As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, many of us are tasked with cooking the star of the show – the turkey! While a whole turkey can seem intimidating cooking a boneless turkey breast is much simpler. Kirkwood makes high-quality boneless turkey breasts that are juicy tender and full of flavor when cooked properly.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook the perfect Kirkwood boneless turkey breast We’ll cover thawing, seasoning, roasting times, determining doneness, carving, and even using those tasty leftovers With my simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have moist, delicious turkey breast on your table in no time!
Thawing Your Kirkwood Turkey Breast
The first step is safely thawing your frozen Kirkwood turkey breast. Don’t worry – this process is easier than you think!
There are three recommended methods for thawing turkey
- In the refrigerator: Place the turkey in a container to catch any drips and thaw in the fridge for 24 hours per 1 pound. For a 5 pound breast, that would be 5 days.
- In cold water: Submerge the breast in its airtight packaging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound is sufficient.
- In the microwave: Follow your microwave’s defrost setting based on the turkey’s weight. Rotate and flip the breast during the process.
Once thawed, the turkey is ready for seasoning and roasting!
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
A simple salt and pepper rub is all you need to bring out the natural flavor of Kirkwood turkey. For extra flavor, try one of these seasoning blends:
- Poultry seasoning – toss the breast in a mixture of sage, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs.
- Lemon pepper – coat the breast in zesty lemon pepper seasoning.
- Rosemary garlic – rub minced garlic, olive oil, and chopped rosemary.
- Cajun style – sprinkle on cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Rub the seasoning all over the breast, being sure to get into every nook and cranny. Let the breast sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature so the seasoning really sinks in.
Roasting to Perfection
Now it’s time to roast! Kirkwood provides cooking times and temperatures to ensure your turkey breast turns out moist and delicious.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the seasoned breast in the pan, skin side up if it has skin.
- Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F:
- 1-1.5 lbs: 60-75 min
- 2-3 lbs: 80-90 min
- 4-6 lbs: 120-150 min
- Baste the breast with melted butter or turkey drippings every 30 minutes for extra moisture and color.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
The roast time varies based on the size of your breast. I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of just relying on time. Speaking of doneness…
Determining Doneness
The best way to determine if your Kirkwood turkey breast is cooked to safe perfection is to use a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to hit bone.
The target safe internal temp is 165°F. Once it hits 160°F, the turkey will continue to cook during the resting period and reach 165°F.
If you cut into the breast and the juices run clear, that’s another sign it’s done. Let the breast rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Carving and Serving
Once your Kirkwood turkey breast is roasted to perfection, it’s time to carve and serve this delicious entrée.
Start by slicing the breast straight down against the grain into thin slices. Arrange the slices neatly on a platter.
I recommend serving the turkey breast warm with classic Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
Leftover carved turkey also makes excellent sandwiches and wraps. Get creative with turkey barbecues, salads, soups, and casseroles too.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover roasted turkey breast is a tasty bonus you’ll look forward to after the big feast. Here are some of my favorite ways to repurpose leftover Kirkwood turkey:
-
Turkey sandwiches – Layer sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato between bread or in a wrap.
-
Turkey salad – Mix diced turkey with mayo, celery, onion, cranberries or grapes, and nuts. Scoop it on bread or greens.
-
Turkey casserole – Combine turkey, vegetables, rice or pasta, and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese and bake.
-
Turkey soup – Simmer sliced turkey, veggies, beans, and seasoning in broth.
-
Turkey tetrazzini – Toss spaghetti with turkey, mushrooms, peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
-
Turkey pot pie – Make a creamy sauce with vegetables and turkey and top with a pie crust.
-
Turkey breakfast – Add diced turkey to eggs, hash browns, or omelets.
See? You can enjoy your Kirkwood turkey for days after the initial feast. Get creative with leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about cooking Kirkwood boneless turkey breast? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
How long does an unthawed breast need to roast?
- Add about 30 minutes to the recommended roasting time if roasting a completely frozen breast. It’s best to thaw it first.
Can I stuff my boneless breast?
- You can place stuffing underneath a boneless breast but do not stuff it into a cavity. The stuffing won’t cook through properly.
What if my breast is too brown but not yet 165°F?
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning but still allow it to roast.
What if my breast is larger or smaller than the times given?
- Always rely on the internal temperature rather than time. Use a thermometer to determine doneness.
Can I roast directly on a rack instead of in a pan?
- Yes, you can place the breast directly on a roasting rack. Use a pan underneath to catch drippings.
Let’s Roast an Amazing Kirkwood Turkey Breast
As you can see, roasting a moist, delicious Kirkwood boneless turkey breast is easy when you follow my step-by-step instructions.
Thaw properly, season generously, roast at 350°F until 165°F, let rest, carve, and serve. Use leftovers in creative ways like sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
This Thanksgiving, simplify your holiday feast with a perfect turkey breast from Kirkwood. Enjoy the scrumptious taste and make memories with family and friends around the table. You’ve got this, chefs!
