When it comes to holiday meals or even weeknight dinners, a boneless turkey breast recipe offers a fantastic alternative to cooking an entire bird. This lean cut is perfect for those looking for a manageable portion of turkey without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re roasting it for a festive dinner or preparing it with simple herbs for a healthy weeknight meal, boneless turkey breast is versatile, quick, and easy to prepare.
In this article, we’ll cover a variety of methods and seasoning options for cooking boneless turkey breast to perfection. Let’s dive into some delicious, simple-to-follow recipes.
Why Choose Boneless Turkey Breast?
Boneless turkey breast is a great option if you’re cooking for a smaller group or if you prefer lean, white meat. It’s easier to handle than a whole turkey, and you can still get that crispy skin and tender, juicy meat without the hassle of preparing an entire bird. Plus, you can prepare it with a range of marinades, spices, and cooking methods.
Classic Herb-Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast
This herb-roasted boneless turkey breast is an easy go-to recipe, perfect for Sunday roasts or holiday gatherings. Simple yet packed with flavor, this recipe highlights the natural taste of the turkey, elevated with herbs and butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 3-4 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb butter all over the turkey breast, making sure to get it under the skin as well for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during roasting.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the turkey breast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cranberry sauce.
Grilled Boneless Turkey Breast with Lemon and Garlic
For those looking to keep things light and fresh, this grilled boneless turkey breast recipe is ideal for summer barbecues or healthy eating. The lemon and garlic marinade infuses the turkey with bright, zesty flavors, while grilling adds a smoky depth.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 2-3 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the turkey, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let the turkey marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Turkey Breast: Remove the turkey from the marinade and grill it for 5-7 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. The turkey should have beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred exterior.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast
For a set-it-and-forget-it meal, a slow cooker boneless turkey breast is perfect for busy days. This method results in tender, juicy turkey that’s practically falling apart. With minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 3 lbs)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Turkey: Season the turkey breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the turkey breast on all sides until browned.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the seared turkey breast on top, and pour the broth over it.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, such as stuffing, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Stuffed Boneless Turkey Breast
This stuffed boneless turkey breast recipe takes your turkey game to the next level by adding a delicious filling of spinach, garlic, and cheese. It’s perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests with something extra.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (butterflied)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, wilted
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and mix with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Butterfly the Turkey Breast: Lay the turkey breast flat and slice it open to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the Turkey: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly inside the turkey breast. Fold the turkey breast over to enclose the filling, and secure with kitchen twine if needed.
- Roast the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion: Versatile and Delicious Boneless Turkey Breast
With these delicious boneless turkey breast recipes, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this lean, healthy cut of meat. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, slow-cooking, or stuffing your turkey breast, you can create a flavorful and tender meal that everyone will love. Perfect for holiday feasts or everyday dinners, boneless turkey breast is a versatile choice that fits any occasion. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the rich flavors of perfectly cooked turkey breast!