Honey Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a beautiful holiday main dish that feels special without the work of roasting a whole turkey. It is a wonderful choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any smaller gathering when you want tender, juicy turkey with plenty of flavor. A simple honey butter made with orange, sage, and rosemary coats the turkey breast, helping it roast into a golden, aromatic centerpiece that is easy to slice and serve.
If cooking an entire turkey feels overwhelming, roasted turkey breast is a much easier option. It requires less time in the oven, takes up less space, and still gives you the classic holiday flavor everyone looks forward to. A 3 to 4 pound boneless turkey breast is especially convenient for a smaller table, and it pairs well with all the traditional sides you already love.
This honey butter roasted turkey breast recipe is designed to be simple, reliable, and full of flavor. The turkey is patted dry, coated generously with seasoned honey butter, and roasted until perfectly cooked. The butter keeps the meat rich and moist, while honey adds a gentle sweetness. Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the flavor, and the herbs bring a warm, savory holiday aroma.
One of the best things about roasting turkey breast instead of a whole bird is how quickly it comes together. The preparation takes only a few minutes, and the turkey roasts in far less time than a traditional whole turkey. After a short rest, it slices beautifully and is ready to serve with mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables, or any favorite holiday side dish.
The leftovers are just as useful as the main meal. Chilled roasted turkey breast can be sliced for sandwiches, chopped into casseroles, added to soups, or folded into pasta dishes. Because the honey butter gives the turkey so much flavor, even simple leftovers taste satisfying the next day.
Ingredients For Roasted Turkey Breast
Here is what you need to make this easy honey butter roasted turkey breast:
- Turkey Breast – A 3 to 4 pound boneless turkey breast works well for this recipe. The number of servings will depend on portion size and how many side dishes you serve.
- Butter – Use room-temperature butter so it mixes smoothly and spreads easily over the turkey. Salted butter adds flavor, but unsalted butter may be used if preferred.
- Honey – Honey gives the turkey a light sweetness and helps create a flavorful coating as it roasts.
- Orange – Fresh orange juice and zest add brightness and balance the richness of the butter.
- Salt and Pepper – Kosher salt and ground black pepper season the turkey simply and effectively.
- Fresh Herbs – Sage and rosemary bring a classic holiday flavor and a fragrant, savory finish.
How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast
This roasted turkey breast is simple enough for a relaxed dinner but impressive enough for a holiday table. The most important step is checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer so the turkey stays juicy and does not overcook.
- Preheat. Preheat the oven to 425°F so it is hot before the turkey goes in.
- Prepare the turkey. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Place it in the center of a baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Make the honey butter. In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, honey, orange juice, orange zest, kosher salt, chopped sage, chopped rosemary, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Coat the turkey. Rub the honey butter mixture all over the turkey breast, covering every side as evenly as possible.
- Roast. Transfer the turkey breast to the oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F.
- Rest. Remove the turkey from the oven, loosely cover it with foil, and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve. Slice the turkey breast and serve warm with your favorite holiday side dishes.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover roasted turkey breast to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the sliced or whole cooked turkey in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat gently and avoid overcooking the meat.
Cooked turkey breast can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it well or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before reheating or using it in another recipe. Leftover turkey is excellent in soups, sandwiches, casseroles, pasta dishes, and quick weeknight meals.
More Holiday Entree Ideas
- Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Roast Cajun Turkey
- Spatchcock Turkey
- Cornbread Stuffed Turkey Roulade
- Riesling-Cranberry Glazed Spiral Ham
- Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
- Dry Brine Turkey
Honey Butter Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Equipment
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1 baking sheet or roasting pan
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb boneless turkey breast
- 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F.
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Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
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In a medium bowl, mix the butter, honey, orange juice, orange zest, salt, sage, rosemary, and pepper until combined.
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Rub the honey butter mixture over the entire turkey breast, coating all sides.
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Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F.
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Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes.
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Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9g,
Protein: 37g,
Fat: 14g,
Sodium: 733mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.