyme leaves and a few cloves of garlic to the wine for even more succulent flavor. If the liquid evaporates as the turkey cooks, add more wine, water, or chicken broth to the pan so the aromatics don’t burn.
Always season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Even if you skip all of the steps above, always season the turkey with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Kosher salt has a flatter surface than table salt, and is less acrid with a mellower taste.
Roast at a high temp then rest. Cook the turkey at 400°F to seal in the juices and brown the skin. Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes before slicing for the hot juices settle back into the meat. The turkey will continue to cook as it rests, and come up to the 160°F recommended internal temp turkey breast should be cooked to.
see more: 21 Easy Recipes for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast Per Pound
I usually cook two bone-in turkey breast trimmed into two split breasts totaling 3 pounds (1 1/2 pounds each). If you can’t find the smaller, split breasts, look for a 6 1/2 to 7 pound breast and split the breast in two.
If cooking one 3-pound, bone-in breast half, the cooking time will be longer.
The secret to a juicy bird that doesn’t dry out is to roast it at high temperature in a 400°F oven. Cooking at high heat seals in the juices while creating a skin that’s crisp and browned.
Boneless Turkey Breast Cooking Time
Cooking split, boneless turkey breasts at 400°F, I estimate about 12 minutes cooking time per pound for boneless turkey where two 1 1/2 pound cutlets should cook in 30 minutes or when it registers 150-155°F internal temperature when tested with a meat thermometer.
If cooking a rolled turkey breast with skin on (shaped and tied into a roast) allow 20 minutes cooking time per pound. Tied into a roast, the meat is more dense and takes longer to cook. Begin checking the temperature at about 45 minutes, knowing it may take 1 hour to cook.
Bone-in Turkey Breast Cooking Time
For a single, 3 pound bone-in turkey breast, I give it 17-20 minutes per pound at 400°F, or 45-60 minutes until the thickest part of the meat registers 150-155°F. Begin checking the temperature for doneness at about 45 minutes. Again, two split bone-in breasts that total 3 pounds will cook faster than a single 3 pound bone-in breast. Tent the bird with aluminum foil if the skin begins to brown too much.
If you cook the bone in split turkey breasts at the lower temperature of 350°F, roast for 20 minutes per pound.
see more: 50 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Do I Have to Use White Wine?
For this roast turkey breast recipe, I used a boxed pinot grigio I keep on hand for cooking. If wine isn’t your thing, chicken broth or even plain old water will add moisture to the oven and the bird.
Can I Use Other Herbs?
Of course! Oven roasted turkey breast tastes delicious with most fresh herbs. Fresh sage and rosemary would be great additions to this turkey as well.
Side Dish Recipes to Complete the Meal
- Heavenly Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Skillet Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
- How to Make the Best Potato Salad
- Mashed Cauliflower With Parmesan and Chives
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a 
rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Juicy Roast Turkey Breast
Roast turkey breast can easily be cooked any time of year for healthy meals, meal prep, and of course, added to your Thanksgiving meal for the many white turkey meat lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 3 pound bone-in turkey breast , with skin on
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 head of garlic sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 cup white wine
- 4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme
- kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400° F. Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry. With your fingers, carefully separate the skin from the turkey meat, then spread the softened butter under the skin.
-
Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour the wine over the breast, then juice the lemon over the breast. Season with the kosher salt and pepper then scatter the garlic cloves and thyme in the wine.
-
Roast the turkey for 30 minutes for boneless breasts or 45-60 minutes for bone-in breasts or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the breast reaches 150-155°F. If needed, add more wine to the pan as the turkey cooks so the aromatics don't burn.
-
Cover with foil and rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, the internal temperature will rise to 160°F as it rests. Reserve pan drippings for gravy if desired.
Recipe Notes
Boneless Turkey Breast Cooking Time
Cooking split, boneless turkey breasts at 400°F, I estimate about 12 minutes cooking time per pound for boneless turkey where two 1 1/2 pound cutlets should cook in 30 minutes or when it registers 150-155°F internal temperature when tested with a meat thermometer.
If cooking a rolled turkey breast with skin on (shaped and tied into a roast) allow 20 minutes cooking time per pound. Tied into a roast, the meat is more dense and takes longer to cook. Begin checking the temperature at about 45 minutes, knowing it may take 1 hour to cook.
