Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast

Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast is a great alternative for those who don’t want to roast the whole turkey.  Our herb-crusted boneless turkey breast is easy to roast and always turns out juicy, tender, and delicious. Perfect for weekend dinners, holidays, and special occasions. Leftovers make delicious sandwiches the next day.

A turkey breast sliced on a wood cutting board.

Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast

Hi friends! Today we’re excited to show you ‘step-by-step’ how easy it is to prepare and roast a boneless turkey breast. It is much easier than baking or frying a whole turkey, and everyone loves it!

It’s easy to slice and serve. Best of all? No waist!

You can serve this turkey breast with all the holiday sides, such as our Thanksgiving stuffing, best-mashed potato pie, and our best beef gravy. Along with all our other side dishes, we have added them at the bottom. Be sure to check those out!

What is a Boneless Turkey Breast Roast?

A turkey breast roast is only the breast part of the turkey. It is usually tied with twine and looks like a roast. It’s easier to roast in the oven and requires less cooking time. Not to mention, it’s ideal for people who have smaller appliances in their kitchen.

Turkey Breast – vs – Whole Bird?

We prefer to buy a boneless turkey breast, rather than the whole turkey, especially for Thanksgiving. It always turns out moist and best tasting!

Let’s face it, most of us tend to throw out unwanted parts of the entire bird, such as the neck, wings, and organs. While others will use some of the meat to make turkey sandwiches or leftover turkey soup for later in the week.

Keep in mind, depending on how many pounds of breast you buy, you will only need a few short hours to roast it, rather than roasting the whole bird for the entire day.

Carved turkey breast on a wood cutting board. by 2sistersrecipes.com

Reasons we LOVE a Boneless Turkey Breast

  • it’s all tender meat.
  • no waste.
  • no bones.
  • easy to prep.
  • pantry spices and herbs to flavor the turkey.
  • no dark meat.
  • it roasts in less time than a whole bird.
  • absolutely no mess!
  • no stuffing is needed.
  • although it may cost more by the pound, the white meat yield is much greater than buying the whole bird.

A turkey breast carved on a wood carving board. by 2sistersrecipes.com

Where to get a Fresh or Frozen Boneless Turkey Breast?

You can find fresh or frozen boneless turkey breasts at local gourmet markets, such as Whole Foods, or your local butcher shop. They come tied with butcher’s twine and could be vacuum-packed.

Prefer Fresh Turkey Breast?

If you prefer a fresh turkey breast? It is best to contact your local butcher shop and reserve one a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Some butcher shops will stock them all year long.

For Frozen Turkey Breast:

Since they have become more popular, you can find them all year round. They are commonly found frozen in supermarkets. However, for best results, allow the turkey breast to thaw completely, before prepping and roasting.

How Many Pounds Will I Need to Buy?

  • Depending on how many guests you plan to have for dinner or Thanksgiving, it is best to measure 1/3 of a pound per serving.
  • Therefore, a 2.5 to 3-pound turkey breast will yield 6-8 servings and roast for about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
  • If you plan to have a larger group, consider using 4 to 5 pounds will yield about 8 to 10 servings and will require about 2 hours and 30 minutes to roast, or until the meat thermometer pops out, or if it registers at 165 F.

How to “Thaw” Boneless Turkey Breast?

  • If Frozen: Allow the breast to sit in your refrigerator to thaw, for at least 2 days before cooking. Then allow the breast to warm up to room temperature for at least 2 hours before cooking.
  • Not Frozen: If you purchase the turkey breast from your local butcher, and it comes vacuum-packed, keep it chilled in your refrigerator until the day you plan to roast it.
Carving a turkey breast on a wooden cutting board. by 2sistersrecipes.com

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know, most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples. 😉 For our roasted boneless turkey breast recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4.5 or 5-pound boneless turkey breast
  • 1 large onion – coarsely chopped
  • 3 celery stalks – coarsely chopped
  • 1 large carrot – peeled, coarsely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. herbs de Provence
  • 1/2 tsp, kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 3 to 4 Tbsp. butter – sliced
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice

How To Make Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast?

For this recipe, the prep work is effortless and requires only a few ingredients. Vegetables, dried seasonings, and orange juice are what make this roasted boneless turkey breast very tasty! First, gather all the ingredients. Next, follow our steps below so you’ll see what’s involved before you start. And, don’t forget, our recipe card is located at the bottom.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE TURKEY BREAST! First, remove the breast from its packaging and give it a quick rinse under the sink and with cool running water. Allow to drain.

STEP 2: TRANSFER BREAST TO ROASTING PAN: Next, place turkey breast with skin side up into a 10 x 12-inch roasting pan or a large foil tray.

STEP 3: PREP & ADD THE VEGGIES: Toss chopped vegetables around the breast.

Two photos of raw turkey breast in a silver baking tray.

STEP 4: SEASON THE TURKEY BREAST: Scatter on top with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and herbs de Provence over the entire breast. Next, place a few slices of butter across the top. Then drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the breast.

STEP 5: ADD THE ORANGE JUICE: Pour the orange juice around the breast. The orange juice will help keep the breast moist and juicy, while it reduces its “gamey” flavor.

