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

Description

A flavorful and juicy turkey breast that’s perfect for a holiday meal or a simple dinner. This recipe uses a blend of herbs and spices to enhance the natural taste of the turkey, creating a delicious dish that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Turkey

3 to 8 pound turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil

Spice Mix

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Breast
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast skin side up on the rack of a roasting pan or into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Make the Spice Paste
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with paprika, dried oregano, dried rosemary, salt, dried thyme, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir together until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
Season the Turkey
Gently loosen the turkey skin using your fingers. Spoon some of the spice mixture underneath the skin and smooth it out to cover as much of the meat as possible. Rub the remaining spice mixture on top of the turkey breast skin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Roast the Turkey
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) at the thickest part of the breast. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the turkey breast. Boneless turkey breasts cook faster, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Rest and Serve
Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes until the internal temperature rises to 165°F (74°C). This resting time ensures the juices redistribute for a tender and flavorful result. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Cooking Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy when determining the internal temperature of the turkey. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Boneless vs. Bone-In: Boneless turkey breasts cook quicker than bone-in breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz (170g)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 95mg