Thanksgiving, or any special occasion, calls for a centerpiece dish that’s both impressive and delicious. While a whole turkey can be daunting, a turkey breast offers a fantastic alternative that’s easier to manage, quicker to cook, and just as satisfying. This guide will show you How To Cook A Turkey Breast that’s incredibly juicy, packed with flavor, and complemented by a perfect, foolproof gravy.
For many home cooks, the thought of roasting a turkey can bring about feelings of stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Especially when you opt for a turkey breast. I’ve spent years perfecting Thanksgiving feasts, and I can tell you that focusing on a turkey breast can be a game-changer. It allows you to enjoy the classic flavors of Thanksgiving without the all-day kitchen marathon. Plus, let’s be honest, for smaller gatherings, a whole turkey can lead to days of leftovers that might go uneaten.
Why choose turkey breast? It’s simple: turkey breast cooks faster, is easier to carve, and fits comfortably in a standard refrigerator for thawing. It’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or smaller holiday celebrations when you still crave that traditional turkey taste. And with the right techniques, you can achieve incredibly moist and flavorful results every time.
This recipe focuses on creating a mouthwatering roasted turkey breast with a spiced butter rub. This rub is the secret to infusing the meat with incredible flavor and ensuring a beautifully browned skin. We’ll also walk you through making a “perfect-every-time” gravy using the turkey drippings, guaranteeing a rich and savory sauce to complete your meal.
While whole roasted turkeys have their place, learning how to cook a turkey breast opens up a world of delicious possibilities. You can enjoy turkey more often, not just on special holidays. Think of it as your go-to protein for sandwiches, salads, or a comforting Sunday supper.
My own family often enjoys turkey breast throughout the year. My mom, in particular, is a big fan of turkey breast specifically because she loves making hot turkey sandwiches smothered in gravy. It’s a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of this cut of meat.
To make this roasted turkey breast, we start with a flavorful spiced butter rub. This isn’t just any butter rub; it’s a blend of softened butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic. The combination creates a savory-sweet profile that perfectly complements the turkey. The brown sugar aids in caramelization, resulting in that beautiful golden-brown skin we all crave.
The roasting process is straightforward. We’ll place the butter-rubbed turkey breast on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This allows for even air circulation and crispy skin all around. For a 3 to 4 pound turkey breast, roasting time is approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
While the turkey rests, which is crucial for juicy meat, we’ll turn our attention to the gravy. Using the flavorful drippings from the roasted turkey and combining them with homemade or high-quality stock is the foundation of our perfect gravy. A simple slurry of flour and stock ensures a smooth, lump-free gravy every time.
The result? A perfectly roasted turkey breast that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, all topped with a rich and delicious gravy. It’s a meal that is both impressive enough for a holiday and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Learning how to cook a turkey breast like this will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Easy Roasted Turkey Breast with Perfect-Every-Time Gravy Recipe
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
This easy roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any time you crave delicious, flavorful turkey without the fuss of roasting a whole bird. The spiced butter rub and foolproof gravy make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients:
For the Turkey Breast:
- 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Gravy:
- Drippings from the roasted turkey (approximately 1/4 cup to 2/3 cup)
- 16 ounces chicken or turkey stock
- 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions:
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Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet or inside a roasting pan. Allow the turkey breast to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
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Make the Spiced Butter Rub: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a spreadable paste.
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Apply the Rub: Place the turkey breast on the wire rack. Generously rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast. For extra flavor, gently lift the skin and try to get some of the butter rub underneath as well.
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Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey breast for approximately 90 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
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Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Resting is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
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Make the Gravy: While the turkey rests, prepare the gravy. Pour the drippings from the baking sheet through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, discarding any solids.
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Create a Slurry: In a shaker cup or jar with a lid, combine the chicken or turkey stock and flour. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds until the flour is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth (a slurry). This prevents lumps in your gravy.
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Cook the Gravy: Heat the turkey drippings in the saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the flour slurry, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking and stirring, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 10-20 minutes.
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Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that salt is key to bringing out the flavors. Keep the gravy warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.
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Slice and Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately, generously drizzled with the homemade gravy.
Enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey breast and gravy!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: How Sweet Eats
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