Seasoned with fresh herbs, honey, and butter, this Herbed Honey Baked Turkey Breast is juicy, flavourful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and the holidays.

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Do you ever crave turkey but don’t want to (or need to) cook a whole turkey? Cooking a turkey breast in the oven is a quick, easy way to get a mouthwatering, juicy turkey without making a whole turkey.

This is a recipe I use for weeknight dinners but it can also work for a small Thanksgiving dinner if you’re just serving a few people. The butter, honey, herbs, and white wine keep it juicy and tender while still giving it an incredible flavor.

Since it’s much smaller than an entire turkey, this honey-baked turkey breast requires just under an hour to bake, compared to several hours for a typical Thanksgiving turkey. I love that I can make this anytime I want without tons of forethought. Add a side or two, maybe a veggie, and dinner is served.

Ingredients for honey glazed turkey breast.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Turkey breast – I use bone-in turkey breast for the most flavour.
Herbs – Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme are the herbs used in this mouthwatering baked turkey.
Butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
Honey – Sweetens the turkey breast.
White Wine – I used white wine instead of broth for the base of the sauce.
Black pepper
Garlic – Adds extra flavor.

How to Make Herbed Honey Baked Turkey Breast

The first step to creating this incredible turkey breast in the oven is to prepare the sauce. Combine the rosemary, butter, honey, white wine, quartered garlic clove, and half of the sage and thyme in a medium saucepan.
Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavour of the herbs infuses the sauce. Remove the sprig of rosemary.
Strain the sauce mixture through a small sieve, then add it to a meat injector. Inject 1/3 of the juice into the turkey breasts.

A pot filled with butter, honey and herbs.

A sieve over a cup filled with butter and herbs.

Drizzle another 1/3 of the mixture on top of the turkey breasts, then season with pepper. You’ll notice salt is not on the ingredient list. Salt can draw out some of the moisture in the turkey, plus it doesn’t need it at all.
If you don’t have an injector, don’t worry. You can just pour ½ of the mixture on the turkey breast and season with pepper.
Place the rosemary across the top of the breast and season with the remaining sage and thyme as well.

Raw turkey breast basted with honey and herbs.

Place in an oven preheated to 325°F. It should take about 45 minutes depending on your oven s keep an eye on it. At about 30 minutes baste the turkey with the honey mixture and place it back in the oven. Baste it again about 5 minutes before it is ready. It is ready when the internal temperature in the meatiest section has reached a temperature of 160°F.
When cooked to temperature, remove the turkey from the oven and tent the turkey breast with foil for 15 minutes. Serve sliced on an angle.

FAQs

My turkey seems to be browning too quickly. What should I do? If you notice the turkey browning before it’s reached the right temperature, just tent the pan with foil to let some of the heat off at the top and prevent it from burning.
Do I need to use white wine? No, you can easily substitute it with chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth if preferred.
Do I have to use bone-in turkey breast? No, you can use turkey breast without the bone as well. I just always prefer cooking poultry with the bone intact because it adds great additional flavour.

Honey Roasted Turkey Breast in the oven slice on a platter.

Can I Use This Recipe for a Whole Turkey?

Yes. Depending on the size of the turkey, you’ll need to double or triple the honey glaze ingredients. You’ll also need to adjust the cooking time. After the first 45 minutes of cooking time, baste every 30 minutes until the internal temperature of the turkey leg and inner thigh reach 160°F.

The baking time will depend on the size of the turkey. General guidelines are 3 hours for 8 to 12 pounds, 3 ¾ hours for 12 to 14 pounds, and onwards.

You can also check out my post on a roasted whole turkey for more tips.

What to Serve With Honey Baked Turkey Breast

The great thing about turkey breast is that it’s so versatile and pairs well with pretty much any side dishes. You can go for a holiday-esque meal with sides like sweet potato crunch and cornbread stuffing. Mashed potatoes are always a great option too.

Other fun sides include air fryer roasted vegetables, Italian potato salad with green beans, Tuscan Kale and fennel bread stuffing.

Honey roasted turkey breast on a place with all the holiday fixings.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Leftover honey roasted turkey breast should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire turkey breast in the oven, covered with foil.

Leftovers also make great turkey sandwiches and can be used to make soup, casseroles, and more.

Can I Freeze Baked Turkey Breast?

Yes, this honey glazed turkey can be frozen. I recommend freezing it after slicing. Allow it to cool completely then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Honey roasted turkey sliced on a white platter.

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