Perfectly Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast: Your Ultimate Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Holiday Main Dish

Looking for a show-stopping main course that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious? This easy roasted turkey breast recipe delivers big on flavor without the hassle of roasting an entire bird. Ideal for Thanksgiving dinner, your holiday table, or any special occasion, it pairs wonderfully with a rich turkey gravy. Best of all, it’s completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

The Allure of Roasted Turkey Breast

While a whole roasted turkey is a classic centerpiece for major holidays like Thanksgiving, it often comes with a hefty time commitment and can be quite challenging to cook evenly. This is where the beauty of a roasted turkey breast shines! It offers all the traditional flavor of turkey but in a more manageable and convenient package.

Opting for a turkey breast is an excellent choice for smaller gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you simply don’t want to deal with a large bird. It cooks faster, requires less oven space, and ensures you have just the right amount of succulent meat without an overwhelming amount of leftovers (unless, of course, you adore turkey sandwiches for days, which we totally understand!). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a lean, protein-rich meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Why This Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe Stands Out:

• Effortless Preparation: Forget complicated techniques! This recipe is designed for ease. With minimal hands-on time, you’ll spend more time enjoying your guests and less time slaving over the stove. Most of the process involves simple marinating and roasting, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Accessible Ingredients: All the main ingredients for this oven-roasted turkey breast are readily available at any local grocery store. You won’t need to hunt for exotic items – just fresh, simple components that come together to create extraordinary flavor.
• Universally Dietary-Friendly: One of the best features of this roast turkey breast is that it’s 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means everyone can enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about common allergens or dietary restrictions. It’s an inclusive recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
• Incredible Flavor & Juiciness: Thanks to our carefully balanced marinade, this turkey breast is infused with rich, savory, and slightly sweet notes. The roasting method ensures the meat remains incredibly moist and tender on the inside, with a beautifully golden and slightly crispy skin on the outside.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for holidays, this recipe is also fantastic for Sunday dinners, meal prepping for the week, or whenever you crave a hearty, wholesome meal. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a repeatable favorite.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Roasted Turkey Breast

Achieving a succulent and flavorful roasted turkey breast starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a visual overview of what you’ll need to create this amazing main dish.

(For precise measurements and the full recipe, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions:

Don’t have an ingredient on hand, or prefer an alternative? Here are some flexible options to make this recipe work for you:

• Turkey Breast: I used a bone-in turkey breast weighing approximately 2 pounds. A bone-in breast often yields a more flavorful and moist result, as the bone helps insulate the meat. However, a boneless turkey breast can also be used; just be aware that boneless breasts tend to cook faster, so adjust your roasting time accordingly. For larger or smaller breasts, the general rule is about 20 minutes per pound at 350F, followed by a higher temperature finish. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my preferred choice for its robust flavor and health benefits. However, you can easily substitute it with other neutral-tasting vegetable oils such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. For a richer flavor, or if you prefer a buttery taste while keeping it dairy-free, melted dairy-free butter is an excellent alternative. If dairy is not an issue for you, feel free to use regular melted butter.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly pungent depth to the marinade, helping to tenderize the meat and create a beautiful crust. Any mustard you have on hand will work, such as classic yellow mustard for a milder flavor, or honey mustard for a touch more sweetness.
• Sugar: Light brown sugar contributes to the marinade’s balance and aids in achieving that appealing golden-brown, caramelized skin. White sugar or cane sugar are perfectly fine substitutes. For those managing blood sugar levels or following a low-carb diet, granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute with a zero glycemic index) is an excellent choice.
• Condiments: The blend of ground black pepper, granulated garlic, ground coriander, and ground paprika creates a rich, aromatic base for the turkey. Don’t hesitate to customize this blend! Other popular additions include garlic powder (instead of granulated), onion powder, or a pre-made poultry seasoning blend. Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder (for a bit of heat), or even a touch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Herbs: I used a classic combination of dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil, which are quintessential flavors for roasted poultry. You can certainly use any dried herb mixture you enjoy. Rosemary, sage, or marjoram would also be excellent additions. If you have fresh herbs, use about three times the amount of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

How to Make Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast (Step-by-Step Guide):

Follow these simple steps to achieve a beautifully roasted, juicy turkey breast every time.

1. Preheat Oven Properly

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allowing your oven to fully preheat is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden crust. Give it at least 15-20 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

2. Prepare the Flavorful Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, ground coriander, dried herbs (thyme, oregano, and basil), and ground paprika. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until you have a well-combined, aromatic paste. This marinade is the secret to infusing your turkey breast with incredible flavor.

3. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Place your turkey breast in a baking dish. Using a brush or your hands, generously coat the entire turkey breast with the prepared marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered. For the best flavor penetration and juiciness, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. For truly exceptional results, marinating overnight (8-12 hours) is highly recommended.

Once the marinating time is complete, remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator. Before placing it in the oven, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to lock in moisture during the initial roasting phase, preventing the turkey from drying out.

