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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.

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!
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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.

Quick and easy herb roasted turkey breast for those who don't like dark meat or don't want a whole turkey ohsweetbasil.com

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:

 

Quick and easy herb roasted turkey breast for those who don't like dark meat or don't want a whole turkey ohsweetbasil.com

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

If you don't want to cook an entire turkey for Thanksgiving make sure you make this herb roasted turkey breast. We love it and it's such an easy way to cook turkey! ohsweetbasil.com

More Decadent MAIN DISHES You Must Try:

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

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Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

By Sweet Basil
Prep5 minutes
Cook2 hours 30 minutes
Total2 hours 35 minutes
Servings6
Quick and easy herb roasted turkey breast for those who don’t like dark meat or don’t want a whole turkey ohsweetbasil.com
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Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • 3 Pounds Boneless Turkey Breast, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Thyme, chopped, fresh
  • 4 Sage Leaves, fresh
  • Olive Oil

Instructions 

Turkey Basics

  • Frozen turkey will need to thaw 24 hours per every 5 pounds.
    3 Pounds Boneless Turkey Breast
  • 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.
    1 Tablespoon Thyme, 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, 4 Sage Leaves
  • Place the skin back down and drizzle with olive oil.
    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.

Recipe Notes

left overs can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 230kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 49g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 122mg, Sodium: 855mg, Potassium: 556mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 101IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
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!
Herb Sage Roasted Turkey Breast is way easier than cooking the whole bird and still just as juicy and delicious ohsweetbasil.com
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Herb Sage Roasted Turkey Breast is way easier than cooking the whole bird and still just as juicy and delicious ohsweetbasil.com

 

About The Author

Carrian Cheney

Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.

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49 Comments

  1. Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says:

    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?!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Oh my gosh! I would love that if we could celebrate together!!

  2. Gaby says:

    That is such a gorgeous turkey! I am so ready for Thanksgiving!

  3. Terri C says:

    This looks and sounds so good! Thanks for the great giveaway chance!

  4. Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says:

    I love making just the turkey breast, it’s so beautiful! 🙂

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Totally easier too!

  5. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says:

    Carrian, this turkey looks amazing! Can I come to your house for T-Giving?

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      oh, heck yes!

  6. Liz @ Virtually Homemade says:

    I always have the hardest time finding a boneless turkey breast – any ideas? This looks beautiful.

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Liz, Surprisingly enough Walmart carries them the most. But a lot of them are in the frozen section too.

  7. Deborah says:

    I love sage, and this sounds divine!! And thanks for linking up my turkey!

  8. Rachel Cooks says:

    This looks fantastic, Carrian! Want to come cook my Thanksgiving dinner?

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      For you, anytime!

  9. JoeyfromSC says:

    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

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Thanks Joey!!

  10. Traci says:

    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!!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      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!