Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, succulent, and easy-to-make festive or weeknight meal. With its combination of tender turkey breast, aromatic herbs, and a rich seasoning, this dish promises both flavor and ease without requiring hours of preparation.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast
Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights turkey breast as the star ingredient. Often prepared for special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, this recipe is designed to be accessible, with easy-to-follow steps that ensure your turkey comes out juicy and perfectly cooked. The dish typically involves marinating the turkey with a mixture of herbs, spices, and sometimes citrus, then roasting it to achieve a beautifully golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat moist and tender on the inside.
Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Turkey breast (boneless or bone-in depending on your preference)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh rosemary (adds aromatic flavor)
- Fresh thyme (another fragrant herb)
- Garlic (chopped or minced, enhances flavor)
- Lemon (for zest and juice, provides a zesty lift)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
- Onions (for extra aroma and depth)
- Vegetables like carrots or potatoes (optional, to roast alongside the turkey for a complete meal)
Some variations may call for a bit of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, or balsamic vinegar to create a glaze or marinade that further elevates the flavor of the turkey.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast:
- Roasting pan or baking dish (large enough to fit the turkey breast)
- Sharp knife (to trim any excess fat or prepare herbs)
- Mixing bowl (to combine the marinade or herb mixture)
- Meat thermometer (for ensuring the turkey is cooked perfectly)
- Basting brush or spoon (if you plan on basting the turkey during cooking)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering the turkey during roasting to prevent over-browning)
- Carving knife (for slicing the cooked turkey)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast?
Making Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast is straightforward and easy to follow. Here’s how to prepare it:
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Prep The Turkey
- If using a bone-in turkey breast, pat it dry with paper towels. If using a boneless breast, you can optionally tie it with kitchen string for a more uniform shape.
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Make The Herb Mixture
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. For an added layer of flavor, you can squeeze in some lemon juice.
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Season The Turkey
- Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to coat it thoroughly. For added moisture, you can place a few pats of butter under the skin of the turkey.
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Roast The Turkey
- Preheat your oven to around 180°C (350°F). Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast it for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the breast. Be sure to check for doneness using a meat thermometer-once it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), it’s ready.
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Baste (Optional)
- If you prefer, you can baste the turkey every 30 minutes with its own juices or a bit more olive oil to keep it moist and enhance the golden-brown color of the skin.
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Rest Before Serving
- Once the turkey is done, allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving to ensure the juices settle, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Expert Tips
- Seasoning is Key: Ensure that you season the turkey well both on the surface and under the skin. This will infuse the meat with flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Use a Thermometer: Don’t rely solely on cooking time. A meat thermometer ensures the turkey is cooked to perfection without being dry.
- Rest the Meat: Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting helps redistribute the juices, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Cooking with Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions alongside the turkey not only creates a complete meal but also infuses them with delicious turkey flavor.
- Butter Under the Skin: Adding butter under the skin can increase juiciness and contribute a rich flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast is a flavorful, succulent, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy family dinner. By following a few simple steps and tips, you can achieve a beautifully roasted turkey with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or just want a comforting meal, this recipe will never disappoint!
Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast

Jamie Oliver’s turkey breast recipe is beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to infuse bold flavors. Whether you’re making this dish for a holiday feast, a special occasion, or just a delicious dinner, there are numerous variations that can bring unique twists to the classic turkey breast.
- Herb and Citrus Infusion: Add a Mediterranean flair to your turkey breast by stuffing the skin with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. You can also introduce citrus fruits like lemon, orange, or even grapefruit to enhance the fragrance and provide a juicy, zesty flavor. Simply slice the fruits and tuck them under the skin alongside the herbs before roasting. This gives the meat a bright, refreshing twist.
- Garlic and Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast: A savory combination of bacon and garlic elevates the flavor profile of the turkey. Wrap the turkey breast in slices of smoky bacon before roasting it to create a crispy, flavorful crust. The rendered bacon fat will keep the turkey moist while infusing the meat with deep, smoky flavors. For extra richness, add minced garlic and shallots under the skin.
- Spicy Honey Mustard Glaze: For those who love a bit of heat, a honey mustard glaze with a touch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can be the perfect finishing touch. Mix Dijon mustard, honey, a dash of olive oil, and your favorite spicy elements, then brush the glaze over the turkey breast during the last 20 minutes of roasting. This adds a lovely balance of sweetness, heat, and tanginess to your turkey.
- Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Breast: If you’re craving a more indulgent dish, try stuffing the turkey breast with fresh pesto and mozzarella cheese. This is particularly delicious when you butterfly the turkey breast, spread the pesto, and layer the cheese inside before rolling it up and roasting it. The mozzarella melts into the meat, creating a gooey, savory filling that pairs wonderfully with the herbaceous pesto.
- Apple and Onion Stuffing: For a slightly sweeter, hearty variation, stuff your turkey breast with a mixture of caramelized onions and diced apples. The sweetness of the apples contrasts beautifully with the savory turkey, while the onions add richness. You can even throw in some breadcrumbs for added texture and a deeper flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Soy and Ginger Marinade: A great variation for those who enjoy bold, umami flavors is an Asian-style marinade. Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy and savory marinade. Marinate the turkey breast for a few hours, then roast it to infuse the bird with these rich flavors. This works especially well with turkey breast served over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Each of these variations brings something new to the table, allowing you to tailor Jamie Oliver’s turkey breast recipe to your taste preferences and create a memorable dish for any occasion.
