Cooking a juicy, flavorful boneless turkey breast in a rotisserie oven can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with some basic guidance. In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from prepping the turkey breast to seasoning it perfectly. Follow these tips and you’ll have tender, rotisserie-style turkey breast ready for your next meal.
What You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless turkey breast (2-4 lbs)
- Rotisserie kit or poultry roasting rack
- Rotisserie oven or countertop rotisserie cooker
- Butcher twine
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Seasoning and Marinating
Before cooking your turkey breast you’ll want to season it with your favorite spices herbs, and marinades. Here are some tasty options to consider
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Herb rub: Combine dried thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently rub the mixture all over the turkey.
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Cajun spice Use paprika cayenne garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper to give it some kick.
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Maple glaze Whisk together maple syrup brown sugar mustard, and cinnamon and brush over the turkey.
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Garlic herb marinade: Soak the turkey in a blend of olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper for added moisture.
Let the turkey marinate in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, or up to overnight, turning occasionally to evenly distribute the flavors.
Trussing and Securing
To ensure even cooking, the turkey breast needs to be trussed and secured to hold its shape on the rotisserie. Here’s how:
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Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Tuck the wings under and tie them in place with twine.
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Make sure any excess skin or fatty areas are neatly tucked under to prevent burning.
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Tie lengths of twine horizontally around the thickest part of the breast to hold it compact.
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Thread the vertical rotisserie skewer through the thickest section of the breast to keep it centered.
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Secure the turkey snugly to the rotisserie rack according to your device’s instructions. It should fit closely without slipping.
Rotisserie Cooking Time and Temperature
With the turkey breast properly trussed and seasoned, it’s time for the rotisserie cooking. Use these guidelines:
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Preheat the rotisserie oven or cooker to 325°F.
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Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound. A 3 lb breast will take 60-75 minutes.
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Baste periodically with pan juices or marinade for extra moisture and flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F at the thickest part when done.
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If needed, loosely tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
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Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Carving and Serving
With a sharp knife, carefully slice the turkey breast across the grain into thin slices. Be sure to remove any twine. Serve the juicy rotisserie turkey breast warm with your desired side dishes and sauces.
Here are some delicious ways to serve up your home-cooked turkey:
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Layer on sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and aioli.
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Toss chunks into salads, pasta, rice bowls, or soup.
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Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
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Pile high on nachos and top with cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
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Stuff into quesadillas or enchiladas along with peppers and cheese.
Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Slice and freeze any remaining turkey in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Rotisserie Turkey Breast Tips
Follow these extra pointers for roasting turkey breast perfection:
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Choose boneless, skinless breasts for easier cooking and healthier eating.
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Brine the breast in saltwater beforehand for extra moist, seasoned meat.
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Rub the skin with oil or butter if leaving it on for crispiness.
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Use apple, cherry, hickory or maple wood chips in a smoker box for flavor.
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Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest section to accurately gauge doneness.
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Let the breast rest before slicing to allow juices to re-absorb for maximum juiciness.
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Save the carved bones and pan drippings to make turkey stock.
Common Rotisserie Turkey Questions
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in a rotisserie?
Cooking time depends on the size of the breast, but plan on approximately 20-25 minutes per pound at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer for doneness.
What temperature should I cook the turkey breast to?
Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I stuff a boneless turkey breast?
Stuffing the cavity of a boneless breast is difficult. Instead, bake stuffing in a casserole dish alongside the rotisserie turkey.
What if my rotisserie turkey breast is dry?
Ensure you are not overcooking, baste frequently, brine beforehand, and let rest before slicing. Also, check that the breast is centered on the skewer.
How should I prepare and season the turkey?
Pat dry, tuck in wings, truss with twine, and coat all over with herbs, spices, oil, sauces, or a marinade before cooking for extra flavor.
Enjoy Juicy Rotisserie-Style Turkey at Home
Cooking boneless turkey breast in a rotisserie oven results in tender, succulent meat full of flavor. With the proper technique, seasonings, and cooking time, you can enjoy delicious rotisserie-quality turkey breast right from your own kitchen. Use this complete guide for tips on preparing, seasoning, trussing, cooking times and temperatures. In no time, you’ll be serving up juicy, rotisserie-style turkey breast that looks and tastes like it came fresh from the deli.
How to Rotisserie a Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a boneless turkey breast on a rotisserie?
How long does it take a turkey to cook on a rotisserie?