4. Roast Until Golden Brown and Juicy

Place the foil-covered turkey breast in your preheated oven. Roast for 40-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This initial period ensures the turkey cooks through slowly and evenly, retaining its moisture. After this time, carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue roasting for another 10 minutes. This final burst of high heat will give the turkey skin a beautiful golden-brown color and a deliciously crisp texture. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.

5. The Essential Resting Period

Once roasted to perfection, remove the baking dish from the oven. It’s crucial to resist the urge to slice it immediately! Loosely tent the turkey breast with the aluminum foil you used earlier (or a fresh piece) and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an incredibly tender and juicy turkey breast. Skipping this step will result in dry meat.

6. Slice and Serve with Gravy

After resting, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the turkey against the grain into desired thickness. Arrange the slices on a platter, then generously drizzle with warm turkey gravy and garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Expert Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Breast

To ensure your roasted turkey breast is always tender, moist, and perfectly cooked, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcook: This is the golden rule for any poultry. Overcooking turkey will inevitably lead to dry, stringy meat. Always aim for the minimum safe internal temperature.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a good quality meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Resting is Non-Negotiable: As mentioned in the instructions, allowing the turkey to rest after roasting is crucial. This step lets the muscle fibers relax and reabsorb the juices, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
• Pat the Turkey Dry: Before applying the marinade, pat the turkey breast thoroughly dry with paper towels. A dry surface helps the marinade adhere better and promotes a crispier skin during roasting.
• Consider Brining (Optional): For an extra layer of moisture and flavor, you can dry brine your turkey breast for 12-24 hours before marinating. This involves rubbing it with salt and herbs and letting it rest in the fridge.
• Basting for Extra Flavor: While not strictly necessary with this recipe, you can baste the turkey with its pan juices during the uncovered roasting phase for added flavor and moisture, though it might slightly soften the crispy skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How much turkey breast do I need per person? As a general guideline, plan for about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of bone-in turkey breast per person, or 1/3 to 1/2 pound of boneless turkey breast per person. This recipe (2 lbs bone-in) serves approximately 4 people generously.
• Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! If using a boneless breast, keep in mind that it will cook faster. Start checking the internal temperature around 30-35 minutes into the roasting process at 350°F, then proceed with the higher temperature finish until 165°F is reached.
• How do I store leftover roasted turkey breast? Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, slice the turkey before storing to make reheating easier.
• Can I freeze roasted turkey breast? Yes, you can! Once cooled, slice the turkey breast and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover turkey? To prevent drying out, reheat sliced turkey gently in a microwave with a splash of broth or water, or in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C), covered with foil, until just warmed through.

Other Gluten-Free Turkey Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

• Homemade Turkey Gravy (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Whole Roast Turkey (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Moist Turkey Meatloaf (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Flavorful Turkey Meatballs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Easy Turkey Burgers (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Air Fryer Turkey Quarters (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Tasty Side Dishes to Serve with Turkey Breast:

Complete your meal with these delicious and complementary side dishes that pair perfectly with roasted turkey breast:

More Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes to Make:

Planning a holiday feast or just looking for delicious gluten-free options? Explore these fantastic recipes:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Roasted Turkey Breast (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
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  Yield: 4 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This easy roasted turkey breast makes a flavorful main dish for Thanksgiving dinner or your holiday table, especially when you don’t feel like roasting an entire turkey, and goes great with turkey gravy. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.

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Ingredients

Scale

• 1 medium turkey breast (2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 1/3 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano, basil)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F (175°C).
2. Prepare Marinade: Place the olive oil, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, ground coriander, dried herbs and ground paprika in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Marinade Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a baking dish and brush all over with the marinade. Cover the turkey breast with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
4. Roast Until Golden Brown: Once turkey breast has finished marinating, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Roast it for 40-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Then remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast for another 10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
5. Let Turkey Breast Rest: Remove the baking dish from the oven and loosely tent the turkey breast with foil. Let it rest for another 15 minutes before slicing.
6. Slice and Serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain, drizzle generously with warm turkey gravy and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Turkey Breast: I used a bone-in turkey breast that was approximately 2 pounds in weight. If your turkey breast is smaller or larger, you will have to either shorten or extend your roasting time. A good rule of thumb is about 20 minutes per pound at 350F, followed by the higher temperature finish. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but you may also use another type of neutral vegetable oil instead (such as canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, etc.). You can also use melted dairy-free butter if you prefer for a richer flavor. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular melted butter instead.

Dijon Mustard: I used Dijon mustard for its tangy flavor that complements the turkey. However, you can use whichever mustard you have on hand (such as yellow mustard, or honey mustard, etc.) as the base for the marinade.

Sugar: I used light brown sugar which helps with caramelization and a hint of sweetness. White sugar or cane sugar will work just as well. Alternatively, if you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, you may use granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index).

Condiments: To add deep flavor, I used a mix of seasonings such as ground black pepper, granulated garlic, ground coriander, and ground paprika. However, feel free to use other condiments of choice (such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a pre-made poultry seasoning blend for convenience).

Herbs: I used a blend of dried thyme, dried oregano and dried basil, which are classic poultry seasonings. However, feel free to use any mixture of dried herbs you like, such as rosemary or sage, to customize the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Marinating Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American