How to Cook a Fully Cooked Turkey Breast for Maximum Juiciness and Flavor

Fully cooked turkey breast is a convenient and tasty option for meals any time of year. While turkey breast can be eaten cold right out of the package, warming it up and adding flavor can take it to the next level. With a few simple techniques, you can transform your fully cooked turkey breast into a mouthwatering entree. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook a fully cooked turkey breast to juicy, tender perfection.

Benefits of Cooking Fully Cooked Turkey Breast

Fully cooked turkey breast offers many advantages over raw turkey breast or a whole turkey. The main benefits include:

• Convenience – Fully cooked turkey breast is ready to eat as is or just needs a quick reheating This saves you the time and effort of seasoning, stuffing, trussing and roasting a raw turkey

• Less waste – With no bones, skin or excess fat, fully cooked turkey breast contains 100% edible meat. Less prep work also means less mess to clean up afterwards.

• Quick cooking – A fully cooked turkey breast takes much less time to prepare than cooking a turkey from scratch. Depending on size, it can be ready to eat in under an hour.

• Portion control – Fully cooked turkey breast comes in convenient sizes from 1 to 5 pounds You can pick the right size for your meal without the guesswork

• Year-round availability – While whole turkeys are a once-a-year food, fully cooked turkey breast can be found in the grocery store deli year-round.

With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why fully cooked turkey breast is a go-to for quick and easy meals.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

While fully cooked turkey breast is pre-seasoned, you can take it to the next level by enhancing flavor. Here are some simple ways to make your turkey breast even more delicious:

• Brine before cooking – Soak turkey breast in a saltwater brine for added moisture and a more seasoned interior.

• Rub with herbs – Coat the outside of the turkey breast with fresh or dried herbs before cooking. Rosemary, thyme and sage work well.

• Use compound butter – Top turkey breast with flavored butter before or after cooking. Try lemon, garlic, herbs or orange.

• Baste while cooking – Brush turkey breast periodically with glaze or pan juices to keep it moist and add flavor.

• Sear or grill – Get crispy, caramelized exterior by searing or grilling turkey breast before or after oven cooking.

• Make a pan sauce – Deglaze the cooking pan with wine or broth to make an easy sauce for serving.

With a combination of these techniques, it’s easy take your fully cooked turkey breast from bland to beautiful.

How to Cook Fully Cooked Turkey Breast

When it comes to cooking methods, fully cooked turkey breast is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best techniques for reheating and adding flavor:

Oven Roast

Oven roasting is a simple, hands-off way to cook fully cooked turkey breast. To oven roast:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

• Place turkey breast on baking sheet. Brush with oil or rub with herbs.

• Roast 20-25 minutes per pound until heated through (165°F internal temp).

• Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

Grill

Get delicious charred flavor by grilling fully cooked turkey breast over medium-high heat.

• Oil grill grates. Sear turkey breast 4-5 minutes per side with grill cover down.

• Move to indirect heat, close grill, and cook to 165°F internal temperature, about 15-20 minutes.

Broil

Broiling uses high heat to quickly brown the exterior.

• Place turkey breast on a broiler pan lined with foil. Broil 5-6 inches from heat source.

• Broil 5 minutes per side until browned. Check temperature and continue broiling until 165°F.

Sear and Simmer

Get the best of both worlds with a crispy seared exterior and tender, juicy interior.

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear turkey 2-3 minutes per side.

• Transfer skillet to oven and cook at 350°F to internal temp of 165°F, about 15 minutes.

• Make pan sauce from drippings.

Slow Cooker

Let the slow cooker do the work and infuse turkey breast with flavor.

• Place turkey breast in slow cooker and add broth or sauce ingredients.

• Cook on low heat 6-8 hours until fully heated through.

• Shred or slice turkey and serve.

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot makes quick work of fully cooked turkey breast.

• Add 1 cup broth and turkey breast to Instant Pot. Lock lid.

• Use manual setting on high pressure for 8-12 minutes per pound.

• Let pressure release naturally before opening lid.

• Check internal temperature before serving.

Poach

Gently cooking turkey breast in simmering liquid keeps it extra moist.

• Place turkey breast in a skillet and add broth or wine to mostly cover.

• Simmer over medium heat until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

• Remove turkey and use poaching liquid as sauce.

As you can see, there are many easy and delicious ways to prepare fully cooked turkey breast. Experiment to find your favorite method!

Helpful Tips and Techniques

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking fully cooked turkey breast:

• Always thaw frozen turkey breast completely before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours for every 1 lb.

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Turkey breast is safe to eat at 165°F.

• Let turkey breast rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Carve turkey breast across the grain for more tender slices.

• Add broth or water to the baking pan to prevent drying out. Tent with foil.

• Stir pan juices after cooking to make an easy gravy or sauce.

• Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Pairing Fully Cooked Turkey Breast with Sides

Fully cooked turkey breast is delicious on its own but can be taken to new heights with the right side dishes. Here are some sensational sides to serve with turkey breast:

• Roasted vegetables – Roasting brings out vegetables’ sweetness. Try Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash or cauliflower.

• Creamy mashed potatoes – The ultimate comforting complement to sliced turkey breast.

• Savory stuffing – Bread-based stuffing is a Thanksgiving classic for good reason.

• Tangy cranberry sauce – Sweet-tart cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey.

• Green bean casserole – This veggie dish with creamy mushroom sauce is a holiday staple.

• Dinner rolls – Fluffy, warm rolls are perfect for serving with pan gravy or drippings.

• Salad with vinaigrette – A fresh salad balances the meal. Spinach, kale or a wedge salad work nicely.

With delicious sides like these, your fully cooked turkey breast will be the star of a spectacular spread.

Fully Cooked Turkey Breast Recipes

If you’re looking for recipe inspiration, here are a few fantastic fully cooked turkey breast entrees to try:

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy

• Rub turkey breast with rosemary, thyme and sage. Roast with broth until tender and golden. Make gravy from pan drippings.

BBQ Turkey Breast Sandwiches

• Brush turkey breast with barbecue sauce. Roast or grill until caramelized. Serve on buns with extra sauce.

Turkey Mediterranean Salad

• Slice cooked turkey breast and toss with spinach, feta, tomatoes, olives, chickpeas and Greek dressing.

Turkey Cranberry Flatbread

• Top grilled flatbread with turkey, Havarti cheese, spinach and cranberry sauce.

Turkey Enchiladas with Green Chili Sauce

• Fill tortillas with shredded turkey breast and Monterey Jack cheese. Smother with spicy green enchilada sauce and bake.

With the right seasonings and sides, fully cooked turkey can become the foundation for so many easy yet impressive meals. Get creative with your own recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about cooking fully cooked turkey breast:

How long does it take to cook a fully cooked turkey breast?

Cooking time depends on size, but estimate 20-25 minutes per pound at 325°F oven temperature. Turkey breast is done at 165°F internal temperature.

Can you cook frozen fully cooked turkey breast?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw first for even heating. Thaw 24 hours in fridge per 1 lb turkey. Add 50% more oven time if cooking frozen.

**What’s the best way