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This Herb-Crusted Roast Split Turkey Breast recipe is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for one or two servings. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy the comforting aroma of a roasting turkey that’s delicious for any occasion, from special meals to an easy weeknight dinner.
If you love turkey and want to switch it up, try our single serving and small batch options like savory Turkey Cutlets, our small Herb-Crusted Turkey Roast, or our tender Turkey Tenderloin. Each one is perfectly sized for one and packed with flavor.
For a comforting Thanksgiving dinner for one, this roast turkey breast is a perfect choice. And if you end up with leftovers, try them in our flavorful Thanksgiving Sliders!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: This recipe keeps things easy with minimal prep.
- Pairs with Many Sides: Serve with favorites like Creamed Spinach, Green Bean Casserole, or Risotto.
- Rich Flavor: A mix of herbs and butter gives each bite a delicious flavor.
- Healthy Choice: Turkey breast is a great source of lean protein.
- Just the Right Size: Perfect for one or two servings, so there’s little to no waste.
- Great for Small Celebrations: This roast split turkey breast brings traditional flavors to the table, making it an ideal choice for intimate Thanksgiving gatherings.
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Ingredient Notes
- Split Turkey Breast: This cut is one side of a whole turkey breast, usually with the bone in and skin on. It’s perfect for smaller servings, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful while roasting. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal.
- Butter: Adds richness; swap with ghee if you prefer a lactose-free option.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats for roasting; avocado oil works as a great substitute.
- Dried Rosemary: Brings a fragrant, earthy note; fresh rosemary is also a good option.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings; feel free to adjust to your taste.
How To Roast A Turkey Breast
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Carefully separate the skin from the meat using your fingers and spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter underneath the skin. Pat dry the split turkey breast.
- Create Herb Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter, olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Butter the Turkey Breast: Generously spread the herb butter mixture over the top of the turkey breast, ensuring a flavorful crust.
- Preheat and Place in Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, positioning it to cook evenly.
- Roasting Time: Roast the split turkey breast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The turkey is ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165 degrees F.
- Rest and Slice: Once roasted, remove the turkey breast from the pan and cover it, allowing it to rest for at least 15 minutes. This ensures juicy, tender meat. Slice and enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey breast.
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
Expert Tips
- Preheat Oven: Ensures even cooking.
- Let Rest: Allow the meat to rest after cooking for juicier results.
- Use a Thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
RELATED: 4 “Mini” Pumpkin Recipes To Get You Ready For Fall
Serving Suggestions
A roast turkey breast makes an excellent centerpiece for a small Thanksgiving table. Create a festive meal by pairing it with our popular single serving traditional holiday side dishes:
- Carrot Soufflé – A light and flavorful option that brings a touch of elegance to your table.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting, this classic side dish never fails to please.
- Buttery Sautéed Green Beans – These green beans are cooked to perfection, offering a bit of crunch and rich buttery flavor.
- Sweet Potato Casserole – A sweet and savory dish that complements the turkey perfectly.
- Cornbread Dressing – This Southern favorite adds a tasty and hearty touch.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tanginess of homemade cranberry sauce balances the rich flavors on your plate.
And of course, no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without a traditional holiday dessert. Consider serving:
- Pecan Pie For One – A rich and nutty treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Pumpkin Pie For One – Embrace the fall flavors with this classic holiday favorite.
- Mini Dutch Apple Pie – Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of apple and cinnamon.
- Sweet Potato Pie For One – This smooth and creamy pie adds a Southern touch to your dessert spread.
These suggested sides and desserts create a satisfying meal, perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones, even on a smaller scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
For roasting, I recommend using a bone-in turkey breast with the skin on. The bone helps retain moisture and flavor, giving you a juicier, more flavorful turkey.
No need to baste for this recipe! The butter used in cooking keeps the turkey moist and flavorful without extra effort.
Bake the turkey breast uncovered for best results. After it’s done, cover it and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. For the oven, preheat to 350 degrees F. Place the turkey in a shallow baking dish, add a bit of butter or broth to keep it moist, and bake for about 20 minutes until warm.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
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If you’ve tried this roasted turkey breast or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Roast Turkey Breast
Equipment
- roasting pan
Ingredients
- 1 (2.5 pound) split turkey breast
- 2 tablespoon salted butter , softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat an oven to 400 degrees F. (200 degrees C). Pat dry the split turkey breast.
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Carefully separate the skin from the meat using your fingers and spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter underneath the skin.
- Create Herb Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter, olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Butter the Turkey Breast: Generously spread the herb butter mixture over the top of the turkey breast, ensuring a flavorful crust.
- Place in Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, positioning it to cook evenly.
- Roasting Time: Roast the split turkey breast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The turkey is ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165 degrees F.
- Rest and Slice: Once roasted, remove the turkey breast from the pan and cover it, allowing it to rest for at least 15 minutes. This ensures juicy, tender meat. Slice and enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey breast.
Notes
- Preheat Oven: Ensures even cooking.
- Let Rest: Allow the meat to rest after cooking for juicier results.
- Use a Thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Great recipe! I celebrated Thanksgiving on my own this year got a 2 pound turkey breast at the store. This recipe was perfect. At the end, I added some chicken broth to the bottom of the pan, and then used the broth/drippings to make the gravy. I’m really enjoying the site as a single person who likes to cook. It’s ideal for not having a ton of leftovers. Thank you very much and happy holidays!
Only way to cook a turkey breast!!
Can this be made in an Air Fryer Toaster Oven? If so, what changes in temperature and time would be necessary?
This recipe has not been tested in an air fryer but an air fryer is just a small convection oven so anything that can be made in a regular oven can be made in an air fryer. You’ll just need to reduce the cooking time as convection ovens cook faster due to how they circulate heat using a fan.
Where did you buy a turkey breast this size?
I’ve seen turkey breasts in many grocery stores where I currently live and where I have lived. You can find them near the chicken breasts in the refrigerated meat section of most grocery stores.
Hi Joanie Love your recipes for those of us that do not have to cook for a gang every day .With the holidays coming up and your recipe using small turkey breast or turkey tenderloins (Love the recipes)
A convenient store (Don’t know if you are familiar with Wawa)close to me prepares
Thanksgiving in a bowl ,(turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing ,a veggie and cranberry relish and gravy all rolled up in one bowl. 🤷♀️ I tried to duplicate this but mine did not turn out so good,Any suggestions to use up Thanksgiving leftover along this line? Thanks
What does tarragon taste like?
Tarragon tastes a little like licorice with a hint of vanilla. It is commonly used in fish and chicken dishes and also in many sauces.
The taste was very good and the turkey was exceptionally juicy. I just think that the next time I will cut down on the butter. It seemed like way too much.
delicious. what do I do with the pan drippings?
Omg… I’m actually home alone tonight… doesn’t happen often. My son is with his dad and my daughter is out…
I wish I could post a picture of my dinner thanks to you!
Fast, beautiful and ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!
THANK YOU!!!
I wish I’d seen this before Thanksgiving. Thank You!