This Herb Crusted Turkey Breast is a flavor-rich, juicy turkey breast recipe that doesn’t require the time of traditional turkey recipes and is tailored for smaller gatherings or weeknight dinners. With these step-by-step instructions, you can have this recipe ready to serve in about 30 minutes!
Turkey recipes can seem daunting. A slice of oven-roasted turkey breast is absolutely delicious, but it can be challenging to consistently create tender, juicy turkey. Especially considering the time and effort require to prepare these traditional recipes.
After some trial and error, we have created a turkey breast recipe that is incredibly simple but minimizes the risk of experiencing one of the pitfalls turkey breast recipes are known for.
This recipe is tailored for smaller gatherings or weeknight dinners. You can still have delicious, tender turkey without the time investment required to cook a whole turkey!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Healthy. This recipe is incredibly delicious and healthy! Combining a handful of spices and herbs with this lean turkey breast makes it a perfect lean protein to serve as your main dish.
- Easy. Unlike traditional turkey recipes, this recipe requires little time or effort. Only 5 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking time are needed before it is ready to serve!
- Versatile. This recipe provides 6 servings so it is perfect for a weeknight or small holiday gathering. Serve it on a weeknight and save the leftovers for lunches later in the week!
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. Keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements.
- Boneless turkey breast: this recipe uses a boneless turkey breast so the cooking time will differ if you choose to use a bone-in turkey breast. A bone-in turkey breast will still work fine but cooking time will be increased.
- Olive oil: we used olive oil but any neutral oil will work.
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme and sage
- Spices: poultry seasoning, kosher salt, paprika, and garlic powder, black pepper
How to Make Herb Crusted Turkey Breast
This delicious turkey breast recipe is incredibly quick and simple! Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to prepare this turkey breast in the oven. We have also included air fryer instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Season the turkey. First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Then in a small mixing bowl, combine the poultry seasoning, fresh herbs, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the turkey with olive oil then sprinkle each side with spices.
- Cook the turkey breast. Place the seasoned turkey breast in a lightly greased baking dish or roasting pan. Bake the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound or until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Basting is an optional step. If you wish to baste the turkey breast, do this only twice during cooking, as it will add additional cooking time to the turkey.
- Allow to rest. Allow the turkey to rest at least 5 minutes prior to slicing. Then it is ready to serve!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Reheating Instructions: If frozen, thaw the turkey breast in the fridge overnight. It reheats best if you place in a baking dish with a little chicken broth, turkey drippings, or water (to keep from drying out), then cover tightly with foil. Bake at 325 degrees F for about 10 minutes per pound. If already sliced, microwaving in 30-second increments on 50% power until heated to your desired level would also work.
- Freezer Storage: This recipe can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. Ensure the turkey breast has cooled completely then double or triple wrap in plastic wrap. Next, place in a freezer bag and remove all the air.
- Refrigerator Storage: Once cooled completely, you can store this recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Keto Dinner Rolls– These Keto Dinner Rolls are perfectly soft and fluffy. You would never guess they are low carb and only takes 30 minutes.
- Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts– Only 7 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes are needed for this versatile, healthy recipe.
- Cheddar Garlic Keto Biscuits– You will love these easy Cheddar Garlic Keto Biscuits! They are a perfect low carb Red Lobster Biscuit copycat! Only 2 net carbs each and loaded with flavor!
- Green Beans Almondine– Green Beans Almondine is a classic side dish that goes perfectly with this Herb Crusted Turkey Breast! Tender green beans are tossed in a rich butter sauce and toasted almonds, for only 3.6 net carbs per serving!
Tips and Tricks
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels before adding seasoning or cooking. The skin will be much crispier.
- Use a good-quality meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the turkey. Turkey must reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding contact with the bone.
- For the juiciest turkey breast always let it rest for at least 5 minutes after removing from the oven. The juices will redistribute resulting in juicier meat.
Herb Crusted Turkey Breast FAQ
Yes, this recipe is gluten free if prepared as described.
If the turkey seems to be browning too quickly cover it with foil for the remaining cooking time. That said, I haven’t found this step to be necessary with this recipe despite cooking it several times.
I highly encourage use of an instant-read thermometor to determine when the turkey is done. When it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Absolutely. Cooking time will be longer for bone-in so ensure you use a thermometer like we discussed above to confirm internal temperature.
Herb Crusted Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 boneless turkey breast about 1.5 pounds
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped a mix of rosemary, thyme and sage
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon EACH kosher salt paprika, and garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the poultry seasoning, fresh herbs, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the turkey with olive oil then sprinkle each side with spices.
- Place the seasoned turkey breast in a lightly greased baking dish or roasting pan.
- Bake the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound or until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Basting is an optional step. If you wish to baste the turkey breast, do this only twice during cooking, as it will add additional cooking time to the turkey.
- Allow the turkey to rest at least 5 minutes prior to slicing.
Air Fryer Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the poultry seasoning, fresh herbs, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the turkey with olive oil then sprinkle each side with spices.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Place the seasoned turkey in the air fryer skin side down and cook for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. After ten minutes, flip the turkey and cook an additional 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Allow the turkey to rest at least five minutes before slicing.