Bone-in Turkey Breast Cooking Time
For a single, 3 pound bone-in turkey breast, I give it 17-20 minutes per pound, or 45-60 minutes until the thickest part of the meat registers 150-155°F. Begin checking the temperature for doneness at about 45 minutes. Again, two split bone-in breasts that total 3 pounds will cook faster than a single 3 pound bone-in breast. Tent the bird with aluminum foil if the skin begins to brown too much.
Roasted Turkey Recipe Ideas
- Curry Turkey Pot Pie
- Grilled Brie, Turkey, Cranberry & Avocado Sandwich
- Roasted Turkey Breast with Lemon And Oregano
- Turkey Pot Pie Soup
- Spinach Salad with Turkey, Apples and Butternut Squash
- Turkey and White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Grapes
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Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Love your weekly recap Heidi!! And I’m thrilled to see roast turkey breast- such a great source of lean protein that we forget about after the holidays. Yum!
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
Oh that chicken makes me dance.
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
I meant TURKEY. You wrote “chicken chicken chicken” and my brain went CHICKEN CHICKEN CHICKEN.
Betty Ann @Mango_Queen says
I love how lovely this roast turkey breast looks like. I’m sure it’s tender and succulent in person! Thanks for the round up of Friday faves. Will enjoy all the helpful info. Thanks for sharing all these fabulous news & recipes :-) Happy weekend, Foodiecrush!
[email protected] says
Girl… that looks truly divine!
Annalise says
Oh wow. Heading to Harmons today. Think I’m gonna have to pick me up a turkey breast!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
I made this turkey roast for my family over the holidays. Huge hit! I was hoping for leftovers for sandwiches, but apparently my family was pretty hungry! Great recipe!
Rachel Cooks says
Love Friday Faves and love turkey! Checking out that interview with Matt–I just bought his book and it arrived yesterday! It is so great!
Thanks again for letting me interview you, and for the mention here. xo
Paige Martin says
Our 3lbs turkey breast is definitley taking much longer than 30 minutes. It has been in the oven at 400° for over an hour and the internal temp is still only 100°.
Heidi says
Hi Paige, that seems way off. Are you sure you have the temp set correctly? Heidi
Altie Metcalf says
Isn’t the 30 minutes for boneless split turkey breast? Not for a whole turkey breast. At least that’s how I read it.
Pam says
I had the same problem. No way you can cook a whole turkey breast for thirty minutes, unless you are okay with food poisoning!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Your turkey looks delish, love the lemon and herbs!
Swirly says
There is absolutely no way that a 3 pound turkey will be done in 30 minutes. She specifically says to cook for 20 minutes PER POUND, so how can three pounds be 30 minutes?? Your math doesn’t add up
Heidi says
The 30 minute total cooking time calculation is for roasting an approx 3 lb turkey breast at a higher 400°F temperature. The 20 minutes per pound is for cooking at a lower temp of 350°F. That’s how the math adds up :). If your turkey breast is more than 3 lbs., or less, adjust the cooking time.
Lauren @ Part Time House Wife says
The pictures of this breast makes my mouth water more than I’m comfortable with. ;-) Looks amazing and love a good juicy turkey breast!
natalie says
i’ve been wanting to make roasted turkey breast but can’t seem to find it at any of my grocers :'( … and now it’s taunting me… when will they invent a way to taste food over the internet?!
Andy says
I always find turkey breast at Trader Joe’s
Jen says
I’m not sure why, but I only ever think to eat turkey in sandwiches and at Thanksgiving. But I do love it so!
Rose R. says
The picture of the roasted turkey breast looks really delicious and so does the taste! I followed this recipe and used a very healthy turkey breast. I bought an all-natural, antibiotic-free, hormone-free and humanely-raised turkey breast and I’m very happy because I just served my family a plump and juicy bird. Yay! :D
heidi says
So glad it was a goodie in your book too.
Rose R. says
And I thank you, Heidi for sharing your recipes. More power! :)
Christy says
This made a great dish! I poured the leftover juices over buttered new potatoes and it added great flavor! My only concern is with the temperature you gave…isn’t the internal temp of turkey breast supposed to reach 165? Looking forward to making this again!
heidi says
Thanks for the note Sandria, I hope it works as well for you as it does for me!
Kim | a little lunch says
I’ve met SO many talented foodies in my blogging lifetime and there’s a handful that qualify as “reliable with fantastic recipes.” You’re one of them, Heidi! Made your “juicy roast turkey breast” for Thanksgiving this year to rave reviews. Many thanks — great recipes withstand the test of time. (Even 3-1/2 years later… glad I Googled!) I would’ve taken photos, but some things are best left to memory… or repeat performances. I WILL be making this again, and again!
