Juicy Cajun Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
This turkey breast recipe yields juicy oven roasted turkey slices without the hassle of cooking the whole bird. Whether you are hosting a small Thanksgiving or want a hearty family dinner, learn how to cook a turkey breast for a small feast.
For more roasted poultry recipes, try this Herb Butter Cornish Hen recipe and Oven Roasted Chicken next.
No more fighting over the white meat because with this juicy roast turkey recipe, there is more than enough to go around! Slather the turkey breast with mouth watering herb butter for crispy skin and moist, juicy meat.
Oven-roasted turkey breast is ideal for smaller groups during the holidays. But this is also a convenient way to enjoy roasted turkey year-round.
Ingredients you need:
Roughly chopped veggies (celery, carrots, and onion) go directly into the roasting and then chicken broth is poured over them.
Bone-in turkey breast has more flavor and produces a more juicy turkey than boneless turkey breast, so we use that for this recipe. Coat it with cajun butter made with unsalted butter, cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and fresh herbs (fresh thyme, sage leaves, and rosemary).
How to Cook a Turkey Breast:
Prepare cajun herb butter.
Then slather it all over the turkey (under the skin and on top of the skin).
Place the turkey breast side up, on the roasting rack in your roasting pan, or place it directly on top of the vegetables and chicken broth in the pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven set to 325°F and roast turkey breast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it reaches at least 165 degrees internally.
Remove it from the oven and let it set for at least 10-15 minutes before carving into it. Serve with homemade gravy made from the drippings if desired. Finally, enjoy!
How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast:
The general rule for cooking bone-in whole turkey breast is about 20 minutes per pound. This is much faster than an entire turkey. This recipe takes about 90 minutes.
How Much Turkey Per Person:
You need about 1 pound per person when serving turkey.
What to Serve with Roasted Turkey Breast:
- Gravy: Use the pan drippings to make gravy or try this Easy Homemade Country Gravy or Savory Bacon Gravy for something more fancy.
- Cranberry Sauce: Thanksgiving turkey is incomplete without this sweet, tart sauce. Try this creamy Cranberry Salad as a refreshing twist to the classic side.
- Potatoes: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, mashed potatoes, or Cheesy Bacon Ranch Scalloped Potatoes, make this a hearty meal.
Alternatives and Variations:
- Boneless turkey breast: If you opt for boneless, decrease the cooking time.
- Seasoning: I use cajun seasoning for this recipe but you can prepare it with any seasoning you prefer. And if you do not have fresh herbs, feel free to use dried herbs instead.
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast: Prepare the turkey as detailed in the recipe card, then place it skin side up in a crockpot on low for 5-6 hours. For crispy skin, broil for a few minutes once it reaches 160°F.
Pro-Tips:
- Allow the breast meat to come to room temperature so it cooks evenly in the oven.
- Pat dry the turkey with paper towels before adding the seasoning.
- Turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
- Repurpose leftovers to make Creamy Turkey Salad or add it to a bowl of soup.
Storing and Reheating:
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave with a touch of gravy or a splash of chicken broth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you cook a turkey breast so it doesn’t dry out?
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the turkey so it does not dry out. Once it is cooked (at 165°F), allow the turkey to sit for at least 10 minutes so the turkey meat retains its juices.
Is it better to buy turkey breast or whole turkey?
That depends. Turkey breast is convenient because it is more affordable than buying a whole turkey. It also cooks faster and takes up less space in the oven and fridge. However, a whole turkey is the better option if you have to feed a larger group.
How many minutes per pound to cook a turkey breast?
It takes 20 minutes per pound to cook a turkey breast.
More Main Course Recipes to Try
- Crispy and Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Amazing Brown Gravy Pot Roast
- Baked Smothered Chicken with Gravy
- Smothered Cube Steak Recipe
Juicy Cajun Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
This turkey breast recipe yields juicy oven roasted turkey slices without the hassle of cooking the whole bird. Whether you are hosting a small Thanksgiving or just want a hearty family dinner, learn how to cook a turkey breast for a small feast.
Ingredients
Add to roasting pan:
- 2 stalks Celery, roughly chopped
- 2 whole Carrots, roughly chopped
- ½ yellow Onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cups Chicken broth
Turkey breast preparation:
- 1 Turkey breast, bone-in
- 1 stick Butter, unsalted and room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, adjust to your liking
- 1 teaspoon Blackened seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Poultry seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon Fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Allow your turkey to thaw out completely, then set it out to come to room temperature for at least 15 minutes. When you are ready to make it, preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place your roughly chopped veggies into the bottom of the roasting pan. Including the celery, carrots, and onions. Now pour the chicken broth directly over the vegetables in the roasting pan, and set this aside.
To prepare the Turkey:
- Add the room temperature butter to a bowl and sprinkle in all of the seasonings and herbs including the: cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and the fresh chopped herbs.
- Mix the cajun herb butter up with a spoon so that everything is fully combined. Set this aside.
- Place your turkey breast on a clean surface (cover with parchment paper to prevent cross contamination). Use your hands to separate the skin from the turkey breast, careful not to detach it completely.
- Add half of the butter mixture under each area between the skin and the breast of the turkey. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible. Place the turkey breast side up, on the roasting rack in your roasting pan, or place it directly on top of the vegetables in the pan.
- Now rub the other half of the cajun herb butter all over the outside of the turkey breast. Sprinkle with a bit more cajun seasoning if desired.
- Place the pan in the oven and cook for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the turkey breast reaches at least 165°F internally.
- Remove it from the oven and let it set for at least 10-15 minutes before carving into it. Serve with homemade gravy made from the drippings if desired. Finally, enjoy!
