Can I use this same recipe for a whole turkey?

Absolutely! The herb paste works beautifully on a whole turkey. Simply double or triple the paste recipe depending on the size of your bird, and adjust cooking times based on the turkey's weight (generally 13-15 minutes per pound for a whole turkey).

What if I don't have all the herbs listed?

Don't worry! This recipe is forgiving. Use what you have on hand—even just salt, pepper, and one or two herbs will produce delicious results. Italian seasoning can substitute for several of the individual herbs in a pinch.

How do I know when the turkey is done without a meat thermometer?

While a thermometer is strongly recommended for food safety, in a pinch you can insert a knife into the thickest part of the breast—the juices should run clear, not pink. The meat should feel firm but not hard, and if you have a bone-in breast, the leg should move easily in its socket.

Can I prep this the night before cooking?

Yes! You can apply the herb rub to the turkey breast, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This actually enhances the flavor as the herbs have more time to infuse the meat. Just bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.

Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Name: Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 8 pound turkey breast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried rosemary; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

This perfect Oven Roasted Turkey Breast delivers all the flavor of a whole turkey with half the fuss. Juicy, tender, and infused with aromatic herbs, this recipe transforms an ordinary turkey breast into a spectacular centerpiece that’s ready in just about 2 hours. The herb-infused spice rub creates a flavorful crust while keeping the meat incredibly moist—ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you’re craving something special without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Foolproof Method: Even if you’ve never roasted turkey before, this straightforward technique guarantees success every time.
Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort: The herb rub delivers incredible taste with just a few minutes of prep work.
Versatile Portions: Perfect for smaller gatherings when you don’t need a whole turkey, but still want that holiday feeling.
Impressive Results: Creates a beautiful golden-brown presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Leftovers Champion: Makes the most delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups for days after your initial meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey Breast: The star of the show – can be bone-in or boneless. Bone-in adds flavor but takes longer to cook, while boneless cooks faster.
Olive Oil: Creates the base for your herb paste and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Paprika: Adds gorgeous color and a subtle sweet pepper flavor to the skin.
Dried Oregano: Brings a Mediterranean warmth and earthy notes to the herb mixture.
Dried Rosemary: Provides that classic pine-like aroma that’s quintessential to poultry.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps keep the meat juicy through the cooking process.
Dried Thyme: Adds a gentle herbal complexity that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Black Pepper: Provides a touch of heat and depth to balance the aromatic herbs.
Onion Powder: Delivers savory notes without the texture of fresh onions.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the meat with that unmistakable garlic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Citrus Herb Turkey

Add the zest of one lemon and one orange to your herb mixture for a bright, citrusy twist. Place the spent citrus halves in the bottom of your roasting pan to infuse even more flavor as the turkey cooks.

Butter-Basted Luxury

Replace the olive oil with softened butter for an even richer result. The butter creates an incredible golden crust and adds depth to the flavor profile.

Wine-Infused Elegance

Pour ½ cup of white wine into the bottom of your roasting pan to create aromatic steam that will infuse the meat as it cooks.

Maple Glazed

Mix 2 tablespoons of maple syrup with your herb paste for a subtly sweet twist that caramelizes beautifully on the skin.

How to Make Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare Your Turkey

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place your turkey breast skin side up on the rack of a roasting pan, or in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Allow the turkey to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Step 2: Create the Herb Paste

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, dried oregano, dried rosemary, salt, dried thyme, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until you have a consistent paste with all herbs evenly distributed.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Gently loosen the skin from the meat by sliding your fingers underneath, being careful not to tear it. Spoon about half of your herb mixture under the skin and spread it evenly to cover as much meat as possible. This ensures the flavors penetrate directly into the meat. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the turkey breast, covering it completely.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Roast in your preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound. For a 5-pound turkey breast, this would be about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The most accurate method is cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when measured at the thickest part of the breast.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Remove your beautifully roasted turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes, during which time the internal temperature will rise to the safe 165°F mark and the juices will redistribute throughout the meat for maximum juiciness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Temperature Check: A good meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked turkey. Take readings in multiple spots to ensure even cooking.
Season Under the Skin: This technique might seem fussy, but it’s the secret to flavor that penetrates deep into the meat rather than just sitting on the surface.
Adjust for Boneless Breasts: If using a boneless turkey breast, reduce cooking time by about 15-20 minutes total, but still rely on your thermometer for accuracy.
Tent, Don’t Wrap: When resting your turkey, loosely tent with foil rather than wrapping it tightly. This prevents the skin from becoming soggy while still keeping the meat warm.
Let It Breathe: Allowing your turkey to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting promotes even cooking from edge to center.

How to Serve

As a Main Course

Slice your turkey breast across the grain for the most tender result. Serve alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables for a classic holiday feel any time of year.

For Sandwiches

Slice the turkey very thinly for the ultimate sandwich experience. Layer with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy on crusty bread for a holiday leftover sandwich, or keep it simple with good mayo and fresh lettuce for everyday lunch excellence.

For Salads

Cube or shred the turkey to top hearty salads. It pairs beautifully with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy yet satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best quality, slice only what you need and store the remainder intact to maintain moisture.

Freezing

Turkey breast freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Consider portioning it first for easier defrosting.

Reheating

The microwave works for quick meals, but for best results, reheat sliced turkey in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth covered with foil in a 300°F oven until just warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). This prevents the meat from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use this same recipe for a whole turkey?

Absolutely! The herb paste works beautifully on a whole turkey. Simply double or triple the paste recipe depending on the size of your bird, and adjust cooking times based on the turkey’s weight (generally 13-15 minutes per pound for a whole turkey).
What if I don’t have all the herbs listed?

Don’t worry! This recipe is forgiving. Use what you have on hand—even just salt, pepper, and one or two herbs will produce delicious results. Italian seasoning can substitute for several of the individual herbs in a pinch.
How do I know when the turkey is done without a meat thermometer?

While a thermometer is strongly recommended for food safety, in a pinch you can insert a knife into the thickest part of the breast—the juices should run clear, not pink. The meat should feel firm but not hard, and if you have a bone-in breast, the leg should move easily in its socket.
Can I prep this the night before cooking?

Yes! You can apply the herb rub to the turkey breast, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This actually enhances the flavor as the herbs have more time to infuse the meat. Just bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast brings all the joy of a traditional turkey dinner with much less stress and time commitment. The herb-infused meat is moist and flavorful, while the golden skin provides that beautiful presentation we all crave. Whether you’re hosting a small holiday gathering, creating a special Sunday dinner, or just craving some delicious leftovers for the week ahead, this recipe delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. Give it a try—I’m confident it will become your new go-to method for preparing turkey breast!