Best Practices To Store Leftovers
Storing turkey leftovers properly is essential to ensure they remain fresh, safe to eat, and maintain their best quality. Whether you’re saving leftovers for the next day or preparing them for a few days down the line, here are some key practices:
- Cool Quickly: After your turkey has been cooked, ensure it cools down quickly to avoid bacterial growth. If you’re not planning to eat it immediately, carve the turkey into smaller pieces to help it cool faster. Ideally, this should be done within two hours of cooking. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to refrigerate the turkey sooner rather than later to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store the leftover turkey in airtight containers to preserve moisture and prevent the meat from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. Consider dividing the turkey into meal-sized portions to make reheating easier and reduce the risk of contamination when you open the container.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you have more leftovers than you can consume in the next few days, freezing is a great option. Turkey freezes well and can last up to four months when stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. For added protection, wrap the turkey in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: When storing any leftovers, including turkey, always label the container with the date it was stored. This helps you keep track of how long the leftovers have been in the fridge or freezer, so you can use them before they spoil. Leftovers in the fridge should be eaten within 3-4 days, while frozen turkey can last up to 4 months.
- Reheat Properly: To avoid drying out the turkey, reheat it gently. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover the turkey with foil to keep it moist. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the meat to trap steam. Make sure the turkey is heated through to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy leftover turkey, think beyond just reheating the meat. Use it in soups, salads, sandwiches, or wraps. You can also mix it with vegetables and gravy to create a turkey pot pie, or stir it into pasta dishes for a quick and delicious meal.
By following these best practices, you can extend the life of your leftover turkey while keeping it safe and flavorful for future meals.
What Goes Well With Turkey Breast?
Turkey breast is a versatile main dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides, sauces, and condiments. Whether you’re making a traditional holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, the possibilities for pairing are endless:
- Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips, are a classic pairing with turkey. Their natural sweetness complements the savory turkey, and their crispy texture adds a delightful contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy bowl of mashed potatoes, perhaps with a hint of garlic or fresh herbs, is another quintessential pairing with turkey. The richness of the mashed potatoes works beautifully with the lean turkey breast, and the gravy (if made from the turkey drippings) can be the perfect finishing touch.
- Stuffing: Whether you prefer a traditional bread-based stuffing or something more inventive like a sausage and apple stuffing, this dish is always a favorite with turkey. The stuffing absorbs the turkey’s juices and adds an additional layer of flavor to each bite.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet cranberry sauce is a beloved companion to turkey, especially in holiday settings. The acidity from the cranberries cuts through the richness of the turkey, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Green Bean Almondine: A simple yet elegant side, green bean almondine is made by sautéing green beans with butter and toasted almonds. The nutty flavor of the almonds and the slight crunch add a delightful texture to the meal.
- Gravy: Don’t forget a rich turkey gravy! Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, turkey gravy enhances the flavor and moisture of the turkey, making every bite more enjoyable.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness, are another great side dish that complements turkey. You can roast them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of honey for added flavor.
- Salads: A light, refreshing salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the turkey and its sides. Add some sliced pears, nuts, or cheese for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s turkey breast recipe is already a great base for creating a delicious and memorable dish, but its versatility allows for endless variations to suit any palate. From citrus and herb infusions to indulgent stuffed options, you can customize the turkey to match your flavor preferences.
Storing leftovers properly ensures that nothing goes to waste, and the turkey can be enjoyed in new ways for days to come. Finally, when thinking about sides to pair with your turkey, there are countless options that can complement the bird’s mild flavor, from roasted vegetables to tangy cranberry sauce.
No matter how you choose to prepare or store your turkey breast, following these tips will help you create a fantastic meal that satisfies your taste buds and leaves you with plenty of delicious leftovers.
FAQs
What Is The Cooking Time For Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast Recipe?
The cooking time for Jamie Oliver’s turkey breast recipe typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey breast. It’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F or 74°C).
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast Recipe?
For Jamie Oliver’s turkey breast recipe, you’ll need a turkey breast (around 2-3 kg), olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage), sea salt, black pepper, and lemon.
Can I Use Boneless Turkey Breast For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast for Jamie Oliver’s recipe. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time as boneless turkey breast cooks faster than bone-in varieties.
What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast?
Jamie Oliver’s turkey breast pairs well with traditional side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, or a simple green salad.
Can I Prepare The Turkey Breast In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey breast in advance by marinating it with the herbs, olive oil, and seasonings, then covering and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before roasting.
How Can I Make The Turkey Breast Crispy On The Outside?
To make the turkey breast crispy, you can roast it at a higher temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. You can also baste the turkey with its own juices or a little more olive oil during roasting.
Is It Necessary To Tie The Turkey Breast Before Cooking?
It is not strictly necessary to tie the turkey breast before cooking, but tying the meat can help ensure even cooking and improve presentation. If you choose to tie it, use kitchen twine to secure the breast tightly.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast For This Recipe?
While you can use frozen turkey breast, it’s essential to properly thaw it before cooking. Thawing in the fridge for 24-48 hours is the safest method to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Know When The Turkey Breast Is Fully Cooked?
The turkey breast is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the meat. You can also check if the juices run clear when pierced.
What Herbs Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Rosemary, Thyme, Or Sage?
If you don’t have rosemary, thyme, or sage, you can substitute with other fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, or basil. These herbs will provide a slightly different flavor but still work well in the recipe.