Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (2024)

One Pot Recipes Turkey Recipes

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Easy Thanksgiving roast turkey breast recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pan. Loaded with garlic, herbs and butter. Baked until crispy and golden on the outside but moist, juicy and tender on the inside.

This recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving dinner choice for a smaller crowd or gathering. If you don’t have the number of guests or the time to roast a whole turkey, this recipe is just for you. This is also a much cheaper option that a whole turkey. It’s a win-win!

It is tender, juicy, flavorful and perfect for your next holiday party. Also, leftovers make a delicious sandwich for lunches throughout the week. In case you do have a huge crowd to feed, try this whole turkey recipe: How To Make Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe (One Pan). It is super easy and comes together in one pan too!

Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (1)

How to cook a turkey breast in the oven? How to roast a turkey breast?

  1. Loosen skin– Start off by loosening the skin of the turkey breast.
  2. Spread butter– Spread half the butter under the skin, and the remainder on top of the breast.
  3. Bake it– Place turkey on a lined baking tray, and bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.
  4. Reduce temperature– Reduce to 350 degrees F and continue baking for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste often with turkey drippings and juices.
  5. Optional step– When you see the skin is nice and golden brown, cover the top with aluminum foil. This will protect it from becoming too brown and dry.
  6. Check Temperature- Prior to removing turkey from oven, insert a thermometer in the thickest part. If the internal temperature reads 165 degrees, it’s ready.
  7. Cover turkey– Cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Garnish– Add fresh parsley. Then slice and enjoy.
Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (2)

What is turkey breast temperature? (internal temperature to check it’s done)

The internal temperature in the thickest portion of the turkey should read 165 degrees F. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking any meats to ensure it’s safe and fully cooked. Check out the USDA site for safe internal temperatures for all kinds of meats.

How long to cook a turkey breast per pound?

This cooking time can vary, depending on how big or small the turkey breast is. Typically, it needs to be cooked for about 20 minutes per pound.

How much turkey breast do you need per person?

For an uncooked bone-in turkey, you will need about 1.25 pounds per person. If you use an uncooked boneless turkey breast, you’ll need about 3/4 pounds per person. That is usually the rule of thumb. However, you know your guests and their eating habits best and should adjust these quantities accordingly.

Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (3)

What sides to serve with baked turkey breast?

When it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s all about the sides because it truly takes the feast over the top.

Salads are a classic choice. Try any of these:

  • Thanksgiving Salad (One Bowl)
  • Pumpkin Salad (One Bowl)
  • Harvest Fall Salad (One Bowl).

Stuffing is a classic side. Give these a spin:

  • Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing (One Pot)
  • Sausage Stuffing (One Pot).

This holiday just won’t be complete without casseroles. Try these:

  • Green Bean Casserole (One Pan)
  • Easy Sweet Potato Casserole (One Pan)
  • Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (One Pan)

All proteins taste even better with a side of gravy. Try these:

  • Best Vegetarian Gravy (One Pot)
  • Onion Gravy (One Pot)
  • Mushroom Gravy (One Pot)
  • Chicken Gravy (One Pot)
  • Homemade Brown Gravy (One Pot).

Potatoes seem to be everyone’s favorite side dish. Try any or all of these:

  • Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (One Pan)
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe (One Pot)
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes (One Pot)
  • Scalloped Sweet Potatoes (One Pan)
  • Candied Sweet Potatoes (One Pot)
  • Oven Roasted Potatoes (One Pan)
  • Hasselback Sweet Potatoes (One Pan)
  • Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes (One Pan)

Carrots are very popular as a side, especially these three versions:

  • Honey Glazed Carrots (One Pot)
  • Candied Carrots (One Pot)
  • Oven Roasted Carrots (One Pan)

Roasted vegetables of any kind are always a hit. Give these a try:

  • Oven Roasted Pumpkin (One Pan)
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables (One Pan)
  • Oven Roasted Cauliflower (One Pan)
  • Oven Roasted Green Beans (One Pan)
  • Oven Roasted Asparagus (One Pan)

Cranberries are in season and it would be a shame not to serve them in this feast. They are a hit with guests, when made in these two ways:

  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe (One Pot)
  • Easy Cranberry Relish (One Bowl)

A side dish of soup will complete any meal. These are some popular seasonal classics:

  • Curried Butternut Squash Soup (One Pot)
  • Beet Borscht Soup (One Pot)
  • Carrot Ginger Soup (One Pot)
  • Sweet Potato Soup (One Pot)

Bread such as dinner rolls, sweet rolls, bread sticks, crescent rolls are also another option.