April R. says
My first turkey breast of the season and I NAILED it because of this super easy to follow recipe. Wow. I cannot believe how juicy this was. I had a 3.4 lb breast and cooked at 40 mins. Let it rest and it was some serious turkey eating. I am a dark meat person through and through but I would have this in a heart beat. Just make this recipe and you will love it!
Side note: used an apricot beer (from Sea Dog) bc we were out of wine.
Simi says
Tried cooking turkey for the first time this thanksgiving. This is an awesome recipe and so easy to make! The turkey was juicy and super flavorful.
Sabrina says
great tips and technique, nice not having to do the whole bird and all in less than an hour, thank you!
Susan Dubose says
Thanks for introducing your method Heidi, I’ve never thougth of it. That looks so delicious!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush says
Thank you, Susan!
Adeline says
My turkey breast needed to cook for twice as long as this recipe. I had a 3 pound bone -in breast and cooked it for an hour at 425 (not 400 for 45 minutes as reccomended) My meat was at 120 degrees after an hour. I’m disappointed now as we had to cancel plans since I didnt leave enough time for the 1 hour 40 minutes needed to cook this meat. Twice what you suggested in your recipe. Also, all poultry should be cooked to 160 or 165 and then rested. Please revise your cooking time.
Heidi says
Hi Adeline, sorry yours didn’t time out the same. I’ve made this recipe many times and it comes out right around that time, so I’m not sure where the discrepancy came in. Sorry you had to cancel.
Pat says
If I stuff and roll the turkey breast (boneless, skin on), what should I count on for cooking time and temperature? 3..4 lb breast butterflied, organic.
Thanks so much for your help.
Pat
Mo King says
This recipe was really nice! However, the turkey breast took much longer than the calculation given for weight. And certainly longer than 30 minutes. I wish I had looked at other websites for a more appropriate cooking time. Otherwise delicious!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush says
I am very sorry that the calculations didn’t work out for you. Very glad your meal was still so delicious!
David says
Is there any reason you couldn’t just butter the top of the skin? Just curious.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush says
You could do that too. However, getting the butter underneath will seal in the moisture and the buttery flavor clear into the meat. Just buttering the top will keep all that flavor just on the skin. Thanks for the question David.
Randy says
look so delicious. I’ll try to make it hope it will look like yours. Thanks for your post.
[email protected] says
Juicy Roast Turkey Breast is great! Thanks for your recipe and video tutorials, you make processing them so simple. Sincerely for that
Kathie says
I’m not a white meat lover but this was the best turkey breast I’ve ever had. It was flavorful and juicy and to die for. I will make this again and again.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush says
So glad to hear that! Thanks Kathie!
Carol says
If I want to make this the day before Thanksgiving because my oven will be full of sides that cook at much lower temps, will this still be good the next day? What would be the best method to reheat the meat? Thanks.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush says
Absolutey! I would just put it back in the oven on low to reheat!
Mike says
I love Turkey sandwiches! Having a an extra breast ensures you have enough for sandwiches!
Heidi says
Leftovers are key with turkey. Thanks Mike.
Carol says
Question, should the garlic & thyme just sit in the pan or does it go in the turkey cavity? If it is on the pan is it for seasoning the turkey juices rather than the bird? Thank you
Ashley @ Foodie Crush says
With this being a Turkey Breast recipe vs a whole turkey, you’ll put it in the pan as the juices surround each breast.
Susie says
About 8 years ago I decided to salt water brine our turkey. I put the brine bag on the kitchen floor (easier to work that way being short), put in the turkey, then added the brine. As I was pouring in the brine, the side of the bag folded over and all the brine escaped onto the floor. It was a total mess and went under the fridge and everywhere else. Needless to say, we’ve done a dry brine ever since! Maybe I’ll muster up the courage to try again this year! Thanks for testing!
Penny Harrison says
I would love an estimate on SALT – I am helpless when I do salt….either too much or not enough.
Aviv Murlakov says
Nutrition Facts are wrong, at least for protein. Other than that great recipe
Stan Livingston says
Very good recipe that my family loved.
Heidi says
So glad you and the fam enjoyed it Stan. Thanks for coming back and leaving the 5-star rating!