When it comes to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, turkey is a staple dish. While cooking a whole turkey can be overwhelming, cooking a boneless turkey breast can be a great alternative. It’s easier, takes less time, and can be equally delicious. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a boneless turkey breast, step by step.
What You Will Need
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment:
- 1 boneless turkey breast (3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- A meat thermometer
- A baking dish
- A sharp knife
Step by Step Guide
Now that you have everything ready, let’s begin cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure you have enough space in your oven for the baking dish that you will use.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If there are any visible fat or skin, remove them with a sharp knife.
Step 3: Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure it is evenly coated.
Step 4: Place the Turkey in a Baking Dish
Place the turkey breast in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Make sure the foil is tight so that the turkey doesn’t dry out.
Step 5: Bake the Turkey
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). To check the temperature, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone.
Step 6: Rest the Turkey
Once the turkey is cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to be distributed evenly throughout the meat.
Step 7: Carve the Turkey
Using a sharp knife, slice the turkey breast against the grain into even slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Perfect Boneless Turkey Breast
To make sure your boneless turkey breast turns out perfectly, here are some tips you can follow:
- Make sure to pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Don’t over-season the turkey breast. A simple mixture of olive oil and herbs is enough to add flavor to the meat.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the turkey from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Overcooked turkey can be tough and dry.
- Let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to distribute throughout the meat.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to cook a boneless turkey breast?
A: A 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to cook at 375°F (190°C). However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the breast and your oven.
Q: Can I use a different seasoning for the turkey?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite seasoning for the turkey. Just make sure not to over-season the meat.
Q: Can I cook a boneless turkey breast in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook a boneless turkey breast in a slow cooker. However, the cooking time will be longer than baking it in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze leftover turkey breast?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey breast for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
Now that you know how to cook a boneless turkey breast, give it a try on your next holiday dinner. It’s easy, delicious, and your guests are sure to love it!