Cooking a frozen turkey breast can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple with some key tips! When done properly, a frozen Butterball turkey breast can turn out incredibly moist, flavorful and delicious – ideal for a smaller holiday gathering or weeknight family dinner.
In this easy-to-follow guide, I’ll walk through step-by-step how to cook a frozen Butterball turkey breast from start to finish. We’ll cover thawing, prep, roasting temp and time, resting, slicing and more. With these helpful instructions, tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook a juicy turkey breast with no guesswork required!
Why Cook a Turkey Breast Instead of a Whole Turkey?
Cooking an entire turkey is definitely festive for large gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas However, a turkey breast is a great option for smaller groups of 2-4 people Here’s some of the benefits of choosing a turkey breast over a whole bird
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Fewer leftovers – With fewer people, you likely won’t need to cook a 10+ lb whole turkey. A 2-3 lb turkey breast is plenty for smaller groups.
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Faster cooking time – Being boneless and smaller, a turkey breast cooks much quicker than a whole turkey Expect around 2-3 hours max for juicy results.
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Easier to prepare – No tricky trussing required! Since there are no legs or wings attached, a turkey breast is simpler to season, prep and cook.
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More white meat – Turkey breasts are 100% lean, delicious white meat. You can skip the dark meat if you prefer white.
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No thawing required – Turkey breasts can cook directly frozen unlike whole turkeys. More on that next!
Do You Need to Thaw a Frozen Turkey Breast?
Here’s some good news – you actually don’t need to thaw a frozen turkey breast before cooking!
Butterball turkey breasts are specially formulated to roast straight from the freezer. This makes prep even easier. Just follow the guidelines below for perfect results:
If cooking from fully frozen:
- Keep turkey in original packaging until ready to cook.
- Do not remove the metal trussing around the breast. This will hold it together as it cooks from frozen.
- Add 30-45 min to the recommended roast time.
If thawing first:
- Thaw breast in fridge for 24-48 hours in original wrap.
- Remove packaging, discard metal trussing and pat dry with paper towels.
- Follow regular roast times.
Thawing first allows you to season the breast under the skin for added flavor. But cooking from frozen works great too. Just watch the time and use a meat thermometer.
How Long to Cook a Frozen Turkey Breast
Exact cook times will vary based on the size of your frozen turkey breast. As a general guideline, keep the times below in mind:
- 1 – 2 lb breast – Bake around 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- 3 – 4 lb breast – Bake around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
- 5 lb or larger – Bake around 4 to 5 hours
For best results, do not rely solely on times. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F for safe consumption.
If cooking from fully frozen, add 30-45 minutes to the times above. And if you did thaw the turkey breast fully in the fridge first, follow the regular times.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting a Frozen Butterball Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for roasting a moist, delicious frozen turkey breast every time:
Ingredients:
- Frozen turkey breast (1-5 lbs or more)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Dry herb rub (like poultry seasoning, rosemary, thyme etc)
- Liquid broth or stock
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from packaging and discard plastic bag. Keep metal trussing on if cooking from frozen.
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Prepare pan by placing turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. The rack elevates it to prevent steaming. Add 1-2 cups liquid (broth, wine, water) to the bottom of the pan.
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Brush turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the skin get crispier. If thawed, you can also rub an herb seasoning directly under the skin.
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Do not cover with foil, as this can make the skin soggy. Roast uncovered for ideal crispiness.
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Roast in oven for recommended time based on weight. Check often and baste with pan juices if thawed. If cooking from frozen, add 30-45 min.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, not just time. Cook until it reaches 165°F minimum for food safety.
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Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Remove netting and slice against the grain of the breast meat. Serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked turkey!
Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Breast
Follow these tips and tricks for a super moist and flavorful roasted turkey breast every time:
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Brine it – Soaking in a saltwater brine infuses flavor and moisture. Brine 12-24 hrs before cooking.
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Cook low and slow – High heat dries out lean turkey breast meat. Roast at 325°F to keep it tender and juicy.
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Use a meat thermometer – This avoids overcooking. Cook to 165°F for food safety.
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Baste with liquid – Baste thawed turkey breasts every 30 min with pan drippings, broth or melted butter.
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Let rest before slicing – Resting allows juices to redistribute for moister meat. Rest 10-15 min before cutting.
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Slice against the grain – Cutting against the grain shortens muscle fibers for more tender bites.
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Make gravy from drippings – Turducken pan drippings make the best, most flavorful gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy for turkey breast to turn out too dry if you’re not careful. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
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Cooking at too high of temperature – Stick to 325°F max for ideal moisture.
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Not using a meat thermometer – This leads to overcooking past 165°F.
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Skipping basting if thawed – Baste every 30 minutes to keep moisture locked in.
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Cutting into breast right away – Always let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
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Carving with the grain – Slicing against the grain keeps meat tender and juicy.
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Forgetting to remove trussing before roasting – Keep frozen truss on but remove if thawed.
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Not roasting on a rack – Elevating it allows air flow for even cooking.
Just keep these mistakes in mind and your turkey breast will turn out perfect every time!
Alternate Cooking Methods Beyond Roasting
Beyond roasting in the oven, you can also cook a frozen Butterball turkey breast using these alternate cooking methods:
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Slow cooker – Cook on low heat 6-8 hours for tender results. Perfect for weeknights.
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Grill – Defrost first. Cook over indirect heat for smoky flavor. Check often to avoid burning.
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Sous vide – Defrost first. Vacuum seal and cook 1-2 hours in water bath for extreme moisture.
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Smoker – Defrost first. Use your preferred wood chips for smoked turkey perfection.
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Air fryer – Defrost first. Fry in batches at 400°F for crispy skin with tender meat.
All of these methods work well, but oven roasting is likely the easiest for most home cooks.
Freezer Storage Tips
Properly freezing turkey breasts allows them to stay fresh for months. Follow these tips:
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Leave breast in original packaging or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap.
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Remove as much air from packaging as possible before sealing.
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Place flat in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Freeze immediately after purchasing for max freshness.
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Avoid repeated thawing and re-freezing which affects texture.
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Store frozen turkey breast for 4-6 months in freezer before use.
With proper freezer storage, you can enjoy delicious Butterball turkey breasts year round!
Get Ready to Enjoy Juicy, Flavorful Turkey
Cooking a frozen Butterball turkey breast couldn’t be simpler. With the step-by-step instructions above and proper roasting, resting, slicing and serving, you’ll have juicy, delicious meat ready to enjoy in no time.
From festive holiday meals to easy weeknight dinners, roast turkey breast is sure to become a family favorite. Just follow the tips above for moist, tender results every time.
