Are turkey breasts that are dry getting old for you? Luckily, you can avoid that, and we’ll show you how.
Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked meat with a lot of fat for that long, the fat would melt, leaving the muscle fibers smooth and juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
Turkey breasts can be served less dry if they are brined before they are cooked, but you won’t be able to do that if you don’t have time or room in the fridge to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.
NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. For safety and to make sure the meat is done, the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and the thighs need to be 165°F on the inside.
Honeysuckle White boneless turkey breast is a lean and versatile option perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive holiday centerpieces. Follow this complete guide for tender, juicy turkey breast every time
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast
When selecting a Honeysuckle White turkey breast
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Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person. Sizes range from 1-5 pounds.
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Opt for the freshest breast possible – check the sell-by date.
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Make sure packaging is intact and the breast feels cold and firm.
Prep Steps for Perfect Turkey Breast
Proper prep helps ensure even cooking and great flavor.
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Rinse breast and pat extremely dry with paper towels.
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Trim off any excess fat or skin with a sharp knife,
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Butterfly thicker breasts horizontally for even thickness.
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Gently pound between plastic wrap to an even thickness.
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Brine or marinate for 1-2 hours to boost moisture and flavor.
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Generously coat the breast with oil, then season all over.
Oven Roasting Turkey Breast
Oven roasting is a simple, classic cooking method that results in tender, juicy meat.
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place breast on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Roast 30-40 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Baste occasionally with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
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Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Grilling Your Turkey Breast
The high heat of the grill gives delicious charred flavor.
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Oil the grill grates. Grill over direct heat for 6 minutes per side.
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Move to indirect heat and grill 15-20 more minutes until 165°F.
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Baste with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes.
Sautéing Turkey Breast
Sautéing cooks the breast quickly on the stovetop.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned and 165°F internal temperature.
Air Frying Crispy Turkey Breast
The hot air circulation makes amazingly crispy turkey breast.
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Coat with oil then air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
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Flip and cook 10 more minutes until 165°F internal temp.
Slow Cooking Turkey Breast
Low, moist slow cooker heat results in fall-apart tender turkey.
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Place seasoned breast in slow cooker and add broth or sauce.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours until extremely tender.
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Shred for sandwiches, tacos, soups.
Checking Doneness of Turkey Breast
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Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy – cook to 165°F.
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If over 170°F, the breast will be dry and overcooked.
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Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for redistribution of juices.
Infusing Flavor Into Turkey Breast
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Herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano
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Spices – garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder
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Citrus – lemon, lime, orange
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Sauces – pesto, chimichurri, teriyaki
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Rubs – Cajun, jerk, Mediterranean
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Marinate or rub with oil and seasoning before cooking.
What to Serve with Turkey Breast
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Roasted vegetables – potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots
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Rice pilaf or risotto
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Pasta – mac and cheese, veggie primavera
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Fresh green salad or slaw
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Dinner rolls or biscuits
Leftover Turkey Breast Ideas
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Sandwiches – subs, paninis, wraps
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Salads – chef, Cobb, Greek
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Tacos with avocado and pico de gallo
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Breakfast – omelets, burritos, hash
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Soup – turkey noodle, tortilla, wild rice
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Casserole – turkey tetrazzini
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Grain bowls
Moist and Delicious Honeysuckle White Turkey Breast
With proper preparation, seasoning, and cooking, Honeysuckle White boneless turkey breast delivers tender, juicy results every time. The quick cook time makes it perfect for hectic weeknights, while the versatility allows endless flavor possibilities. Follow these tips for your best turkey breast yet.
Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker
Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. You can use these fast cookers to make tasty and moist turkey breasts because they keep the steam in and cook food quickly. An Instant Pot® also has a slow cooker setting for cooking turkey breasts with low heat.
Learn more about how to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot® or electric pressure cooker here.
Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
A slow cooker cooks turkey slowly over low heat, letting the meat soak up its own juices and marinate. Also, because a slow cooker doesn’t let steam out, it keeps moisture in the pot and the meat, which makes the turkey breasts juicy.
Slow cooking a turkey breast with the bone in can take up to six hours, but the meat is so moist and flavorful that it’s hard to believe. Even better, the hands-off cooking process is so convenient. You only need to put the turkey breast in the slow cooker, close the lid, and set the timer. Then you can wait until the timer goes off.
How to Prepare a Turkey – Honeysuckle White
FAQ
How do you cook a honeysuckle white turkey breast?
Is honeysuckle white turkey a good turkey?
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
Is honeysuckle white turkey breast already brined?
How do you Thaw a honeysuckle white turkey breast?
Thaw your Honeysuckle White turkey breast in the refrigerator before cooking. Place the turkey on a tray, then place the tray on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent the juices from dripping to food below. Allow at least one full day to thaw each 4 lbs. of turkey breast.
How do you cook a turkey breast in a crock pot?
Place the turkey breast on a plate or board and pat it dry with paper kitchen towels. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper until the herbs are distributed throughout the butter. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, top and bottom, making sure every inch is coated in butter.
How do you cook a thawed turkey breast?
Preheat the oven to 325 F and prepare a roasting pan with a rack. Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup if desired. Remove the wrapper (and gravy packet, if any) from the thawed boneless turkey breast. You can leave the butcher’s string on, but loosen it a little so it doesn’t cut into the turkey.