Cooking a whole turkey can seem like an intimidating task, but preparing a boneless turkey breast is much simpler. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy cooking techniques, you can have a delicious and moist boneless turkey breast on your dinner table. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple steps for cooking a perfect boneless turkey breast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To cook a boneless turkey breast, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2-3 lbs)
- Olive oil or melted butter for coating
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
- Vegetable broth or wine for braising (optional)
Make sure to thoroughly pat dry the turkey breast before seasoning – this helps the herbs and spices stick to the meat better.
Seasoning the Turkey Breast
There are lots of ways to add big flavor to your boneless turkey breast. A simple herb rub works very well. Try a blend of thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper Gently loosen the skin from the breast and rub some of the herb mix directly onto the meat before replacing the skin
You can also try a wet brine by soaking the turkey breast overnight in a saltwater solution with spices and herbs. This infuses the meat with flavor and helps it stay juicy.
Other options include marinating the turkey in an oil-based marinade with citrus, garlic, and spices or layering a compound butter under the skin before roasting. Get creative with the seasonings!
Cooking Methods
There are several easy cooking methods that all result in moist, flavorful boneless turkey breast:
Oven Roasting Preheat your oven to 350°F Coat the seasoned breast with olive oil or butter and roast for 60-90 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F Baste occasionally with pan juices for added moisture,
Braising: Brown the seasoned breast in a skillet then transfer to a baking dish. Pour in broth or wine, cover, and braise at 350°F for about 90 minutes until fork tender.
Grilling: Prepare a hot grill. Oil the grill grates then cook over direct heat for 6-8 minutes per side with the lid closed. Baste with a glaze or sauce occasionally.
Sous Vide: Seal the seasoned breast in a sous vide bag then cook at 145°F for 2-4 hours depending on thickness. Finish by searing.
Air Fryer: Coat with oil, season, and air fry at 370°F for 25-35 minutes until the internal temp is 165°F.
Slow Cooker: Add seasoned breast to a slow cooker with broth, veggies, and herbs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
Serving Suggestions
A perfectly cooked boneless turkey breast is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with various sides:
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes
- Green beans or asparagus
- Stuffing or cornbread
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Dinner rolls
Simple pan gravies, chimichurris, or compound butters also complement the flavors of the turkey breast wonderfully.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover boneless turkey breast is versatile for easy meals throughout the week. Here are some delicious ways to use up leftovers:
- Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing
- Turkey noodle soup
- Turkey tetrazzini pasta bake
- Turkey pot pie
- Turkey tacos or quesadillas
- Turkey salad with mayo, celery, onions
- Turkey casserole with veggies and rice
With proper storage, leftover turkey breast will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently before serving.
Perfectly Cooked Turkey Breast Every Time
Cooking boneless turkey breast is an easy and economical way to prepare a simple yet impressive dinner. With flavorful seasoning, a cooking method of your choice, and some delicious sides, you can have a tender, juicy turkey breast that rivals any holiday meal. Follow these helpful tips for moist, flavorful results every time. Enjoy!
Boneless Turkey Breast
FAQ
Do you put water in pan when roasting turkey breast?
Should a turkey breast be cooked, covered or uncovered?
What temperature should a boneless turkey breast be cooked to?