Cooking a turkey breast in a roaster

According to manufacturers of electric roasters, a roaster oven cooks at approximately the same temperature and in the same time as a conventional oven. For best results, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Conventional oven roasting times may vary greatly, depending on a number of variables that affect the cooking time such as the shape of the turkey, the proportion of meat to bone, the variations in different ovens, the altitude, and if the turkey is fresh or frozen and then thawed. Adding to the confusion is that almost every source providing roasting times is different from one another.

Listed below are roasting times that can be used as a general guideline, but the only true gauge for determining proper doneness is with a meat thermometer. The breast must reach an internal temperature of 170°F and the thigh must reach 180°F.

Here's everything you love about a classic turkey centerpiece scaled down. Roasting just a breast means the turkey cooks more quickly and evenly than a whole bird, is more likely to stay uniformly juicy and gives you wonderful white meat for easy slicing. Serve it with a delicious, speedy gravy made from the pan juices.

Feeling the pressure to roast a whole bird this Thanksgiving? We're here to tell you that roasting a turkey breast gives you the same great flavor, while saving you money, fridge space, and effort. A turkey breast is generally sized to feed two to three people with leftovers, so it's the perfect choice for a scaled-down celebration. This oven-roasted turkey breast is slathered with an herb butter both underneath and on top of the skin, yielding juicy, flavorful meat and a crispy skin. Be sure to save the drippings for the accompanying turkey gravy!

How to Buy Turkey Breast

Bone-In or Boneless Turkey Breast?

We're partial to bone-in turkey breast because it yields more flavorful, juicier meat. Bone-in turkey breasts tend to be larger and can be sold as a half breast or a full breast (two halves joined at the bone). Boneless turkey breasts typically feature just one breast. You can use boneless in this recipe if you want (we'd still recommend skin-on), but you'll likely need to decrease the cooking time to accommodate for its smaller size.

How Much Turkey Breast Per Person?

As a rule of thumb, plan to purchase 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person with leftovers or 1 pound of turkey per person without leftovers. This recipe calls for a 3-pound turkey breast, which will easily feed two to three adults, although you can scale it up or down as needed. For more, check out our handy turkey serving size chart.

How Long to Roast a Turkey Breast

In general, you'll want to cook a bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C), or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). To temp the turkey, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, not touching the bone. Be sure to allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving so the juices have to settle into the meat.

How to Use Leftover Roasted Turkey Breast

If you do end up with leftovers, there are countless ways to repurpose roasted turkey breast. Add it to casseroles like this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini or sandwiches like this Thanksgiving Sandwich. Browse our entire collection of leftover turkey recipes.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"So much easier than cooking the whole bird, and not a scrap was leftover," says reviewer Peter Downing.

"The gravy was especially good — I did use all the drippings instead of just a tablespoon and that was a good thing as my family finished it all!" says reviewer tmtorby.

"I also roasted it over some veggies: an onion, celery and parsnips. Everything including the gravy was delicious!" says reviewer msteingold.

Editorial contributions by Melanie Fincher

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend (such as Mrs. Dash®)

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 1 (3 pound) turkey breast with skin

• 1 teaspoon minced shallot

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 splash dry white wine

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons half-and-half (Optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Mix 1/4 cup butter, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Place turkey breast with skin side up into a roasting pan. Loosen skin with your fingers; brush half the butter mixture over the turkey breast and underneath the skin. Reserve remaining butter mixture. Tent turkey breast loosely with aluminum foil.

3. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour; baste turkey breast with remaining butter mixture. Return to oven and roast until the juices run clear and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, not touching bone, reads 165 degrees F (65 degrees C), about 30 more minutes. Let turkey breast rest 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

4. While turkey is resting, transfer pan drippings to a skillet. Skim off excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in skillet. Place skillet over low heat; cook and stir shallot in turkey grease until opaque, about 5 minutes.

5. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet with shallot and whisk in white wine, scraping any browned bits of food from skillet. Whisk in chicken stock and flour until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. For a creamier, lighter gravy, whisk in half-and-half.

   
   
   Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Nutrition FactsServings Per Recipe 2Calories 385% Daily Value *Total Fat 12g15%Saturated Fat 7g35%Cholesterol 191mg64%Sodium 314mg14%Total Carbohydrate 4g2%Dietary Fiber 0g1%Total Sugars 0gProtein 60gVitamin C 1mg4%Calcium 40mg3%Iron 4mg19%Potassium 615mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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