Slow cooking a turkey breast in the oven results in incredibly moist, tender meat infused with delicious flavor While roasting a whole turkey is traditional for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, cooking just the breast is an easier and less wasteful option for a smaller gathering
With minimal prep, you can pop a turkey breast in the oven and several hours later have a perfect entree ready with little effort. Follow this complete guide for foolproof tips on selecting, preparing, and cooking turkey breast low and slow.
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast
When shopping for turkey breast to slow cook, opt for a bone-in, skin-on breast half The bone adds flavor as the meat cooks and prevents drying The skin helps keep moisture in and gets crispy.
For 2-4 servings, a 2-3 pound turkey breast half is ideal. Allow about 3/4 pound per person for bone-in and 1/2 pound per person for boneless.
Boneless breasts are quicker cooking but prone to drying out. If using one, roll and tie into an even shape or wrap in bacon to prevent overcooking on thinner ends.
Preparing Turkey Breast for the Oven
Proper prep is key for maximum juiciness and flavor when slow roasting turkey breast.
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Pat the breast dry and rub all over with olive oil or melted butter. Get some under the skin.
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Generously season under the skin, over the skin, and on the underside with salt, pepper, herbs like sage or rosemary, and spice blends.
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For extra moisture and flavor, spread a compound butter under the skin. Make one with herbs, citrus, garlic, etc.
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Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes to an hour as the oven preheats. Or refrigerate overnight for more flavor infusion.
How to Slow Cook Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for roasting tender, juicy turkey breast low and slow in the oven.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 300°F. This low temperature ensures gradual, even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Pan
Place turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup broth, wine or water to the bottom to keep the meat from drying out.
Step 3: Cover and Roast
Cover turkey breast tightly with foil. This traps in steam and moisture. Roast for about 2 hours until 160°F.
Step 4: Uncover and Finish
Remove foil, baste with pan juices. Increase heat to 400°F and roast 10-15 minutes more until 165°F and browned.
Step 5: Rest and Carve
Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving for juicy results. The temp will rise about 10 degrees.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Turkey Breast
Follow these tips and tricks to help ensure your slow roasted turkey breast turns out perfectly cooked with lots of flavor every time.
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Marinate – Soak turkey breast in buttermilk, broth, or a marinade overnight in the fridge for extra moisture and flavor.
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Brine – Submerge turkey breast in a saltwater brine 4-12 hours to boost juiciness and season throughout.
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Stuff – For more flavor, place slices of citrus, garlic, herbs, etc under the skin before roasting.
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Baste – Baste turkey breast every 45 minutes with pan juices, broth, wine, or melted butter.
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Use a thermometer – Cook to 160°F for ideal doneness. Let rest to 165°F. Test temperature in thickest part.
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Rest – Let turkey breast sit at least 15 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Troubleshooting Slow Roasted Turkey Breast
Follow these tips if you run into any issues making turkey breast low and slow in the oven:
Dries out – Cook at too high temp, overcook, roast uncovered, cut before resting
Fix: Cook at 300°F, use thermometer for 160-165°F, cover while roasting, let rest 15+ minutes before slicing
Undercooked – Oven temperature too low, didn’t cook long enough
Fix: Raise oven temp to 325°F, use thermometer to determine doneness
Uneven cooking – One end cooks more than other
Fix: Tie breast into even shape, tent foil over thicker end
Rub burns – Spice rub scorches or chars
Fix: Use less sugar in rub, loosely tent foil over breast
Skin not crispy – Skin is flabby and pale instead of browned and crisped
Fix: Pat skin dry before roasting, rub with oil/butter, broil at end
Serving Slow Cooked Turkey Breast
Let your slow roasted turkey breast shine by accompanying it with sides that highlight the tender, juicy meat:
- Herb Stuffing or Bread Stuffing
- Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes
- Gravy – Use pan juices
- Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Vegetables like Brussels Sprouts or Carrots
- Dinner Rolls
- Green Salad or Green Bean Casserole
And don’t forget dessert! Pumpkin or pecan pie make tasty options.
What to Do With Leftover Turkey
Leftover turkey breast is perfect for easy meals throughout the week. Get creative with these tasty turkey recipes:
- Turkey Salad Sandwiches – Shred with mayo, celery, onion, cranberries
- Turkey Tetrazzini – Turkey, pasta, cream sauce, cheese casserole
- Turkey Noodle Soup – Shredded turkey, veggies, broth, noodles
- Turkey Enchiladas – Shredded turkey, cheese, sauce, tortillas
- Turkey Pot Pie – Turkey, veggies, sauce, biscuit topping
- Turkey Curry – Cook turkey in curry sauce, serve over rice
Freeze sliced or shredded turkey for up to 3 months. Use to make the recipes above, in soups, casseroles, pasta dishes and more as the weeks go on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your common questions about slow roasting turkey breast in the oven.
What temperature should I cook turkey breast at?
Cook at 300-325°F to ensure even, gradual cooking. High heat causes drying.
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
Cook 2-3 hours for a 2-3 pound bone-in breast until 160°F internally.
Should I brine or marinate turkey breast?
Yes, for added moisture and flavor. But it’s not required if seasoning well.
Do I need to cover turkey breast while it cooks?
Yes, cover with foil to keep steam in and prevent drying out.
Do I need to rest turkey breast before carving?
Yes! Rest 15-20 minutes so juices redistribute for moist meat.
Can I stuff turkey breast?
No, stuffing slows cooking. Cook stuffing separately for food safety.
Is roasted turkey breast done at 165°F?
Yes, 165°F is the safe minimum internal temperature for poultry.
Can I roast turkey breast from frozen?
No, defrost fully in the fridge 1-2 days before roasting for food safety.
Conclusion
Slow roasting turkey breast in the oven results in deliciously tender and flavorful meat when done right. With the proper prep, temperature, cook time, and resting, you’ll have juicy, crave-worthy turkey breast ready for your next special meal. Follow this guide for perfect turkey breast every time.
