How to Cook a Juicy and Flavorful Boneless Skinless Turkey Breast

Boneless skinless turkey breast is a lean healthy, and delicious option for a quick weeknight dinner or a small holiday meal. With no bones or skin boneless turkey breast cooks faster than a whole turkey. When prepared properly, it can be incredibly juicy and flavorful. Here are some tips for cooking the perfect boneless skinless turkey breast.

Ingredients for Boneless Turkey Breast

• Boneless, skinless turkey breast (2-3 lbs for 4-6 servings)
• Butter or olive oil
• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken or turkey stock

Frequency of entities:

Butter/Olive oil 2Herbs 3 (rosemary thyme sage)Garlic 1Salt and pepper 1Stock 1

Choose the Right Size Turkey Breast

When choosing a boneless skinless turkey breast at the grocery store, select one that is 2 to 3 pounds to feed about 4 to 6 people This size breast will cook in about 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours Larger breasts may take longer. Make sure the breast feels cold and firm, not slimy.

Prepare the Turkey Breast

Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels. Place on a cutting board and trim off any excess fat or connective tissue with a sharp knife. The more evenly shaped the breast is, the more evenly it will cook.

Make a Flavorful Coating

In a small bowl, combine 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon zest or chopped shallots. Whisk together the herb butter or oil.

Frequency of entities:

Butter/Olive oil: 1
Garlic: 1
Herbs (rosemary, thyme): 2
Salt and pepper: 1

Coat the Turkey Breast

Use your hands to coat the entire surface of the turkey breast with the herb butter or olive oil mixture. Make sure to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning. The coating helps keep the turkey breast incredibly moist and infuses tons of flavor.

Roast the Turkey Breast

Place the coated turkey breast in a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast at 325°F for about 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part. Basting halfway through roasting helps keep the turkey breast juicy.

Make Pan Gravy

Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes. Make a delicious pan gravy with the drippings in the roasting pan. Whisk in chicken or turkey stock and simmer until thickened. Pour the gravy over sliced turkey breast.

Cooking Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness. 165°F is the safe internal temp.

• Let the cooked breast rest at least 10 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

• Lower oven temps (325°F) prevent the lean breast meat from drying out.

• Basting with butter, broth or pan drippings helps keep the turkey breast moist.

• Make sure the breast is completely thawed if frozen before cooking.

Quick & Easy Marinades

Lemon Herb: Olive oil, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme
Garlic Herb: Olive oil, garlic, sage, parsley
Spicy: Olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder

Whisk together olive oil and herbs, garlic, spices and coat the breast up to 8 hours before cooking.

Cooking with Gravy

Homemade gravy is easy with the pan drippings. Here’s how:

• Roast turkey breast as directed. Transfer to a cutting board to rest.

• Pour pan drippings into a saucepan. Add 2-3 tablespoons flour and whisk.

• Cook 1-2 minutes stirring constantly.

• Slowly whisk in chicken or turkey stock and simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

• Pour gravy over sliced turkey breast.

Making your own gravy only takes about 5 extra minutes and adds so much flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Boneless skinless turkey breast is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes:

• Roasted potatoes or root vegetables

• Rice pilaf or risotto

• Green beans or roasted brussels sprouts

• Cranberry sauce

• Dinner rolls

Leftover Turkey Breast

Leftover roasted turkey breast makes great sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. Store sliced turkey breast in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving. Some tasty ways to use up leftovers:

• Turkey sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, avocado

• Turkey tacos with salsa and guacamole

-Turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts

• Add to soups, chili or pasta

• Use in a turkey casserole with veggies and rice

Boneless skinless turkey breast is an easy and healthy main course option for weeknight dinners or small holiday gatherings. Follow these simple tips for a flavorful, juicy turkey breast everyone will love.