How to Cook a Delicious Half Turkey Breast

Cooking a juicy, flavorful half turkey breast may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with the right techniques. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to roasting a perfect half turkey breast.

Ingredients

To start you’ll need

• 1 bone-in, skin-on half turkey breast (2-3 lbs)
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: chicken broth or wine

Prep the Turkey

Take the half turkey breast out of the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove the giblets.

Loosen the skin from the meat gently by sliding your fingers underneath to separate it. This helps the seasoning permeate the meat.

Mix together the softened butter, olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Spoon some of this herb butter underneath the skin, directly on the meat. Rub the rest on top of the skin.

If desired, you can also place the turkey breast in a brine overnight beforehand for extra moisture and flavor.

Roast the Turkey Breast

Preheat your oven to 400°F, Place the seasoned half turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish,

Roast for 15 minutes at 400°F, then turn the heat down to 350°F. Continue roasting approximately 20 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist. You can also add a bit of chicken broth or white wine to the bottom of the pan.

Let It Rest

Once the turkey reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat. If you cut into it too soon, the turkey will dry out.

Carve and Serve

To carve the roasted half turkey breast, first remove it from the bone. Slice against the grain of the meat into 1⁄2 inch slices.

Arrange the sliced turkey on a serving platter with the crispy skin on top. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and gravy.

Turkey Breast Cooking Times

Here are some general time guidelines for roasting a half turkey breast:

• 2 lb breast: roast for 40-45 minutes
• 3 lb breast: roast for 60-70 minutes
• 4 lb breast: roast for 80-90 minutes

However, always rely on a meat thermometer over time to determine doneness, as oven temperatures can vary. Cook until 165°F is reached.

Flavor Variations

There are endless ways to season your turkey breast. Get creative with rubs and herb combinations!

• Lemon herb butter – Add lemon zest and juice to the butter mixture
• Garlic herb butter – Add lots of minced garlic
• Chili lime butter – Mix in chili powder and lime
• Cajun spice rub – Use Cajun seasoning instead of herbs
• Rosemary and sage rub – For a classic flavor
  -Brown sugar and maple glaze – For sweet and savory flavor

Make a Small Turkey Feast

A roasted half turkey breast makes the perfect small holiday meal or Sunday dinner. Pair it with simple sides like:

• Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes
• Stuffing or dressing
• Mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Dinner rolls
• Green bean casserole
• Pumpkin pie for dessert

With these handy tips, you’ll be able to roast a juicy, delicious half turkey breast to perfection. Impress your family and friends with your turkey cooking skills!