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This Herb Crusted Roast Turkey Breast is perfect for serving one or two. Juicy, flavorful, and simple to make, it’s a must-try recipe for any occasion!

Imagine the sizzle of a turkey breast roasting in your kitchen, filling the air with delightful aromas. This split turkey breast recipe encapsulates the very essence of comfort food. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a satisfying weeknight dinner, this turkey breast recipe is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

If you’re a fan of turkey and want to mix things up from the usual roast turkey breast, we’ve got some great single serving and small batch options for you. Try our savory Turkey Cutlets, our small Herb-Crusted Turkey Roast, or our super tender Turkey Tenderloin. They’re all perfect for a meal for one and are just as tasty.

For a cozy Thanksgiving dinner for one, this roast turkey breast is an excellent choice to include and if you find yourself with Thanksgiving leftovers, consider using them in Thanksgiving Sliders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward with minimal preparation.
  • Versatility: Can be served with various sides like Creamed Spinach, Green Bean Casserole, or Risotto.
  • Flavorful: The blend of herbs and butter adds a rich and aromatic flavor.
  • Nutritious: Turkey breast is a great source of lean protein.
  • Perfect Size: Ideal for serving one or two, reducing potential waste.
  • Ideal for Small Gatherings: The roast turkey breast is the perfect centerpiece for a small Thanksgiving meal, offering all the traditional flavors without overwhelming portions, making it a thoughtful choice for intimate celebrations.

RELATED: Thanksgiving For One Recipes

A raw turkey breast on a baking sheet.

Ingredient Notes

  • Split Turkey Breast: Key for this recipe, packed with flavor and nutrients.
  • Butter: Adds richness; can be replaced with ghee for lactose intolerance.
  • Olive Oil: Healthy fat that aids in roasting; can substitute with avocado oil.
  • Dried Rosemary: Adds a fragrant touch; fresh rosemary can be used as well.
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings; adjust according to taste.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

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How To Roast A Turkey Breast

  1. 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.
  2. Create Herb Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining softened butter, olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Butter the Turkey Breast: Generously spread the herb butter mixture over the top of the turkey breast, ensuring a flavorful crust.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
cooked turkey on a baking sheet.

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 delight 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:

These suggested sides and desserts create a harmonious and satisfying meal, perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones, even on a smaller scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you use a boneless or bone-in turkey breast for roasting?

When it comes to roasting a turkey breast, opting for a bone-in cut with the skin on is my recommendation. The bone-in turkey breast tends to retain more flavor and juiciness, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Do you need to baste a turkey breast while cooking?

No, basting isn’t necessary when cooking a turkey breast for this recipe. Thanks to the ample amount of butter used, the turkey stays moist and flavorful without the need for basting.

Should you cook a turkey breast covered or uncovered?

It’s best to bake the turkey breast uncovered for this recipe. Once it’s done baking, remember to cover it and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.

How do you reheat roasted turkey breast?

Reheating roasted turkey breast is simple. You can use either the microwave or the oven. For oven reheating, preheat it to 350 degrees F. Place the turkey in a shallow baking dish and add some butter or a splash of broth to keep it moist. Bake for 20 minutes, and it’s ready to enjoy again!

Sliced roasted turkey breast on a baking dish with four lemon slices.

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.

RELATED: Best Soup Recipes For One

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!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Roast Turkey Breast

4.79 from 23 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Flavorful Herb Crusted Roasted Split Turkey Breast, easy to make and the perfect size if you're cooking for one or two people. A wonderful alternative to roasting a whole turkey and no basting necessary!

Equipment

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

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 266kcal, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 700mg, Vitamin A: 350IU

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.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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29 Comments

  1. 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!

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

  2. 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

    1. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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!!!