How to Cook a Juicy, Flavorful Boneless Turkey Breast

Cooking a boneless turkey breast may seem intimidating but it’s actually quite easy with the right techniques. A beautifully roasted turkey breast makes for an impressive centerpiece without all the hassle of cooking a whole bird. Follow these simple steps for moist, flavorful homemade turkey every time.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 3-5 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey Breast

Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin from the meat, being careful not to tear it.

2. Make the Herb Rub

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully incorporated

3. Rub the Seasonings Under the Skin

Use your fingers to rub the herb mixture evenly under the skin, massaging it into the meat. Rub any leftover herbs directly onto the skin.

4. Tie the Turkey Breast

To ensure even cooking, tie the turkey breast into a uniform shape with kitchen twine. Tie one piece of twine horizontally around the center and one vertically around the thick end.

5. Roast Uncovered at 400°F

Place the tied turkey breast directly on the rack of a roasting pan. Roast uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes.

6. Reduce Heat and Continue Roasting

After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Roast for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.

7. Allow to Rest Before Carving

Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and loosely tent the turkey breast with foil. Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will rise 5-10 degrees during this time for juicier meat.

8. Remove the Twine and Carve

Snip off and remove the twine. Use a sharp carving knife to slice the turkey breast. Serve warm.

Turkey Breast Cooking Times

• 1 lb breast: 30-35 minutes
• 2 lb breast: 45-55 minutes
• 3 lb breast: 60-70 minutes
• 4 lb breast: 75-90 minutes
• 5 lb breast: 90-105 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, not just cooking times. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F. The USDA recommends 165°F for safety.

Turkey Breast Roasting Tips

Brush with butter or oil – Baste the turkey breast every 30 minutes with melted butter or olive oil for added moisture and flavor.

Use an oven-safe rack – Place the turkey directly on a V-rack inside a roasting pan so the underside doesn’t stew in juices.

Cook stuffing separately – For food safety, cook stuffing in a casserole dish rather than inside the breast.

Make gravy from drippings – After removing the turkey, add broth to the pan drippings for an easy, flavorful gravy.

Let it rest before carving – Resting allows juices to redistribute for moister meat. Don’t skip this step!

Carve across the grain – Slicing against the grain makes turkey more tender. Change knife angle as you move across.

Store leftovers properly – Refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Freeze for longer storage.

Alternative Seasoning Ideas

Mix up the flavors by using different herb combos, spices, citrus, mustard, or pesto under the skin. Get creative!

• Lemon & thyme
• Sage & garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• Jerk seasoning
• Greek seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika & cumin
• Dijon mustard & rosemary
• Sundried tomato pesto
• Orange zest & oregano

A boneless turkey breast is so versatile and easy to customize to your tastes. Skip the whole turkey and enjoy juicy, flavorful white meat without any of the carving hassle. With these simple tips, you’ll have a beautiful golden brown turkey breast on your table in under 2 hours. Impress your family with your cooking skills this holiday season.