Turkey breast is a lean, versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes When sliced and cooked properly, turkey breast makes for tender, juicy, and flavorful meals the whole family will love Here’s a complete guide on how to cook sliced turkey breast.
Selecting and Preparing the Turkey Breast
When buying turkey breast for cooking, look for a breast half with the skin on and bones intact The bones help keep the meat moist and the skin prevents drying Choose an equal thickness throughout with minimal fat or cartilage. Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
To prepare the turkey breast for cooking, first remove the skin and trim off any excess fat or cartilage with a sharp knife. Slice the breast across the grain into even cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick. Cutting against the grain of the meat fibers helps ensure tenderness after cooking.
Seasoning the Turkey Breast
For the most flavorful turkey breast, it’s important to season the meat properly before cooking. Here are some simple seasoning ideas:
- Coat both sides of the slices in olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, and spices like garlic powder.
- Make a quick wet rub by combining olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the turkey slices in the mixture.
- For a flavor boost, marinate the sliced turkey breast for 30 minutes up to overnight in a zip-top bag with a marinade made from olive oil, vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, mustard, and seasoning.
Cooking Methods for Turkey Breast
There are several easy cooking methods that work well for preparing sliced turkey breast:
Pan-Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Baste the slices with butter or olive oil as they cook for added moisture and flavor.
Bake: Arrange the seasoned turkey slices on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until no longer pink inside. Baste with pan juices during baking.
Grill: Oil the grill grates and grill the turkey slices over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat, close the lid, and grill for 5-7 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Air Fry: Spray turkey slices with oil and air fry at 380°F for 9-12 minutes, flipping once, until browned and cooked through. Baste with oil or glaze during cooking for added flavor.
Slow Cooker: Place seasoned turkey slices in a slow cooker with broth, onions, herbs and cook on low for 3-4 hours until tender. Shred with two forks for use in casseroles, sandwiches, salads and more.
Internal Temperature
Regardless of cooking method, always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast. Cook until it reaches 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Resting and Slicing the Cooked Breast
Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Use a sharp knife to cut the cooked breast across the grain into thin slices.
Serving Ideas
Sliced, cooked turkey breast is endlessly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Pile sliced turkey with fixings on sandwiches or wraps.
- Toss with salad greens, veggies, cheese, and dressing for main-dish salads.
- Stir into pastas, rice bowls, soups, and chili.
- Top pizzas, nachos, baked potatoes, and more.
- Meal-prep turkey breast slices as high-protein snacks.
With proper preparation and simple cooking techniques, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey breast meals anytime. Experiment with different seasonings and serving ideas for tasty variety.
How to tell when turkey cutlets are done:
The FDA recommends cooking turkey until it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees F. However, since turkey cutlets are so thin, it’s nearly impossible to use a thermometer effectively.
Instead, cut into the center of the cutlet. If any pink color has disappeared and the juices run clear, the meat is done.
In lieu of cutting into all of the cutlets, I like to push down on the meat with my index finger. For tender meat, there should be a little bit of “give”. If the turkey is very firm, it is likely overcooked.
What are turkey cutlets?
Turkey cutlets are thin, boneless slices of turkey breast. They are either sliced very thin (typically about ½-inch thick) or sliced a little thicker, then pounded thin.
They are sold in the meat/butcher section of many grocery stores. I typically buy them at Trader Joe’s. Actually, I buy multiple packages and stash them in the freezer to have on hand for weeknight meals.
Since they are so thin, turkey cutlets cook very quickly, making them ideal for easy meals. A couple of minutes per side in a hot skillet is all it takes.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
How do I cook store bought turkey slices?
Is sliced turkey already cooked?
How long does it take for turkey breast to cook?
How do you cook a Sliced turkey breast?
Place the sliced turkey breast in a baking dish, making sure to arrange them in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and crispy edges. Drizzle some olive oil over the turkey slices, making sure to coat both sides. The oil helps to keep the turkey moist and adds a fantastic flavor.
How to cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Coat turkey with olive oil and rub it in the spice mixture. Place the turkey breast in the baking pan, on top of 3 or 4 aluminum foil balls. Cook it at 350 degrees for 90 minutes, until its internal temperature is 165-170 degrees. Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it with foil. Finally, allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing it.
How do you cook turkey breast cutlets in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Lightly brush both sides of the turkey breast cutlets with olive oil to help them retain moisture during cooking. Season the cutlets with your preferred seasonings.
What temperature should Sliced turkey breast be cooked at?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for cooking sliced turkey breast. This temperature ensures even cooking and helps to maintain the moisture in the meat. How long should I cook the turkey breast in the oven? The cooking time for sliced turkey breast depends on its thickness.