How to Roast a Split Turkey Breast for a Perfectly Juicy and Tender Meal

Roasting a split turkey breast is a great way to enjoy delicious and moist turkey meat without having to cook a whole bird. A split breast is simply one half of a turkey’s breast meat, usually with the bone still attached. It’s the perfect size for feeding a smaller gathering, and roasting it is simple. With just a few tips, you’ll have tender, juicy meat with crispy roasted skin every time.

Benefits of Cooking a Split Turkey Breast

There are several advantages to roasting a half turkey breast rather than a whole turkey:

• Smaller size – A split breast is only about 2-4 pounds compared to a 10-20 pound whole turkey. It’s easier to handle and roasts more quickly.

• Less waste – With just the breast meat there is very little waste. No need to deal with excess skin, wings, drumsticks etc.

• Quick cooking time – A boneless breast may take only 50-60 minutes to roast. Bone-in will be 1-1.5 hours. Much faster than roasting a full turkey for 3-4 hours.

• Easier carving – Carving a full turkey can be tricky, but a split breast has a simple shape which is easy to carve.

• White meat only – The breast meat is lean and tender. Perfect if you prefer white over dark meat.

• Moist and flavorful – Brining, herbs, and basting help keep split breasts very juicy, with crisp skin.

Keys to Roasted Turkey Breast Success

Follow these simple tips for roasting turkey breast with excellent results:

Select the right size – Plan on about 1/2 pound per person. A 2-3 pound breast will feed 4-6, while a 4 pound breast can serve up to 8.

Prep the pan – Place a roasting rack in a shallow pan and lightly coat with oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Brine if desired – Soaking in a saltwater brine infuses flavor and moisture. 1 tsp salt per cup of water for 1-2 hours.

Apply flavor – Rub the breast with oil and season well with herbs, spices, salt and pepper. Herb butter under the skin is also delicious.

Roast at moderate heat – Cook at 350°F, allowing 20 minutes per pound. Higher heat will dry out the meat.

Baste frequently – Baste with pan drippings, stock or wine every 20 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.

Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches 160-165°F. Let it rest before slicing.

Slice against the grain – Cut thin slices across the grain for tender meat. Keep the crispy skin attached.

Step-By-Step Guide to Roasting a Split Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for roasting turkey breast to juicy perfection:

1. Prepare the Breast

• Remove breast from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

• Carefully loosen the skin from the meat without detaching, and rub herb butter or oil underneath.

• Season all over with salt, pepper and any additional herbs or spices. Brush with oil or melted butter.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.

• Set a roasting rack inside a shallow roasting pan and lightly grease the rack with oil or butter.

3. Roast the Turkey Breast

• Place seasoned turkey breast skin-side up on the rack.

• Roast for 20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.

• Baste with pan drippings every 20 minutes to keep the turkey breast moist.

• If the skin browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

4. Allow Turkey to Rest

• When breast reaches desired temp, remove pan from oven.

• Loosely cover with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

5. Carve and Serve

• Carefully transfer breast to a cutting board and slice across the grain into 1/2 inch slices.

• Arrange slices on a platter with the crispy skin still attached. Spoon over any pan juices.

• Serve warm with favorite side dishes and gravy. Enjoy!

Cooking Times for a Split Turkey Breast

The exact roasting time will depend on the size of your turkey breast:

• 2 pound breast – Roast for 40-50 minutes

• 3 pound breast – Roast for approximately 1 hour

• 4 pound breast – Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

Always rely on an instant-read meat thermometer rather than time to determine doneness. Cook to an internal temperature of 160-165°F.

Allow the breast to rest for 15 minutes before carving so the juices can redistribute. The temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees during this time.

Flavor Ideas for Seasoning Turkey Breast

In addition to classic poultry seasoning, get creative with these seasoning ideas:

• Herb butter – parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage and garlic softened into butter

• Lemon and herb – lemon zest plus thyme, oregano, marjoram

• Cajun blackening seasoning – paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, thyme and oregano

• Italian seasoning – rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder

• Jerk seasoning – allspice, thyme, cloves, nutmeg, chili peppers

• Southwest rub – chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, lime

• Moroccan spices – cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne

• Greek – lemon, oregano, garlic, parsley, mint

• Apple and sage – fresh chopped sage and grated apple

FAQs About Roasting Split Turkey Breasts

Should I brine the turkey breast before roasting?

• Brining is optional, but recommended to help keep the breast meat moist and flavorful. Dissolve 1 tablespoon kosher salt per cup of water or broth. Submerge the breast for 1-2 hours. Rinse and pat dry before seasoning.

What temperature should I roast a turkey breast at?

• Roast at a moderate 350°F. High heat will cause the delicate breast meat to dry out quickly.

How long should I let a turkey breast rest before carving?

• Let it rest at least 15-20 minutes tented loosely with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.

Can I roast a frozen turkey breast?

• Only roast fully thawed turkey breasts. Frozen breasts may not cook evenly. Thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before roasting.

What’s the best way to slice turkey breast?

• Carve into thin slices across the grain of the meat. This yields the most tender bites of meat. Keep the crispy skin attached.

Roasting a bone-in split turkey breast is one of the easiest ways to enjoy tender, juicy turkey meat any time of year. With the simple tips in this guide, you’ll have delicious results in under 2 hours. Enjoy this classic roast alongside your favorite holiday side dishes for a meal to remember.