Variations

Smoked turkey breast– Use liquid smoke or use an actual meat smoker.

Skinless turkey breast– Roast the same way except no need to butter the skin since it is not there. You will need to keep a closer eye on this version since it can dry out quickly.

Stuffed turkey breast– Stuff the breast with cooked Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing and then roast according to your roasting directions. You can even stuff with Basil Pesto Sauce (Blender) or Chimichurri Sauce (One Pot).

Bacon wrapped turkey breast– Prep turkey according to directions. Then weave bacon slices around the whole breast. Roast on a wire rack in the pan so that the bottom will crisp too.

Other herbs and spices– Try Jerk, Mexican, BBQ, or Cajun seasonings.

Garnish options– Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro. Fresh herbs always look better as a garnish than dried herbs.

Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (4)

Other methods of cooking breast

Crockpot turkey breast/ slow cooker turkey breast- Prep according to recipe. Cook on low for 6 hours in an oval slow cooker. Then broil for 1-3 minutes to ensure crisp skin.

Grilled turkey breast– Grill over indirect heat for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Deep fried turkey breast– Heat oil to 350 degrees F. Carefully submerge the breast in the oil. Fry for 3 minutes per pound, plus an additional 5 minutes. Then remove turkey breast and let the oil drain for 10 minutes while also resting.

Tips and Techniques

Boneless turkey breast vs. Bone-in turkey breast– Bone-in will have more flavor and tends to be more moist than boneless. Either can be used, but it is up to your personal preference. I prefer bone-in.

Do you have to brine turkey breast? No, you do not have to brine the turkey for this recipe as long as you make sure to continually baste the turkey breast to retain moisture. However, if you want to try it out, be sure to use this delicious recipe for Turkey Brine Solution (One Pot). You should not brine for longer than 18-24 hours because that would make the meat very salty.

How to carve a turkey breast? Use a sharp long knife and slice down the breast bone along the center. Then cut under and along the rib bone. Then you can slice the breast to your desired thickness.

Baste the turkey– This is very important because it ensures that the breast doesn’t dry out while roasting. Make sure to baste the turkey continually while roasting. Set a timer for every few minutes.

Cover the turkey- This is an optional step, but one I prefer. Once the turkey is browned, cover it with foil in order to help retain moisture. It also prevents the top from over-browning and burning.

Let it rest– This allows the turkey to absorb the juices back into the meat so that each slice remains moist, and the juices don’t just run out when you slice it. This is a crucial step and should not be omitted!

What to do with leftovers? Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also use the meat for sandwiches, in pasta, on a salad, or in soup. I have used it in this Leftover Turkey Salad (One Pot) and these Shredded Turkey Tacos (One Pot) and even this Turkey Noodle Soup (One Pot).

Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (5)

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One Pan Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Easy Thanksgiving roast turkey breast recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pan. Loaded with garlic, herbs, butter. Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside.

Yield: 6 People

Ingredients

  • 6 pound Turkey breast, Bone-in
  • 1/3 cup Garlic herb butter, See note below on how to make this at home

Instructions

  • Start off by loosening the skin of the turkey breast.

  • Spread half the butter under the skin, and spread the remainder on top of the breast.

  • Place the turkey on a baking tray, lined with foil paper.

  • Bake at 450 degrees F for about 20 minutes.

  • Then, reduce temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Be sure baste often with turkey drippings and juices to prevent turkey from becoming dry.

  • Optional step: When you see the skin has become nice and golden brown, cover the top with aluminum foil. This will protect it from becoming too brown and dry. I always do this because it also keeps the turkey very moist.

  • Prior to removing turkey from oven, insert a thermometer in the thickest part. If the internal temperature reads 165 degrees, turkey is ready.

  • Cover turkey with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.

  • The, garnish with fresh parsley, slice and enjoy.

Notes

  • To make homemade garlic herb butter, mix together 1/3 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 tsp finely minced garlic, 1 tsp finely grated ginger, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage leaves, 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, salt to taste, pepper to taste.
  • Read all my tips above.
  • Tastes best when served immediately but leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 549kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 98g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 272mg, Sodium: 1024mg, Potassium: 1098mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 406IU, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 2mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 549

Author: Abeer

Happy cooking everyone!

