Name: Citrus-Herb Boneless Turkey Breast Roast with Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490150H22M7S
Total time: PT-490150H22M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 boneless turkey breast — frozen, then fully thawed; 1 orange, sliced; 1/2 lemon, sliced; 1/2 onion (or 1 small), sliced; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tbsp thyme, finely chopped; 1 tbsp sage, finely chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’ve ever looked at a boneless turkey breast and thought, “Cute… but is it going to impress anyone?” — let me stop you right there. Because once you give it a good citrus squeeze, a handful of fresh herbs, and a generous butter massage, it turns into the kind of roast you’ll reach for every holiday season. Trust me, the moment it goes into the oven, you’ll understand why I love this one so much.

This recipe is perfect when you want that festive turkey moment without babysitting a whole bird. You prep everything in minutes, slide it into the oven, and let the citrus and herbs do their magic. And when you top those juicy slices with cranberry sauce? Oh, it’s game over — in the best way. It’s simple, cozy, and just fancy enough to make your table feel special, even on a small night in.

PS: When you’re ready to drizzle, click to see the cranberry sauce I use. I made it a separate recipe so you can save it, print it, and pull it up anytime you need it.

Recipe at a Glance

Main Ingredient: Boneless turkey breast
Cooking Method: Oven roasted
Why You’ll Love It: Juicy, flavorful, small-family friendly, minimal prep
Best For: Holidays, cozy dinners, festive meals without the fuss
Serves: 4–6

Story Behind the Dish

Roasting turkey breast on its own became popular during the mid-20th century in both Europe and the United States. Families wanted all the holiday flavor without committing to a full turkey, and smaller cuts made celebrations feel more relaxed and manageable. Citrus and herbs later became a go-to pairing for adding brightness and moisture to leaner cuts. This recipe continues that tradition — simple ingredients, reliable results, and a roast that feels special without demanding your entire day.

What You’ll Need for this boneless turkey breast

Ingredients

1 boneless turkey breast — frozen, then fully thawed
1 orange
1/2 lemon
1/2 onion (or 1 small)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp thyme, finely chopped
1 tbsp sage, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Digital Meat Thermometer

A simple digital thermometer makes all the difference when roasting turkey breast. It lets you check the temperature instantly so you pull the turkey out at the perfect 165°F — juicy, never dry.

Prep & Cook

Follow the photos as you go — they match each step so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 01

Mix the Herb Butter
Take the butter out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Add the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper, and mix until you have a soft, well-seasoned herb butter.

Step 02

Grease a casserole dish with a bit of the butter. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, and onion slices in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.

Step 03

Place the fully thawed boneless turkey breast on top of the citrus and onions. Spread the remaining herb butter all over the turkey, coating it generously on every side.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 375°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 50 minutes.

Step 05

Remove the foil and continue roasting until the turkey is golden and crisp on the outside. You can use a meat thermometer here — when the center of the breast reaches 165°F / 73°C, it’s ready.

Step 06

Take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Slice, drizzle with cranberry sauce, and serve.

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

Use softened butter — it sticks better and melts slower, giving you that golden finish.
If your turkey breast has a netting, keep it on during roasting; it helps maintain shape.
Add a splash of white wine to the pan for extra depth.
If you want a deeper citrus flavor, tuck a few extra slices under the edges of the turkey.
And here’s a small trick: spoon some of the pan juices over the turkey before the final 10 minutes. It boosts color and flavor instantly.

Serving Suggestions

This boneless turkey breast roast pairs beautifully with simple, cozy sides:

And of course — the cranberry sauce is the final touch that makes every slice shine.

You’ve got everything you need — let’s roast something special.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Featured 04 — **Mashed Potatoes**

Parmesan Risotto Recipe Featured 01 — **Parmesan Risotto**

Put Your Spin on It

Swap the citrus: try tangerines or blood oranges for a different aroma.
Add spice: a pinch of paprika or chili flakes brings warmth.
Make it dairy-free: use olive oil instead of butter.
Make it even more herb-forward: double the thyme for an earthier finish.

Tasty Thoughts

Cooking boneless turkey breast doesn’t have to mean dry slices or complicated basting routines. This version keeps everything simple and flavorful — citrus, herbs, butter, and the oven do all the heavy lifting. When you slice into it, you’ll see why I love roasting turkey this way — it’s the kind of recipe you tuck into your rotation and quietly brag about later.

Common Questions

How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer — the center should reach 165°F (73°C).

Can I prepare this boneless turkey breast it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before roasting.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What if my turkey breast is larger or smaller?
Adjust baking time accordingly — always use the thermometer for accuracy.

Nutrition Notes

Curious about calories or carbs for this boneless turkey breast? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.

Keep Cooking With Us

If you’re in the mood to keep the cozy flavors going, here are a few recipes that pair beautifully with turkey dinners — or make the whole week feel a little more special:

Simple Roasted Potatoes — crispy, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Bechamel Sauce — silky, simple, and incredibly versatile for pastas, casseroles, and veggie bakes.
Apple Crips— covered with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.