How to Cook a Boneless Turkey Breast for a Delicious Meal

Cooking a boneless turkey breast is an easy and delicious way to prepare turkey for your family. Compared to a whole turkey a boneless turkey breast cooks quicker and is easier to handle. Follow these simple steps to roast a moist, flavorful boneless turkey breast.

Ingredients Needed

To cook a boneless turkey breast, you need:

• Boneless turkey breast (about 2-3 lbs)
• Olive oil or butter
• Herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper
• Broth or wine for basting

Make sure to start with a high quality boneless turkey breast with the skin on. The skin will help keep the meat moist and adds delicious crispy texture.

Prepare the Turkey Breast

Take the turkey out of the packaging and pat it dry. Loosen the butcher’s string if needed so it doesn’t cut into the meat while cooking.

Brush the turkey all over with olive oil or butter This helps the skin get crispy and brown,

Generously season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you want. Get the seasoning nicely distributed under the skin as well for full flavor.

You can also rub the turkey breast with a spice blend if desired. Cajun seasoning gives great flavor.

Cook the Turkey Breast

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the seasoned turkey breast skin side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

Roast for about 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours, basting periodically with broth, wine, or melted butter. Basting helps keep the turkey breast juicy.

The turkey is done when an instant read meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F. The skin will be nicely browned and the meat very tender.

Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.

Make an Herb Marinade

You can amp up the flavor by marinating the turkey breast before cooking Try this easy marinade

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper

Combine the ingredients and coat the turkey breast. Let marinate 30 mins – 1 hour in the fridge before roasting.

Broth Basting Options

For basting liquid, use low sodium chicken or turkey broth. You can also use:

• White wine or apple cider
• Melted butter or olive oil
• Chicken broth with minced garlic
• Orange or apple juice

Baste every 30 minutes for maximum moisture and flavor.

Roasted Garlic and Herb Turkey Breast

For a herb-infused turkey breast, try:

• 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Put garlic cloves in a bowl with herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the garlic.

Place herb-coated garlic in the bottom of the roasting pan. Place turkey breast on top.

Roast turkey as directed, basting with pan juices. The roasted garlic adds wonderful flavor to the turkey.

What to Serve with Turkey Breast

A roasted turkey breast makes a perfect entree for dinner or holiday meals. Serve it with:

• Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
• Rice pilaf or bread stuffing
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash
• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy – make with the pan drippings

A boneless turkey breast also makes excellent sandwiches and leftovers to use in soups, casseroles, and wraps. Slice it for easy turkey sandwiches.

How to Tell Doneness

Since a boneless turkey breast cooks more quickly than a whole turkey, use these tips to test for doneness:

• Instant read thermometer should read 165°F
• Meat should be fork tender
• Juices run clear when pierced
• Skin is nicely browned

If the temperature is at 165°F but it doesn’t seem done, let it keep roasting until fork tender. Carry over cooking will finish it.

Cooking Tips

Follow these tips for the best results when roasting your turkey breast:

• Start with a cold oven – do not preheat
• Cook at 350°F to prevent overbrowning
• Use a rack in a broiler pan for air circulation
• Tent with foil if browning too fast
• Baste every 30 minutes
• Let rest before slicing into thick cutlets

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and juicy boneless turkey breast your whole family will love. Enjoy this easy roasted turkey breast recipe!