turkey breast for thanksgiving recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best turkey breast for thanksgiving recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you for a delicious and easy-to-make turkey breast that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and my family and I just love it. It’s a great option for a special occasion like Thanksgiving, but it’s also a healthy and flavorful meal that we can enjoy on any given day.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy families or those who are new to cooking. My kids just devour this dish, and I know yours will too. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, and the fact that it’s packed with nutrients makes me feel good about what we’re putting into our bodies.

I’ve experimented with various seasonings and marinades over the years, but the basic recipe remains the same. It’s all about the technique – making sure the turkey breast is cooked evenly and stays moist. That’s where the key to this recipe lies.

With practice, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect texture and flavor that we all love so much. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it turns out perfectly – juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. My family raves about this dish every time I serve it.

I’m confident that you’ll fall in love with this turkey breast recipe as much as we have. The secret to its success lies in the simple yet effective technique of basting with butter during cooking – it adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

4.6 from 1204 votes

This Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast is a perfect main dish for Thanksgiving. It is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection with a crispy skin.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 turkey breast (about 4 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary

For the Aromatics

1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
1 lemon, halved

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
3This will help achieve crispy skin.
4In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
5Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin as well.
6Place the turkey breast, skin-side up, in a roasting pan.
7Arrange the onion, carrots, celery, and lemon halves around the turkey.
8These aromatics will infuse the turkey with flavor as it cooks.
9Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
10The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
11Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
12This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey breast.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: For added moisture, baste the turkey with its pan juices every 30 minutes during roasting. You can also stuff the turkey cavity with additional herbs and aromatics for extra flavor.

This turkey breast recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a quick weeknight meal.

The leftovers are easy to store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for later use.

When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

Q: What type of turkey breast should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a boneless, skinless turkey breast. Look for one that’s around 1-2 pounds in weight.

Q: How do I ensure the turkey breast stays moist?

The key to keeping your turkey breast moist is to not overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s cooked through – 165°F is the ideal internal temperature.

Q: Can I marinate the turkey breast overnight?

Yes, you can marinate the turkey breast overnight in your refrigerator before cooking it.

Q: What if I don’t have any fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary?

You can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.

Q: Can I cook this turkey breast in a slow cooker?

This recipe is best suited for oven roasting or pan-frying – slow cookers can result in uneven cooking.

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