How Long To Cook 2.5 Lb Turkey Breast

By Published: Oct 1, 2020 · Updated: Nov 17, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

a partially sliced turkey roast

Flavorful Herb Crusted Roast Turkey Breast, easy to make and the perfect size if you're cooking for one or two people. A wonderful alternative to roasting a whole turkey and no basting necessary!

Roast turkey breast cut into slices on a baking dish with four lemon wheels

If you're planning to enjoy a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter meal on a smaller scale or if you're simply cooking for one or two people, a roast turkey breast should definitely be on your menu. Turkey breasts are so easy to roast and they make a wonderful meal any time of the year.

Why This Recipe Works

One bone-in split turkey breast is the perfect amount for a single serving turkey dinner. Once you add the side dishes to your menu, one breast could easily serve two people.

For this particular turkey recipe, I used one bone-in split turkey breast which was roughly 2.5 pounds with the skin on. If you want to roast two breasts, double the butter, olive oil, and seasonings.

This is an easy way to enjoy turkey without having to roast a whole turkey.

Of all the turkey breast recipes, I happen to love this simple herb crusted recipe best. With just a few ingredients, you've got all you need for a juicy, tender turkey.

RELATED: Thanksgiving For One Recipes

Ingredient Notes

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

Turkey breast: Look for a fresh or frozen and thawed split turkey breast. Be sure to allow enough time to thaw in the fridge if frozen.
Butter: I use salted butter but unsalted butter works fine too.
Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this Thanksgiving turkey recipe as well as in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It's my favorite type of olive oil to use but you may use a lighter olive oil instead.
Dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper: These ingredients add flavor to the turkey breast. Feel free to use dried basil, oregano, or your favorite dried or fresh herbs instead.

How To Roast A Turkey Breast

With your fingers, carefully separate the turkey skin from the meat and spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter under the skin.

In a small bowl, mix together the remaining softened butter, olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

Spread the rest of the butter over the top of the turkey breast and place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.

Heat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Rinse and pat dry the split turkey breast.

Roast the split turkey breast for 45-50 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees F.

Remove the breast from the pan and cover and rest for at least 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One

With this turkey recipe, you can enjoy a fabulous turkey dinner or a Thanksgiving meal on a small scale. The meat is tender, juicy, and full of so much flavor. Serve with any (or all) of your favorite side dishes.

Expert Tips

Invest in an inexpensive meat thermometer to guarantee your turkey is cooked through, juicy, and absolutely perfect. You can see the one we use and recommend on our Cookware page.
I used dried rosemary in this recipe but you could also use Italian seasoning, dried basil, or even dried tarragon or garlic powder instead.
Let the turkey "rest" before slicing. This is important for turkey or any meat because it allows the juices which rise to the surface of the meat to be redistributed throughout the meat making the turkey juicy. If you skip resting, you will lose more flavorful juices when the meat is cut.

RELATED: 4 "Mini" Pumpkin Recipes To Get You Ready For Fall

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Use A Boneless or Bone-In Turkey Breast?

I prefer using a bone-in turkey breast with the skin on. It is more flavorful and juicy.

Does A Turkey Breast Need To Be Basted While Cooking?

No. We use plenty of butter so there's no need to baste.

Should A Turkey Breast Be Cooked Covered Or Uncovered?

We recommend baking the turkey breast uncovered. After it has baked, be sure to cover it for at least 15 minutes before slicing for the juiciest possible turkey.

How Do I Reheat Roasted Turkey Breast?

You can easily reheat turkey either in the microwave or in the oven. If using the oven, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and put the turkey in a shallow baking dish. Add butter and/or a splash of broth to moisten the turkey and bake for 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a roast turkey breast with all the fixings that go on a Thanksgiving table. Here are a few of our popular single serving traditional holiday side dishes:

Carrot Soufflé
Mashed Potatoes
Buttery Sautéed Green Beans
Sweet Potato Casserole
Cornbread Dressing
Cranberry Sauce

Don't forget dessert! Be sure to include a traditional holiday dessert with your meal:

Pecan Pie For One
Pumpkin Pie For One
Mini Dutch Apple Pie
Sweet Potato Pie For One

Other Single Serving and Small Batch Turkey Recipes

Turkey Cutlets
Herb Crusted Turkey Roast
Turkey Tenderloin

Sliced roasted turkey breast on a baking dish with four lemon wheels

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this roast turkey breast recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

Olive oil: Vegetable Soup, Caprese Salad, Beef Tenderloin
Rosemary: White Bean Soup, Smashed Potatoes, Chicken Cacciatore

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our "recipes for one", please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

RELATED: Best Soup Recipes For One

If you've tried this roasted turkey breast or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we'd love to see!

a roast turkey breast on a baking sheet partially sliced next to lemons

roasting pan

▢ 1 (2.5 pound) split turkey breast
▢ 2 tablespoon salted butter , softened
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Heat an oven to 400 degrees F. (200 degrees C). Rinse and pat dry the split turkey breast.
With your fingers, carefully separate the turkey skin from the meat and spread 1 tablespoon of the softened butter under the skin.
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining tablespoon of the softened butter, olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the rest of the butter over the top of the turkey breast and place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.
Roast the split turkey breast for 45-50 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the breast reaches 165 degrees F.
Remove the turkey breast from the pan and cover and and rest for at least 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

Expert Tips

Invest in an inexpensive meat thermometer to guarantee your turkey is cooked through, juicy, and absolutely perfect. You can see the one we use and recommend on our Cookware page.
I used dried rosemary in this recipe but you could also use Italian seasoning, dried basil, or even dried tarragon or garlic powder instead.
Let the turkey "rest" before slicing. This is important for turkey or any meat because it allows the juices which rise to the surface of the meat to be redistributed throughout the meat making the turkey juicy. If you skip resting, you will lose more flavorful juices when the meat is cut.

Nutrition Facts

Roast Turkey Breast

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 266 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g 28%

Saturated Fat 8g 50%

Cholesterol 30mg 10%

Sodium 700mg 30%

Vitamin A 350IU 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women's Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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