This Roasted Lemon Rosemary Split Turkey Breast recipe is a simple and easy way to enjoy Thanksgiving turkey without roasting a whole bird.

So Thanksgiving.
You know those memories of gathering around the dinner table with your family and digging into your mom’s special dressing recipe? Not everyone has those. Truth is that most years when I was a child and teenager, my family traveled to Florida and ate out in restaurants — often Howard Johnson’s — on Thanksgiving. I loved every minute of our nontraditional Thanksgiving celebrations, enjoying turkey and gravy after long days lazying around the pool.
Celebrating Thanksgiving is about enjoying time with your loved ones, and you can do that anywhere … even in sunny Florida on vacation.
That said, in my adult life, my family has embraced the big, traditional Thanksgiving meal. I’ve been hosting Thanksgiving for most of the last 20 years, and I revel in the array of Thanksgiving side dishes that I prepare. It’s my favorite part.
Getting back to that imagery of a big turkey on the table: You can enjoy turkey without having the picture-perfect bird. And, fact it, the bird only looks like that before it’s carved. Once the family digs in, a full bird and a split turkey breast don’t look that different.
If you are seeking a full bird alternative, or just want something easier, this split turkey breast recipe helps you to create a smaller Thanksgiving dinner.
Bone-in Turkey Breast Cooking Time
There are so many good reasons to cook a bone-in turkey breast. It’s a smaller portion so it’s perfect for a more intimate gathering. It’s also great for smaller kitchens and for when you are making Thanksgiving dinner away from home. Juicy and flavorful like a full turkey (because of the bone!), bone-in split turkey breasts cook in less time too.
So what is the bone-in turkey breast cooking time? You’ll want to cook the turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven and tent the turkey with foil, allowing it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This will ensure it stays juicy.
Serve this with classic sides like cranberry sauce, stuffing and potatoes.
How to Cook a Split Turkey Breast

This flavorful turkey is rubbed with a lemon rosemary rub that takes seconds to whip up. Once the bone-in turkey breast is seasoned, it goes into the oven where it’s roasted to perfection.
Again, after cooking, let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before carving, as you would a whole turkey. That allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat.
The rub really makes this whole thing extra special.

And if you happen to be cooking away from home, this half turkey breast recipe is a great option too since it really is low-fuss. Hint: mix up the salt, garlic granules and onion granules at home and bring them with you in a small resealable container, then mix in the lemon zest and minced rosemary at the last minute.
Also, be sure to pack a zester and meat thermometer, if you will be making this split turkey breast recipe away from home (surely, I am not the only one who brings cooking utensils when I travel, right?).

Roasted Lemon Rosemary Split Turkey Breast

This easy Roasted Lemon Rosemary Split Turkey Breast recipe produces a juicy, flavorful roast turkey without the challenge of a full bird.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in split turkey breast, about 3-3.5 lbs
- 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp granulated onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set a baking rack inside a baking pan (for easy clean up, line the baking pan with aluminum foil first).
- Rinse the bone-in split turkey breast with cold water and then pat dry with paper towels. Set on the baking rack.
- In a small bowl, stir together the rosemary, lemon zest, kosher salt, garlic granules, onion granules and olive oil. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin (you will have to loosen the skin gently with your hand).
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (yes, you really do need to use a meat thermometer). Remove from the oven and tent the turkey with foil, allowing it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy.
Sonis
Friday 18th of April 2025
Can garlic and onion powder be substituted for granules?
Sarah Walker Caron
Friday 18th of April 2025
Yes, but you'll want to use slightly less. Garlic and onion powder have a stronger flavor than the granules.
Thomas
Wednesday 17th of July 2024
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a little over a month ago and while looking for foods that I can eat I came across this recipe I made it about 3 weeks ago probably the best turkey breast I've ever had the next day I cut it up and made sandwiches out of it. My wife and I were so impressed I'm cooking it again tonight for dinner and thanks for the recipe
Sarah Walker Caron
Thursday 18th of July 2024
Thomas, thank you so much! I am so glad you found this recipe and loved it. And I am wishing you all the best with managing your type 2 diabetes. If you search diabetes on my site, there are a few other recipes that might be of interest. I did a partnership with the American Diabetes Association years ago and as part of it shared a few recipes from approved cookbooks. There's a miso salmon recipe in particular (if you like salmon) that remains a favorite in our house.
Bob
Sunday 3rd of March 2024
This has been my go to for a while now. So great and super easy!! I add a little more olive oil but I think that is up to each person’s preference. Love the spice mix with the lemon!
JB
Thursday 14th of October 2021
This is a great recipe. I followed it exactly. I used a broiler pan. It's delicious and easy. Thank you!
Alex
Tuesday 24th of November 2020
Made this recipe once so far and it was great! I’m making it again for our Covid Thanksgiving and was only able to get a 2 lb breast. How should I adjust the cooking time? Thanks!
Amy
Thursday 18th of November 2021
@Sarah Walker Caron, This recipe is so amazing! 45 minutes was perfect for my 2 pound split turkey breast. Super moist, gorgeous and delicious!
Sarah Walker Caron
Wednesday 25th of November 2020
Hi Alex, I would expect your 2 lb (bone-in) turkey to take between 40 mins and an hour. Probably closer to the shorter time. Good luck!