How to Perfectly Season a Boneless Turkey Breast for Maximum Flavor

Cooking a juicy, flavorful boneless turkey breast may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think with the right seasoning techniques Properly seasoning a boneless turkey breast helps ensure it turns out moist and full of flavor Follow these simple tips for getting the most flavor out of your boneless turkey breast.

Choose a Good Quality Turkey Breast

Start with a high-quality boneless, skin-on turkey breast. The skin helps keep the breast meat moist and juicy as it cooks. Boneless breasts are very lean, so that skin is crucial for preventing dryness. Look for a breast that is at least 2-3 pounds to feed a small gathering.

Prep the Turkey Breast

Before seasoning, remove the turkey breast from packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Make sure to dry under the skin as well. Any moisture on the skin will make it harder for the seasoning to stick.

Make a Flavorful Herb Rub

For maximum flavor, mix up an easy herb rub. Combine 1/4 cup softened butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt-free garlic and herb blend, salt, and pepper. This flavorful blend adds tasty flavor and helps keep the breast meat incredibly moist.

Get Seasoning Under the Skin

Slip your fingers gently under the skin and loosen it from the meat taking care not to tear it. Get some of the herb butter rubbed directly onto the breast meat under the skin. This helps infuse the meat with delicious flavor.

Coat the Skin with the Rest of the Rub

Use the rest of the herb butter to thoroughly coat the outside of the skin. Rubbing seasoning evenly all over the skin helps create a flavorful, crispy exterior on the cooked turkey.

Add Aromatics to the Pan

For even more flavor, place some lemon slices or onion wedges in the bottom of the roasting pan. Lay the seasoned turkey breast on top. As the turkey cooks, the juices will mingle with the aromatics.

Don’t Forget to Baste

Basting helps keep the turkey breast moist and flavorful. Brush some melted butter or turkey drippings over the breast every 30 minutes while it roasts. For a glaze, you can also baste with a mixture of citrus juice, honey, and herbs.

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer

Don’t risk overcooking the breast. Turkey is safely cooked to 165°F. Track the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.

Allow the Turkey to Rest

After roasting, let the turkey breast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb for a juicy, tender result. Tenting it with foil helps keep it warm.

Make Flavorful Gravy

Make a simple pan gravy while the turkey rests. Cook aromatics like shallots in the drippings, then whisk in chicken broth, flour, and cream or milk for an easy, delicious gravy.

Sear for Extra Crispy Skin

For ultra crispy skin, you can sear the breast after roasting. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roasted breast skin-side down for 2-3 minutes until browned and crisped.

Properly seasoning a boneless turkey breast may seem difficult, but just follow these simple tips:

• Choose a good quality skin-on breast
• Thoroughly dry the breast before seasoning
• Make a flavorful herb butter rub
• Loosen the skin and get seasoning underneath
• Completely coat the skin with the rub
• Add aromatics to the roasting pan
• Remember to baste the breast while cooking
• Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness
• Let the breast rest before slicing
• Make easy, delicious gravy from the drippings
• For crispy skin, sear the breast after roasting

With the right techniques, you can get a wonderfully juicy and flavorful boneless turkey breast every time. A tasty herb rub adds lots of flavor, while basting and proper cooking helps keep the meat incredibly moist and tender. Follow these seasoning tips for the best, most flavorful boneless turkey breast you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy this succulent roast turkey any time of year for a delicious meal.