Juicy Baked Turkey Breast: The Ultimate Easy Thanksgiving Recipe

Juicy Baked Turkey Breast is the secret to stress-free Thanksgiving magic—or honestly, any Sunday dinner where you want to look like you’ve been cooking all day (spoiler: you haven’t). This one-skillet wonder features tender turkey breast baked to golden perfection with garlicky carrots and Brussels sprouts that caramelize just enough to make everyone fight over the last bite. The beauty of this dish is how little effort it takes. No basting.

No fancy gadgets. Just your oven, a few pantry staples, and maybe a glass of that white wine you’re using for the recipe—because, chef’s treat. It’s juicy, flavorful, and downright foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for a small Thanksgiving crowd or just craving a cozy meal that feels like a holiday hug, this juicy baked turkey breast will absolutely hit the spot.

Table of Contents

What is Juicy Baked Turkey Breast?

Think of juicy baked turkey breast as the easier, smaller sibling of the traditional roast turkey. It gives you all the flavor and comfort of a holiday roast without the all-day commitment or the wrestling match with a whole bird. The key to its juiciness is the quick brine—it’s like a spa treatment for your turkey. A few hours soaking in salted water keeps the meat moist and tender, even after roasting.

Add a bit of butter, olive oil, and those cozy herbs (hello, thyme and sage), and you’ve got a main course that tastes like Thanksgiving but feels like a weeknight win. The garlicky carrots and Brussels sprouts cooked right in the same pan soak up all that deliciousness, turning this into a one-pan meal that looks like a culinary masterpiece but takes minimal cleanup.

Reasons to Try Juicy Baked Turkey Breast

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with juicy baked turkey breast: it’s fast, flavorful, and versatile. For one, it’s a lifesaver for smaller gatherings—no need to cook an entire turkey when you only have a few guests. It’s also perfect for meal prep; leftovers make excellent sandwiches, salads, or soups like this comforting Healthy Turkey Rice Soup. Plus, the built-in side dish of roasted veggies means you’re cutting your cooking (and dishwashing) time in half.

The balance of smoky paprika, sweet brown sugar, and earthy herbs gives it that just-right savory kick without being heavy. And if you’re tired of dry turkey ruining family dinners, this recipe will restore your faith in poultry. It’s practically foolproof—moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to wow even the pickiest eater at the table.

Ingredients Needed to Make Juicy Baked Turkey Breast

For the Brine: 4 cups warm water, ¼ cup salt.
For the Turkey: 3 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast; 2 tsp salt (divided); 2 tsp black pepper (divided); 2 tsp sweet paprika (divided); 2 tsp garlic powder (divided); 2 tsp Italian seasoning (divided); 1 tsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
For the Vegetables: 5 carrots (peeled, cut small); 1 pound Brussels sprouts (halved); 4 shallots (peeled, sliced lengthwise); 1 garlic head (halved); ½ cup white wine (like Pinot Grigio); ½ cup chicken broth; 6 thyme sprigs; 8 sage leaves.

Instructions to Make Juicy Baked Turkey Breast

Ready to make your kitchen smell like Thanksgiving heaven? Let’s walk through this Juicy Baked Turkey Breast Step by Step — no guesswork, no stress, and absolutely no dry turkey.

Step 1: Brine the Turkey for Maximum Juiciness

This first step by step move is your insurance policy for a juicy and flavorful turkey. In a large dish, mix 4 cups of warm water with ¼ cup of salt until it dissolves. Submerge your turkey breast in the brine and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 6 hours—or even better, overnight. Brining tenderizes the meat and locks in moisture so your turkey doesn’t dry out in the oven. If you’ve never brined meat before, check out this helpful guide on Turkey Marinade for more flavor-boosting inspiration.

Step 2: Season with Love (and Spices)

Once your turkey is done brining, it’s time to infuse it with flavor. Rinse the turkey under cool running water, then pat it dry using paper towels. This step ensures your seasoning sticks beautifully. Combine 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Massage this blend into both sides of the turkey breast—get every nook and cranny. This step by step seasoning process ensures the turkey develops a rich, flavorful crust. Set it aside while you prep your veggies.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables for Roasting

Now for the supporting stars—carrots, Brussels sprouts, shallots, and garlic. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces, halve the Brussels sprouts, and slice the shallots lengthwise. Slice a head of garlic in half horizontally; this will add incredible aroma to the pan later. If you’re new to veggie prep, try pairing this method with my Easy Glazed Carrots for a fun twist on your side dish lineup.

Step 4: Sear for a Golden, Flavorful Crust

Here’s where we start building that mouthwatering flavor base. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the turkey breast. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Don’t skip this step by step searing process—it locks in flavor and creates that gorgeous color that’ll make your dish look straight out of a food magazine. After searing, transfer the turkey to a clean plate while you cook the veggies.

Step 5: Build the Flavorful Veggie Bed

In the same skillet (no need to wash—those browned bits are flavor gold), add your carrots and Brussels sprouts. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies begin to soften. Next, deglaze the pan by pouring in ½ cup of white wine—scrape up those caramelized bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Add the shallots, thyme, sage leaves, and chicken broth, and let everything simmer for 2 minutes. This step by step layering of ingredients creates a rich, aromatic base for your turkey.

Step 6: Bake to Juicy Perfection

Place your seared turkey back into the skillet, nestling it right on top of the vegetables. Add the halved garlic head, cut side down—it’ll roast beautifully and infuse the dish with subtle sweetness. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey reads 165°F (74°C). Pro tip: don’t skip the thermometer! For more Thanksgiving cooking tips, you can read my guide on Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, where I share more tricks for even roasting.

Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Here’s the hardest part—waiting. Remove the skillet from the oven and let your turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This final step by step moment allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, giving you perfectly moist slices every time. Slice the turkey thinly across the grain, plate it alongside those roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts, and drizzle some of that flavorful pan juice on top. For a complete cozy meal, serve it with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or pair it with a warm bowl of Easy Roasted Tomato Soup.

What to Serve with Juicy Baked Turkey Breast

Pair your juicy baked turkey breast with something creamy and comforting like Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or keep it light with a simple green salad. If you’re craving cozy, Easy Glazed Carrots bring the perfect hint of sweetness. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce—it’s the zing that balances every bite. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio ties it all together beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Juicy Baked Turkey Breast

1. Don’t skip the brine. It’s the secret to juicy, flavorful turkey.
2. Use a meat thermometer. Overcooking dries it out—165°F is your sweet spot.
3. Rest it. Give the turkey 15 minutes to relax before slicing; it keeps those juices locked in.
4. One-skillet magic. Cooking veggies and turkey together means more flavor and fewer dishes.
5. Make it your own. Add a touch of maple syrup or swap carrots for parsnips for a twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Juicy Baked Turkey Breast

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil and a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy. It also freezes beautifully—wrap portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. For quick meals, toss reheated turkey into a sandwich, salad, or even your next Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast? Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
Do I have to brine it overnight? Six hours minimum works great, but overnight gives the best results.
Can I skip the wine? Yes, use extra chicken broth or even apple cider for a touch of sweetness.
How do I know it’s done? When the internal temperature hits 165°F and juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a perfectly roasted juicy baked turkey breast—golden skin, tender meat, and that irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s proof that simple ingredients, cooked with care, can taste extraordinary. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy dinner for two, this recipe delivers flavor, warmth, and comfort in every bite. Try pairing it with a side of Easy Roasted Tomato Soup for a complete, comforting meal that feels straight from the heart.

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