What Temperature to Roast a Boneless Turkey Breast?

Roast the breast in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F (162.8 C), and slow roast for 15 to 20 minutes per pound. This will slow roast it and brown the skin beautifully without burning, and cook the turkey until the internal thermometer pops up.

*HELPFUL TIP: If you are pressed for time, then roast in the oven at a higher temperature: 350 degrees F (180C) and for 15 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer pops out.

Recipes Tips For Success

  1. First, it’s a good idea to buy a large foil roasting pan, (about a 10 x 12-inch size) to roast the breast in because the foil tray is disposable and it makes clean-up easier. Or wrap your roasting pan with foil for easy clean-up.
  2. Prepare the breast.  Place turkey breast with skin side up into a roasting pan. Sprinkle seasonings, toss chopped vegetables around the breast, and top with butter and olive oil. Then pour orange juice around the breast.
  3. Roast on the center rack in the oven.
  4. Allow to Rest: It’s best to allow the turkey breast to rest before slicing, and at least 10 minutes or more. Keep it covered, to keep it warm. If you slice it too quickly – you will release all it’s juices and it will be dry when serving.

FAQ’s

  1. What to serve it with? Try it with your favorite turkey gravy or with our best beef brown gravy and maybe some creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. It’s a great recipe!
  2. How to store leftover turkey? Transfer any leftover turkey breast to a sealed container and transfer to the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  3. What to do with leftover turkey? We love the leftovers for one reason, and that is to make our Leftover Turkey Soup for the next two days. It’s a quick and easy recipe and everyone enjoys it.
Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast 2sistersrecipess.com

Slice and Serve!

Your family and friends will enjoy this delicious-tasting turkey roast. Serve it on Thanksgiving with a few delicious side dishes that will complement your festive dinner. Also, add our holiday butter terrine on the table along with our favorite pumpkin cornbread. YUM!

And, don’t forget to serve with it with turkey gravy or our best beef brown gravy and maybe some creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. It’s a great recipe!

Best of all, it’s an easy clean-up! 🙂

ENJOY!!

Finally, Sides That Go Well with Turkey Breast!

More Delicious Dinners to Try:

Feel free to leave a comment and a star rating on our recipe card.  We enjoy reading your comments and will answer any questions you may have.  Also, subscribe and get all NEW recipes FREE!

Carving a turkey breast on a wooden cutting board. by 2sistersrecipes.com

Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast

Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes

Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast is a great alternative for those who don't want to roast the whole turkey.  Boneless turkey breast always turns out moist and delicious tasting every time! And, roasts in less time than a whole turkey.

Ingredients

  • 4.5 or 5-pound boneless turkey breast
  • 1 large onion - coarsely chopped
  • 3 stalks of celery - coarsely chopped
  • 1 large carrot - peeled and chopped
  • 1 Tbps. herbs de Provence
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 3 to 4 Tbsp. butter - sliced
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 (10x 12-inch) foil roasting pan.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (160C). Rearrange your racks in the oven, so the roasting pan will fit on the center rack.
  • Remove the breast from its packaging and give it a quick rinse under the sink with cool running water, and let is drain for a few seconds.
  • Next, place turkey breast with skin side up into a 9 x 12 roasting pan. Spread the chopped vegetables around the turkey breast. Then, scatter on top with salt, garlic powder, and Herbs de Provence over the breast.
  • Top with a few slices of butter. Then drizzle olive oil over the breast. Pour the orange juice around the breast. And, transfer the prepared turkey breast to the middle rack in the oven.
  • Roast the turkey breast, uncovered, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound, or until the pop-up thermometer pops out, ( or the meat thermometer reads 165F.) The breast should be golden brown. If the skin begins to become too dark, you may tent it with foil during roasting.
  • When done, remove from oven, and cover with foil to keep it warm and moist. Allow the breast to rest for at least 10 minutes, or more before slicing.
  • Slice and serve warm with the pan juices poured over them.
  • Notes

    The time for roasting is an estimate and will depend on the weight of the breast and on the oven you use. All ovens will vary, so keep an eye on them while roasting.

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 to 10 servings Serving Size: 1 serving
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 26.1gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 122mgCarbohydrates: 6.7gFiber: .8gSugar: 4.8gProtein: 40.7g

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    Happy Cooking! 🙂

    Thanks for stopping by!

    xo Anna and Liz

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    4 Comments

    1. Anna and Liz,
      I’ve been wanting to know how to prepare a boneless turkey breast for several years now since it is a very small gathering for my family Thanksgiving. Only my husband always wants dark meat. The herbs you used are perfect! I’m saving your recipe just for ME! 🙂
      Happy Thanksgiving to both of you!!!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      1. Thank you so much Roz!! You are an amazing cook, thank you again. We wish you a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    2. This is a great idea and it does look delicious! I can just taste the turkey sandwiches with the leftovers. My family insists on a whole bird so they can have a little light and a little dark meat 🙂

      1. Hi Susan, I’m glad to hear that. In the past, we have enjoyed a whole bird as well, but these past few years, we prefer the breast. Thanks so much. xo