64.7K Shares

One Pot Recipes Turkey Recipes

posted October 29, 2019 by Abeer Rizvi //12 Comments

Roast Turkey Breast (One Pan) (2024)

FAQs

Do you put water in bottom of pan when roasting turkey breast? ›

Pour 1 cup of water in the bottom of the roasting pan. This will prevent the drippings from burning on the bottom of the pan. If using a flat rack (use a V-rack if you have one), you will notice the turkey will tilt to one side or the other.

Should turkey breast be covered or uncovered when roasting? ›

To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›

Roasting the bird slowly, at a lower temperature is the best way to achieve tender meat. You should still prep the bird with butter, salt, and pepper, as described above (or dry-brine it). To cook, set your oven to 325°F and roast for 3½ to 4 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird.

Can you cook two turkey breasts in the same pan? ›

You can cook two turkeys or turkey breasts at one time. We recommend using two that are similar in weight and cooking them in separate shallow pans to ensure adequate heat circulation. The cooking time and the temperature are the same as cooking one turkey or turkey breast.

What do you put in the bottom of a turkey roasting pan? ›

Place chopped onions, celery, and carrots in the bottom of the roasting pan. Pick a few herbs off the stalks and add to the vegetables. Set aside. Pat dry the turkey with paper towels.

Do you put anything in bottom of roasting pan for turkey? ›

Drain juices and pat dry with clean paper towels. Place breast, skin side up, on a flat roasting rack in a 2-inch deep roasting pan. Do not add water to pan. If you don't have a roasting rack, crunch aluminum foil into a coil or use vegetables like carrots to keep your turkey off the bottom of the pan.

How do you keep turkey breasts from drying out? ›

Start in a hot heated oven at 450 degrees F, then lower the heat to 350 degrees F just before you put the turkey in the oven. The initial high heat will help brown the skin, then the lower heat will help cook the turkey breast on the inside without drying it out.

What are two ways to keep turkey from drying out? ›

5 Ways to Prevent Your Turkey from Drying Out
  1. Cook Pieces Instead of a Whole Turkey. ...
  2. If Cooking a Whole Turkey, Buy Frozen. ...
  3. Ditch the Plastic Pop-Up Timer; Use an Instant-Read Thermometer Instead. ...
  4. Elevate the Legs. ...
  5. Let the Turkey Rest.
Nov 1, 2022

Do you roast a turkey breast side up or breast side down? ›

The United States Department of Agriculture advises to cook a whole turkey breast side up during the entire cooking time. Turning over a large, hot bird can be dangerous and it's very easy to tear the skin, making the finished product less attractive.

What temperature should I cook a turkey breast on? ›

In general, you'll want to cook a bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C), or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

How many hours does it take to cook a 14 lb turkey at 325? ›

Using a 325°F oven, here's a rough per pound guide from the pros at foodsafety.gov. These stuffed turkey cooking times have been tested and proven to work well by our Test Kitchen team: For 10- to 12-pound turkey, roast 3¼ hours to 3½ hours. For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours.

How many hours do you cook a turkey at 325? ›

In general, you should plan to cook a turkey for around 15-20 minutes per pound of turkey at 325ºF to get to that temp.
  1. 10-12 pounds: cook 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
  2. 15-16 pounds: cook 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
  3. 18-20 pounds: cook 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
Oct 15, 2023

How long does it take to cook 2 turkey breasts at the same time? ›

Bake 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours or until meat thermometer reads 170 degrees.

What size roasting pan for turkey breast? ›

In general, when cooking turkeys: A small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds. A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds. A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.

Should you put water in the roasting pan when roasting a turkey? ›

Yes! Adding water to the bottom of the pan keeps the meat extra juicy and tender as it roasts. Without that added moisture, the turkey is much more likely to dry out as it cooks.

Do you put water in the tray when cooking a turkey crown? ›

Having some liquid in the bottom of your roasting tray, smearing with butter and draping over smoked bacon will all help to keep the crown moist during cooking and stop it from drying out. You can keep an eye on the internal temperature of your bird as you're cooking if you have a temperature probe.

Should I put chicken broth in bottom of turkey pan? ›

You absolutely can use chicken broth or bouillon cubes. I'd go easy with the bullion though, it's usually salty. A couple of tips though: Start by searing the meat well on all sides to develop color and flavor. You'll also leave some fond in the pot, which you'll lift off and infuse into your cooking liquid.

Should I rub my turkey with butter or olive oil? ›

Don't butter your bird

Placing butter under the skin won't make the meat juicier, though it might help the skin brown faster. However, butter is about 17 percent water, and it will make your bird splotchy, says López-Alt. Instead, rub the skin with vegetable oil before you roast.

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