Feeling a little nervous about cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving? Don’t! We love doing an herb roasted turkey breast and forgetting the stress!
What Herbs are Best With Turkey?
I like rosemary, lemon thyme and sage.
I use oregano occasionally because of it’s great health benefits.
And Sage, sage and did I mention sage? Lots of sage. It takes away the “sour” taste that turkey has all on its own and lets the turkey be its delicious self.
Are you like most American’s and feel nervous about roasting the big bird for Thanksgiving? I’ve done it quite a few times now and I still get nervous. Our fried turkey is still one of our favorites, and the smoked turkey was definitely just as easy, but sometimes you want that traditional turkey flavor, but worry about actually pulling it off successfully. Which is why I’ve chosen to post about herb roasted turkey breast versus the actual bird this year.
Is Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Gluten Free?
Fresh or dried leaves, such as basil, dill, parsley, rosemary and thyme, would be examples of herbs.
… Individual herbs and spices do not usually contain gluten, though a non-gluten anti-caking agent (e.g. calcium silicate, silicon dioxide or sodium aluminum silica) may be added.
So here’s what I like about the breast versus the whole bird. I love that it makes it easy to cook for as little as two people to a whole crowd. You can pop one small breast, or a couple of larger breasts in different pans into the oven without worrying about a whole turkey being too much or trying to fit multiple birds into one oven when in reality most people really only eat the breast anyway.
Watch the full video here:
Seriously, most people go for the breast. It’s their favorite part. Roasting a turkey breast is so darn easy and it allows everyone to have the juicy, white meat. Not to mention you don’t even have to worry about under cooking or not thawing the whole bird properly. Gosh, the big guy really is just so much more work and stress. This recipe is just salt, pepper, sage and thyme. That’s it. Oh, I guess a little olive oil, but that’s it. Anyone can do it and it tastes fantasterific.
Turkey Basics
Before we jump in to making this roasted turkey breast, I want to cover a few of the basics:
- Frozen turkey will need to thaw 24 hours per every 5 pounds.
- Safe internal temperature for a turkey is 165 degrees F in the breast.
So let’s assume you are going to roast a 3 pound turkey breast that is frozen and you want to have your meal on Thursday afternoon. Here is your brief timeline:
- Remove turkey from freezer to thaw in the fridge: 1 day ahead of time (Wednesday morning)
- Turkey roasts in the oven: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Turkey rests: 15 minutes
Can You Freeze the Left-Over Herb Roasted Turkey Breast?
Yes, as long as the turkey breast was completely cooked through, you can freeze it for another time!
Keep it tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
How Do You Re-Heat Roasted Turkey Breast?
Place the Turkey Breast in a shallow pan with a small amount of liquid (water or turkey drippings).
Cover in foil and heat approximately 15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 160*.
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
More Decadent MAIN DISHES You Must Try:
- Best Prime Rib
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- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Smoked Prime Rib
- Carolina Pulled Pork
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- Oven Braised Beef Roast
- Creamy Herb Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Smoked Tri Tip
- Easy Garlic Butter Steak
- Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce
- Beef Ribs with Charred Pepper Cream Gnocchi
- All our MAIN DISH recipes!
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Description
Ingredients
- 3 lb Boneless Turkey Breast, thawed
- 4 Sage Leaves, fresh
- 1 Tablespoon Thyme, chopped, fresh
- Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Turkey Basics
- Frozen turkey will need to thaw 24 hours per every 5 pounds.
- Safe internal temperature for a turkey is 165 degrees F in the breast.
Turkey Timeline
- Remove turkey from freezer to thaw in the fridge: 1 day ahead of time (Wednesday morning)
- Turkey roasts in the oven: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Turkey rests: 15 minutes
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- Place the turkey breast on a flat surface and gently lift the skin to expose the breast.
- Sprinkle evenly with the salt, pepper, thyme and the sage leave.
- Place the skin back down and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake according to package instructions, but ours took 2 1/2 hours at 325.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
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Honey Herbed Glazed Turkey- Taste and Tell
dj
Can this be done with a bone-in breast? And if so, how long would it cook? Thanks!
Sweet Basil
Sure, you’d roast it for 2- 2 1/2 hours 🙂
Jed
This was delicious. Need to correct the cook time. Use a thermometer. Cook time for me was a little more than an hour. Cook it for 2.5 hours and it would be dust.
Carolyn Ingram
This looks perfect!
Sweet Basil
Thank you!
MegUnprocessed
So many flavors!
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
There are so many different situations on Thanksgiving, it’s nicer to have a small turkey option!
eileen
hi covered in oven or uncovered????
