How to Bake a Moist and Juicy Turkey Breast

Turkey breast can make for an impressive yet easy main dish especially around the holidays. With less work than a whole turkey a tender and juicy turkey breast still provides plenty of meat for a small gathering. The key is learning how to properly prepare and bake the turkey breast so it turns out moist and flavorful every time.

Ingredients for Moist Turkey Breast

To bake a turkey breast with the perfect texture you will need

• 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (2.5 to 3 pounds)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage
• Aromatics like garlic, onion, celery, carrots
• Chicken stock or wine

Having the skin on and bone in is important for keeping the turkey breast extra juicy. The skin helps prevent the turkey meat from drying out.

Prep Tips for Moistness

Before baking, it’s important to prep the turkey breast properly so it cooks up tender and moist:

• Rinse and pat dry. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture can hinder crisping of the skin.

• Loosen the skin. Gently loosen the skin from the meat, without fully detaching it.

• Rub seasonings underneath. Rub olive oil or melted butter and seasonings like chopped herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper directly onto the meat below the skin.

• Brush skin with oil or butter. Coat the skin with more olive oil or melted butter. This helps the skin brown and become crispy in the oven.

• Truss (optional). For a more compact shape, truss the turkey breast by tying the legs together with cooking twine. This allows it to cook more evenly.

• Let sit. After seasoning, allow the turkey to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

How to Bake for Moistness

To ensure your turkey breast bakes up moist:

• Start at a high temp. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roast the turkey at 425°F for the first 30 minutes. This initial high heat helps the turkey brown quickly before overcooking the meat.

• Shield with foil. After 30 minutes, tent the turkey loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. This allows you to finish cooking the breast without drying it out.

• Use a baking rack. Place the turkey on a wire rack set in a roasting pan. The rack elevates the turkey away from drippings to prevent steaming.

• Cook to proper temperature. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. This ensures the breast is fully cooked without becoming dry or overcooked.

• Let rest. After baking, tent the turkey and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute thoroughly for moist meat.

Turkey Breast Roasting Times

Approximate roasting times for a 3 pound turkey breast:

• Uncovered at 425°F: 30 minutes
• Covered at 325°F: 60-75 minutes
• Total Time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes

However, always rely on the 165°F internal temperature for doneness, not just roasting times.

Additional Tips for Moistness

Here are some extra pointers to ensure your baked turkey breast is juicy:

• Brine the breast. Soaking the raw turkey in a saltwater brine before baking helps infuse it with extra moisture.

• Bake on a bed of vegetables. Placing chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in the roasting pan helps add moisture as they release juices.

• Use broth. Adding a splash of chicken broth or wine to the roasting pan provides added moisture. Baste the turkey with the juices throughout roasting.

• Let rest before carving. Allowing the turkey to rest after baking gives time for the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.

• Carve properly. When carving, slice the turkey across the grain of the meat to prevent excess moisture loss.

Sample Recipe for Moist Turkey Breast

This roasted turkey breast recipe outlines the proper steps for a tender, juicy result:

Ingredients:

• 1 (3 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄2 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon, zested
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Rinse turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Carefully loosen the skin from the meat. Combine 1 tbsp oil/butter with thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and garlic. Rub under skin.
3. Brush skin with remaining 1 tbsp oil/butter. Truss or tie legs if desired.
4. Scatter onion, carrots, and celery in a roasting pan. Place a rack on top and lay turkey breast on rack. Add broth to pan.
5. Roast uncovered for 30 minutes until skin is browned. Tent with foil and reduce oven to 325°F.
6. Continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 60-75 minutes more.
7. Allow turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

This method of high heat roasting followed by gentle covered cooking helps ensure your turkey breast bakes up tender, flavorful, and most importantly, deliciously moist.

Moist Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey breast makes excellent sandwiches and wraps. Here are some tips for keeping leftover turkey meat moist and tasty:

• Allow turkey to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. Store for 3-4 days.

• Place a layer of broth or gravy on top of the stored turkey to keep it moist.

• Shred or slice the turkey and use it in dishes like turkey casseroles, soups, or salads rather than reheating whole slices which can dry it out.

• Add a splash of broth when reheating sliced turkey in the microwave or oven to add back moisture.

• Mix shredded turkey with mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamy, moist sandwich filling.

With the proper preparation, roasting method, storage, and uses for leftovers, you can enjoy delicious and juicy baked turkey breast any time of year.