Are you craving juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of a whole bird? Look no further than a half turkey breast! This versatile cut is perfect for smaller gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to roast to perfection.
Today, we’ll explore two fantastic recipes for roasted half turkey breast, each with its own unique twist. So, grab your favorite spices, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in some deliciousness!
Recipe 1: Sweet & Savory Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
This recipe from Sweet and Crumby takes a classic approach, infusing the turkey with a fragrant herb paste and a hint of orange. It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients:
- 1 half bone-in turkey breast with skin, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons good olive oil
- One orange thinly sliced
- 2 whole sprigs of rosemary
- 4 large washed but unpeeled carrots
- 1-2 cups chicken broth or white wine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped herbs, salt, pepper, orange juice, and olive oil to create a paste.
- Rub the paste all over the meat and skin of the turkey, including under the skin.
- Tuck the orange slices and rosemary sprigs under the skin.
- Cut the butter into small pats and place them over the skin and meat.
- Arrange the carrots in a roasting pan, placing the turkey on top.
- Pour the broth or wine into the pan, adding any remaining orange pieces.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.
- Tent the turkey with aluminum foil and roast for 45 minutes.
- Remove the tent and continue roasting for another 30 minutes, or until the thermometer reads 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Recipe 2: Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
This recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch focuses on a simple yet flavorful herb butter that infuses the turkey with incredible moisture and taste. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer a more straightforward approach.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole or half bone-in turkey breast (or boneless)
- Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Thaw the turkey completely if frozen.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Loosen the skin and spread a spoonful of herb butter under it, covering both sides of the breast.
- Spread the remaining herb butter over the entire outside of the turkey.
- Place the turkey in a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Roast for approximately 14-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Turkey Breast:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked turkey can be dry and tough.
- Let it rest: Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
- Get creative with seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Use leftover turkey: Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, and more!
How to Cook a Turkey Breast Half in the Oven
FAQ
Do you cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
Roast a bone-in, two to two and a half-pound turkey breast half at 325°F for 60 to 70 minutes. Roast a boneless turkey breast weighing two to three pounds at 325°F for 40 to 60 minutes. Roast a whole, 4- to 6-pound turkey breast at 325°F for 11/2 to 2 1/4 hours. Whole 6- to 8-pound turkey breast should be roasted for 24 to 314 hours at 325°F.
Should a turkey breast be cooked covered or uncovered?
Roast uncovered in accordance with the cooking schedule or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the breast roast and the turkey roast reads 170° F and 175° F, respectively. Wrap the roast in foil and let it stand for 10 minutes after roasting for simpler net removal.
How do you cook a turkey breast so it doesn’t dry out?
Additionally, cooking the turkey breast with foil prevents it from drying out or overcooking. This way, you can cook the turkey breast without constantly basting it. A cooking thermometer IS A MUST!.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast per pound?
How long should a turkey breast be cooked per pound? The answer is straightforward: 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For instance, I roasted my 3-pound turkey breast at 350°F for a total of 60 minutes. Nov 1, 2021.
Is it better to roast turkey at 325 or 350?
A turkey weighing 12 to 14 pounds needs to be baked at 350 degrees. Your meat will be cooked more quickly, and the skin will be crispy. It will also make the meat taste meatier. The best cooking temperature for smaller birds in the oven is 325 degrees. Oct 13, 2022.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast per pound at 350?
How long should a turkey breast be cooked per pound? The answer is straightforward: 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For instance, I roasted my 3-pound turkey breast at 350°F for a total of 60 minutes. Nov 1, 2021.
How long do you cook a turkey breast at 325 degrees?
A 2 to 3-pound turkey will take between 1 1/2 and 2 hours to roast in a 325°F oven when it isn’t stuffed. A 7 to 8-pound turkey will take 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours to cook unstuffed; 3 to 4 hours to cook stuffed.
Do you cook a stuffed turkey breast at 325 or 350?
350 degrees is the ideal oven temperature for roasting a turkey breast. However, 325 degrees can work, but it will take a little longer. The skin won’t be as crisp and may possibly dry out a bit more. 375 degrees is too hot, and the skin will quickly cook. Nov 3, 2022.
Should you cover a turkey breast with foil when cooking?
Butterball advises covering the breasts with a small tent made of aluminum foil after the turkey has cooked for two-thirds of the required time (depending on the size of the bird). The cooking of the turkey breasts will be slowed as a result.
Do you put water in bottom of roasting pan for turkey?
Customers frequently ask about placing water in the bottom of their roasting pans. We advise against pouring water into the pan’s bottom. While steam cooking a turkey is a moist heat-cook technique that is acceptable, it is not the method of choice. “.
Should a turkey breast be cooked on a rack?
Using a rack that is low enough to fit the turkey in the center of the oven, cook at 350° Rotate the pan 180° halfway through cooking—baste if you wish. Cook until a 165° internal temperature, tenting if it browns too quickly. You need a meat thermometer to get this right. Nov 3, 2022.
How do I make sure my turkey breast isn’t dry?
Take the breast out of the oven when it reaches a temperature of 145 to 155 degrees. Keep the dark meat in the oven until it reaches 155 to 165 degrees in the interim. Allow the meat to rest after cooking until it is nearly at room temperature so that the juices can redistribute.
Why is my turkey breast always dry?
Hack the temperature regulations for a juicier bird The U S. The USDA advises cooking turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. However, López-Alt points out that breast meat will dry out at that temperature.
What are 2 ways to keep turkey from drying out?
Add a LOT of butter both before and during the roasting of the bird. It’s key for crispy, flavourful, golden skin. Brine your turkey. Brining is great for maximum flavour. Nov 16, 2022.