Sweet Basil
Hi Eileen, uncovered, but it wont hurt anything to cover it. 🙂
SaraNicole
I made this for Easter lunch today, only doubled it because I have a large extended family, and this was the best turkey I’ve ever eaten! I cooked it in a Nesco roaster oven and it was so juicy and had amazing flavor! I got so many compliments from everyone! Thanks so much for this recipe! Delicious!
Sweet Basil
We are so thrilled! And we have yet to buy a roaster oven but we want to. How do you like yours?
Shelby
How many people does a 3lb boneless turkey breast feed??
Sweet Basil
It depends on adults/kids and how much they eat but generally around 3-4 people
Crystal
Looks Delish. But 1 lb per person ? The fat per serving seemed off when I read it.
Jayne
HELP! ASAP!
Hi, I love this recipe – I made it awhile back and it was a huge hit with my hubs! Quick question, I was going to make it again tonight but I accidentally bought a Chicken Breast instead of a Turkey Breast … Can I sub in chicken ? Any changes to cook time etc? Aren’t chicken and turkey pretty much the same? Thanks! Jayne
Sweet Basil
Oh good! I’m so glad! You can absolutely sub with chicken and the rest is all the same still. 🙂
Emily Scott
Hi. That food looks really delicious! I am looking at cooking it this weekend. I have one question. How many tablespoon, teaspoon, or cups of Olive oil? Thanks
Sweet Basil
only around 1-2 tablespoons depending on the size of breast that you buy. I drizzle it on and if it doesn’t cover it then I add a little more.
Nutmeg Nanny
This turkey looks like perfection 🙂 I bet it tastes amazing!
Sweet Basil
thank you my darling! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Anna
This looks so amazing! Must try!!! <3
Cookin Canuck
What a gorgeous turkey breast, Carrian! And sage is my favorite holiday herb, so I love that this recipe has a good dose of it.
Sweet Basil
Thanks Dara! It’s been so long! We really need to get together!
Manhattan Image and Style
Amazing! I love the pictures and this recipe! Thank you for sharing!! 🙂
Feel free to visit my blog as well if you wish! <3
Diana
http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
New Blog Post: 7 Ways to Spice Up Your Look
Jenny @ BAKE
wow I love the colour you’ve got on that turkey, not too pale, not too dark! you have some very lucky guests this year! I love your herb combination too!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Jenny! I am so particular about color on food. I like an even golden color always.
Shauna
This looks amazing but I can’t find the actual recipe for the Herb Roasted Turkey Breast. Do you have a specific recipe to follow? Thanks!
Sweet Basil
Hi Shauna, I can see the recipe. It may have been a browser error. Will you check again and let me know just in case?
Shauna
I can see it now! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Cindy
These look delicious
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel
I. Am. Drooling. No, actually, seriously drooling. Carrian, you shedevil! You know what’s strange is that I am not a vegetarian, but I could easily become one if it weren’t for turkey! That is the only meat keeping me from being totally meatless. I LOVE turkey! And this looks incredible. Also dying over that deep fried turkey. Can I come over for Thanksgiving this year?!
Sweet Basil
Oh my gosh! I would love that if we could celebrate together!!
Gaby
That is such a gorgeous turkey! I am so ready for Thanksgiving!
Terri C
This looks and sounds so good! Thanks for the great giveaway chance!
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry
I love making just the turkey breast, it’s so beautiful! 🙂
Sweet Basil
Totally easier too!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Carrian, this turkey looks amazing! Can I come to your house for T-Giving?
Sweet Basil
oh, heck yes!
Liz @ Virtually Homemade
I always have the hardest time finding a boneless turkey breast – any ideas? This looks beautiful.
Sweet Basil
Liz, Surprisingly enough Walmart carries them the most. But a lot of them are in the frozen section too.
Deborah
I love sage, and this sounds divine!! And thanks for linking up my turkey!
Rachel Cooks
This looks fantastic, Carrian! Want to come cook my Thanksgiving dinner?
Sweet Basil
For you, anytime!
JoeyfromSC
I want to make this for this year’s Thanksgiving meal! thanks so much for this and for the chance to win too!! Love your blog!
Joey
Sweet Basil
Thanks Joey!!
Traci
I’m worried I may be in charge of the turkey again this year too. We always do a crockpot turkey breast. It’s way easy to cook and I don’t have to think about it. Or worry about making it too dry. I’ve been looking for a variation and this looks like a winner! It looks beautiful!!
Sweet Basil
I love crockpots, but why have I never done a turkey in it? This way always is spot on for the baking time and it’s so yum!