Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast is a simple, flavour-packed way to prepare a tender and juicy roast without the size or effort of a whole turkey. By seasoning the breast well, adding aromatics, and roasting it until golden, you get a beautifully moist centrepiece perfect for smaller gatherings, weeknight dinners, or festive meals where you want something lighter and faster.
This Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast recipe serves 4–6 people and takes around 60–75 minutes from start to finish, giving you a reliable, delicious roast with minimal preparation.

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast Worth Making

Moist and tender meat – The breast stays juicy with the right seasoning and roasting technique.
Perfect for smaller families – No need for a whole turkey when a breast serves just enough.
Cooks quickly – A fraction of the time compared to a full bird.
Great for leftovers – Slices beautifully for sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
Flexible flavours – Works with herbs, garlic, lemon, butter, or Jamie-style spice blends.

What Is Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast?

Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast is a seasoned, oven-roasted turkey breast cooked with herbs, garlic, and butter to create a succulent, flavourful roast. It’s designed to be simple, quick, and foolproof, offering a festive taste without complicated steps.

Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast Ingredients List

1 turkey breast (1–1.5 kg), boneless
2 tbsp olive oil or softened butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
1 lemon, zested
Salt and black pepper
Optional: carrots, onions, and celery for roasting base

More recipes to add to your list

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast – Simple Steps

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey breast dry with kitchen paper. Dry meat browns better and holds seasoning more effectively. Place it on a board and score lightly if the surface is thick.

2. Season Generously

Mix olive oil or butter with garlic, paprika, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure it gets into every fold for full flavour.

3. Create a Roasting Base (Optional but Recommended)

Lay chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a roasting tray. These vegetables add moisture and flavour and help create a natural gravy base.

4. Roast Until Golden and Tender

Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 50–60 minutes, depending on thickness. Baste once or twice for extra moisture. The turkey is ready when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

5. Rest Before Serving

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting locks in juices and makes slicing easier.

6. Serve With Your Favourite Sides

Slice the breast into thick portions and serve with roast potatoes, vegetables, or gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast

Skipping the resting time leads to dry slices.
Not seasoning enough leaves the meat bland.
Roasting at very high heat can dry out the breast quickly.
Forgetting to baste reduces flavour and moisture.
Using cold turkey straight from the fridge affects even cooking—let it come to room temperature first.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast

Roast potatoes – Crispy and classic.
Green beans almondine – Fresh and crunchy.
Garlic mash – Creamy and comforting.
Honey roasted carrots – Sweet and colourful.
Cranberry sauce – A perfect festive pairing.

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast Just Right

Use butter instead of oil for richer colour and flavour.
Add lemon slices under the breast for brightness and moisture.
Cover with foil halfway if browning too quickly.
Let the internal temperature rise gradually by resting well.
Use fresh herbs for a stronger aroma and flavour.

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast

Stuff fresh herbs under the skin for deeper seasoning.
Add garlic butter to the top during the last 15 minutes.
Use smoked paprika for a warm, earthy depth.
Add chilli flakes for a subtle kick.

How to Adjust Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Breast for Kids

Keep seasoning mild, skip paprika if sensitive, and slice the turkey thinner. Serve with mash or vegetables for a simple, child-friendly meal.

Best Way to Store Turkey Breast Leftovers

Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. They stay moist if kept with a spoonful of pan juices.

Best Ways to Reheat Turkey Breast

Oven: Cover and warm at 160°C for 10–12 minutes.
Stovetop: Reheat in a covered pan with a splash of broth.
Microwave: Heat gently in short intervals to avoid drying.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: ~260
Protein: 33g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fibre: 0g

FAQs

How do you keep a turkey breast juicy while roasting?

Turkey breast stays juicy when roasted at a moderate temperature, basted once or twice, and rested for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Using butter or olive oil on the surface also helps lock in moisture and creates a golden crust.

What temperature should a turkey breast reach when fully cooked?

Turkey breast is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part. Using a meat thermometer ensures accuracy and prevents overcooking.

Can you prepare Jamie Oliver-style turkey breast ahead of time?

Yes. You can season the turkey breast a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and roast it when ready. This helps the flavours absorb better and reduces prep on the cooking day.

What herbs work best for Jamie Oliver turkey breast?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley complement turkey beautifully. These herbs add aroma and depth without overpowering the meat, making them ideal for roasting.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Turkey Breast is a reliable, flavourful, and easy roast that works for any occasion. With a handful of seasonings and simple steps, you get tender, juicy slices that feel both homely and special.