Drying out turkey breast is a common problem many home cooks face when roasting a turkey breast especially around Thanksgiving. With a few simple tricks and tips you can ensure your turkey breast stays juicy, moist and flavorful.
Why Turkey Breast Tends to Dry Out
There are a few reasons why turkey breast dries out easily
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Turkey breast is lean meat with little fat. Fat helps keep meat moist during cooking.
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The breasts are exposed and don’t have much insulation like a whole turkey in the cavity.
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Overcooking causes proteins to squeeze out moisture and tighten.
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Cooking too fast doesn’t allow time for fat and collagen to render and moisten the meat.
So keeping the breast meat moist requires some special attention when roasting. Follow these tips to prevent dried out turkey breast.
10 Ways to Keep Turkey Breast Moist
1. Brine the Turkey Breast
Soaking the turkey breast in a saltwater brine before cooking allows the meat to absorb moisture. Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water and submerge the breast for 2-6 hours. Rinse and pat dry before roasting.
2. Marinate the Turkey Breast
A wet marinade also helps turkey breast retain moisture. Marinate for several hours or overnight in buttermilk, wine, broth or diluted sauce. The acids help break down proteins.
3. Rub Oil or Butter Under the Skin
Loosening the skin from the meat and rubbing a little oil, butter or rendered fat keeps things lubricated.
4. Cover the Breast with Bacon
Drape thin slices of bacon over the breast to add fat and prevent drying.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Roasting at a lower oven temp (300°F to 325°F) allows the meat to gently cook through without squeezing out as much moisture.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer
Pull the breast when it reaches 155°F-160°F to prevent overcooking. The temp will rise another 5°F while resting.
7. Tent with Foil While Cooking
Covering the breast with a foil tent reflects heat and contains moisture released during cooking.
8. Let it Rest Afterwards
Allowing the breast to rest 15-20 minutes after roasting lets juices redistribute throughout the meat.
9. Add Liquid to the Pan
Put water, broth or wine in the roasting pan to create steam and keep air moist.
10. Baste with Stock and Butter
Basting helps moisten the surface and adds flavor. Melt butter and drizzle with broth as it roasts.
How to Prep and Roast a Moist Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for guaranteed tender, juicy turkey breast:
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Trim any excess fat and skin from the breast. Leave the skin on to protect the meat.
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Salt all over, including under the skin. Let sit 1-2 days in the fridge to season evenly.
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Loosen the skin from the meat. Rub butter or oil between skin and meat.
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Place on a rack in roasting pan. Add 1 cup broth or wine to the pan.
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Roast uncovered at 300°F until temp. reaches 155°F, about 1 1/2 hours.
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Cover with foil and continue roasting until 160°F, 15-30 minutes more.
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Remove from oven, tent with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes.
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Make gravy with the drippings for extra moisture and flavor.
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Carve into thin slices across the grain when ready to serve.
Recipe for Perfect Roasted Turkey Breast
This easy recipe guarantees a tender, juicy turkey breast every time.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
- Remove turkey breast from fridge and pat dry. Loosen skin from meat.
- Season all over with salt and pepper. Rub oil under skin and on surface.
- Place on rack in roasting pan. Add broth to pan bottom.
- Roast uncovered at 300°F, until internal temp. reaches 155°F, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Cover breast with foil and continue roasting until 160°F, 15-30 minutes more.
- Remove from oven, tent with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Make gravy with the pan drippings. Serve turkey breast warm.
Pro Tips:
- For extra moisture, brine 2-6 hours before cooking.
- For deeper flavor, rub with herb butter or stuff herb sprigs under skin.
- Add vegetables like onions and carrots to the roasting pan.
- Baste every 30 minutes with melted butter or broth.
FAQs About Roasting Moist Turkey Breast
How long should I roast a 3 lb turkey breast?
Allow about 18-20 minutes per pound at 300°F. Roast a 3 lb breast for 50-60 minutes until it reaches an internal temp of 155°F. Let it rest, then continue roasting approximately 15-30 minutes more until 160°F.
What temp should I cook turkey breast to?
Cook to an internal temperature of 155°F, then tent and let carryover cooking bring it to a food-safe 160°F before resting. After sitting, it will reach 165°F.
Should I brine or marinate turkey breast?
Both brining and marinating are great options for added moisture and flavor. But for easiest results, salting heavily and rubbing oil under the skin works well. Marinate for 4-24 hours.
What causes turkey breast to be dry?
Overcooking is the main culprit. Cooking too hot or too long squeezes out moisture. Also lack of fat, not basting, and improper resting can cause dry turkey breast.
Should I roast turkey breast side up or down?
Roast skin-side up to brown and crisp. Placing it breast-side down presses out moisture. Putting it on a rack allows air flow all around.
Can I roast a turkey breast from frozen?
Do not roast a frozen turkey breast. Thaw it completely for 1-2 days in the fridge before roasting. Cooking from frozen risks unsafe temperatures or drying it out.
In Conclusion
Preventing dried out turkey breast is easy with a few simple tricks like brining, low-slow roasting and using a meat thermometer. Follow this guide and recipe to guarantee your holiday turkey breast is perfect, moist and delicious every time. With tasty gravy from the drippings, it’s sure to become your new Thanksgiving favorite!
