Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe

Tender Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe: A Culinary Masterpiece

Cooking a perfectly roasted turkey breast can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Tender and juicy turkey breast with a golden-brown exterior promises a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

The right seasoning and technique make this succulent turkey breast recipe a game-changer for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure even novice chefs can achieve impressive outcomes.

Herbs and spices blend harmoniously to create a rich, flavorful profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or preparing a special weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy deliciousness.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this turkey breast method becomes an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1.5 hours

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes + marinating

Calories: 466 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List for Succulent Turkey Breast

For Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the turkey moist during cooking.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides bright, zesty notes and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme): Infuse the turkey with earthy, woodland-inspired taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the underlying flavor of the turkey.
For Main Protein:
  • Turkey Breast: Center stage of the dish, choosing a fresh, high-quality cut ensures tender and flavorful results.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Rosemary Twigs: Delivers a visual and aromatic finishing touch, elevating the presentation and adding a subtle herbal essence.

Roasting Tools for Juicy Turkey Breast

  • Large bowl or Ziplock bag: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating turkey breast evenly.
  • Deep baking dish: Essential for roasting turkey and catching flavorful pan juices.
  • Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature and ensuring perfect doneness.
  • Basting brush: Helps keep turkey moist by spreading juices during cooking.
  • Sharp carving knife: Needed for slicing turkey breast after resting.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate marinade ingredient measurements.
  • Broiler pan (optional): Can be used for final browning if desired.

How to Roast a Flavorful Turkey Breast

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a robust marinade blending tangy and aromatic ingredients in a spacious container, infusing the turkey with deep, rich flavors that will transform an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

  • Marinating Magic

Submerge the turkey breast completely in the marinade, ensuring every fiber absorbs the delicious blend. Refrigerate for several hours, allowing the seasonings to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

  • Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a gentle temperature, positioning the turkey in a deep baking dish with its flavorful marinade bath. This slow cooking method guarantees a juicy, succulent result.

  • Moisture Management

Monitor the turkey during roasting, occasionally spooning the marinade over the surface to maintain moisture and encourage beautiful caramelization. Watch for a golden-brown exterior that promises incredible taste.

  • Resting Ritual

After removing from the oven, let the turkey breast relax for a few minutes. This crucial pause allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains incredibly tender and packed with flavor.

  • Serving Sensation

Carve the turkey with care, drizzling remaining pan juices over the meat. Garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress family and friends.

Seasoning Tips & Cooking Variations

  • Boost flavor by adding citrus zest like lemon or orange to the marinade for a bright, tangy twist that complements the turkey's richness.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations such as thyme, sage, or herbes de Provence to create your signature turkey breast profile that suits your taste preferences.
  • Cover the turkey with aluminum foil if browning too quickly, and use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking without overcooking the delicate meat.
  • Transform remaining turkey into delicious sandwiches, salads, or shred for tacos by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.
  • Select crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herb-infused turkey, enhancing the overall dining experience with a sophisticated touch.

Serving Suggestions for a Holiday Table

  • Festive Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and slice the turkey breast into thick, juicy portions. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with candlelight and soft music.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining turkey into delicious sandwiches, wraps, or slice thinly for a protein-packed salad topping. Mix with mayo, herbs, and cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
  • Holiday Platter Perfection: Arrange carved turkey slices on a large wooden board with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a small dish of pan juices for dipping. Garnish with rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the succulent turkey with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot noir. The wine's subtle notes will enhance the marinade's rich flavors and create a gourmet dining experience.

How to Save and Reheat Leftover Turkey

  • Fridge Fresh Keeping: Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture retention.
  • Freezer Friendly Strategy: Slice cooled turkey into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bags, storing for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Quick Meal Transformation: Repurpose cold turkey slices into sandwiches, salads, or shredded for tacos, creating exciting lunch and dinner options throughout the week.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated turkey slices by placing in a covered dish with a splash of chicken broth, heating gently at 325F for 10-15 minutes to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.
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Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe

Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes + marinating
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Herb-crusted succulent turkey breast brings Mediterranean flavors to classic roasting techniques. Garlic, rosemary, and olive oil create a deeply satisfying main course you’ll want to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, skin-on, about 22.5 lbs / 0.91.1 kg)
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) sesame oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup (170 g) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 rosemary twigs whole
  • 3 rosemary twigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk selected seasonings in a large bowl or resealable bag, creating a vibrant flavor foundation for the turkey breast.
  2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat the turkey in the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 12 hours or proceed directly to roasting.
  3. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 325F, positioning the rack centrally to guarantee even heat circulation.
  4. Roasting Technique: Place marinated turkey in a roasting pan, accompanied by its marinade, and insert into the preheated oven.
  5. Moisture Maintenance: Baste the turkey every 20 minutes, promoting a succulent texture and developing a rich, golden exterior.
  6. Temperature Monitoring: Roast until the internal temperature reaches 160F, recognizing the temperature will naturally rise to 165F during resting.
  7. Final Touches: Optionally, activate the broiler briefly to achieve a crisp, caramelized surface for added visual and textural appeal.
  8. Serving Preparation: Remove from oven, allow a brief resting period to redistribute juices, then carve and plate with collected pan drippings.
  9. Garnish and Presentation: Adorn with fresh rosemary sprigs, creating an aromatic and visually stunning culinary experience.

Notes

  • Marinate Masterfully: Submerge turkey completely in marinade, removing air pockets to ensure deep, even flavor absorption throughout the meat.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to accurately track internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked turkey and ensuring food safety.
  • Basting Technique: Regular basting creates a protective moisture barrier, preventing surface drying and developing a rich, golden-brown exterior with enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Resting Ritual: Allow turkey to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute and internal temperature stabilize, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and succulent texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1.5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 466
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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