How to Bake a Juicy, Flavorful Boneless Turkey Breast

Baking a boneless turkey breast is a great alternative to roasting a whole bird. It delivers all the delicious flavor and juiciness in a fraction of the time. Follow this simple guide for foolproof results every time.

Overview

Boneless turkey breast is an extremely lean cut of meat that can easily dry out if overcooked. The key is using high heat for a short time to get crispy skin and succulent meat. With just a bit of prep, a simple spice rub, and the right baking technique, you’ll end up with a beautiful golden turkey breast that’s tender and full of flavor.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s covered in this boneless turkey breast baking guide

• Ingredients needed
• Prep steps
• Making a spice rub
• Baking tips
• Estimated cooking times
• Resting
• Serving suggestions
• Storage

Follow the steps below and you’ll have a delicious baked turkey breast ready for your next special occasion or for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skin-on turkey breast (2-4 lbs)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Dry spice rub: salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, paprika

Prep

• Thaw: If frozen, thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1-2 days before baking.
• Dry: Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Dry skin = crispy skin.
• Leave wrapped: If netted, leave packaging on to maintain shape.

Make a Simple Spice Rub

Making your own spice rub adds lots of flavor. Here’s an easy one:

• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Mix spices together in a small bowl.

Bake Turkey Breast

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with oil or butter.

2. Coat turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Generously season both sides with spice rub.

3. Place turkey skin-side up on prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake 20 minutes until skin is nicely browned.

5. Tent turkey loosely with foil and continue baking until 165°F internally, about 15-20 more minutes per pound.

6. Let rest 20 minutes before slicing.

Baking Tips

• Use a meat thermometer for doneness. Temperature should reach 165°F.

• If breast is larger than 4 lbs, use a lower oven temp of 325°F.

• Brush with olive oil or melted butter halfway through baking.

• Add liquids like broth or water to the baking sheet to prevent drippings from burning.

Estimated Bake Times

Use these baking times as a guide:

• 2-3 lb breast: 45-60 minutes total
• 3-4 lb breast: 60-90 minutes
• 4-5 lb breast: 75-110 minutes

Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Let Turkey Rest

It’s crucial to let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before slicing into it. This allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist and tender.

Tent turkey loosely with foil while resting.

Serving Suggestions

Slice turkey and serve with:

• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Dinner rolls

Storage

Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days refrigerated. Slice breast before storing so you can easily reheat individual portions later.

For longer storage, freeze turkey slices up to 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover turkey gently either on the stovetop with a little broth or oil added or in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Slices can also be quickly reheated in the microwave. Take care not to overcook the meat.

Make an Easy Weeknight Meal

Shred or cube leftover turkey breast to use in quick weeknight meals like:

• Turkey tacos
• Turkey soup
• Turkey fried rice
• Turkey salad sandwiches
• Turkey casserole

With just a little prep and simple seasoning, boneless turkey breast can be baked to juicy, flavorful perfection. Crispy skin, tender meat, and incredible taste can be achieved by following the tips outlined here. Give this easy baking method a try for your next meal.