Master 6 different methods for cooking a turkey breast, from the oven to the grill and beyond.

Why Choose Turkey Breasts?

There are many reasons to opt for turkey breasts during Thanksgiving (or any dinner gathering):

1. Perfectly sized for small groups or couples, with plenty of leftovers.
2. It offers the same great turkey flavor as the whole bird, but cooks faster and takes up less fridge space, saving both time and money.
3. Experiment with new recipes as you break free from the restrictions of cooking a whole turkey.
4. More white meat for delicious sandwiches!

Continue reading for expert tips on selecting and preparing a turkey breast, plus eight different ways to cook it.

How to Select and Prepare Turkey Breasts

• Turkey breasts are sold boneless and skinless or bone-in with skin. You can buy a half breast (about 3 pounds) or a full breast (two halves joined at the breast bone). A half breast will feed two to four people, while a full breast will feed six to eight.
• You can brine a turkey breast the same way you would a whole bird to ensure it turns out juicy and flavorful.
• A bone-in turkey breast takes about 20 minutes per pound to cook at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). The internal meat temperature should reach 165 degrees F (75 degrees C); cooking times and temperatures will vary depending on the recipe you follow.

How to Roast a Perfect Turkey Breast

Roasting a turkey breast is a straightforward method, even for beginner cooks. You can enhance the flavor by experimenting with various herbs, glazes, or sauces to keep the meat moist. These instructions are inspired by takestu2tango's Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast. The original recipe comes with gravy, but feel free to make your own gravy using the pan drippings.

Ingredients Needed:

• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt-free garlic and herb seasoning blend (such as Mrs. Dash®)
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (3 pound) turkey breast with skin

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Combine butter, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Place the turkey breast, skin-side up, in a roasting pan. Gently loosen the skin with your fingers. Brush half of the butter mixture under the skin and on top of the turkey (this ensures a crispy skin). Set aside the remaining butter mixture. Loosely cover the turkey with foil.
4. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Brush the remaining butter mixture over the turkey. Return to the oven and continue roasting until the juices run clear or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F, about 30 more minutes.
5. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Optionally, make gravy from the pan drippings.

How to Cook Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot frees up valuable oven space for other dishes like pies, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and casseroles. Even better, it keeps the turkey incredibly juicy. This Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe is ready in just one hour, and you can even cook it straight from frozen by adjusting the cooking time.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 (1 ounce) package onion soup mix, or seasoning of your choosing
• 1 turkey breast, thawed or frozen
• 2 ribs celery, cut into large chunks
• 1 onion, cut into large chunks
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Optional for gravy: 2 tablespoons water
• Optional for gravy: 1 tablespoon cornstarch, or more as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Coat the turkey breast with onion soup mix or your favorite spices. Place it in the inner pot of an electric pressure cooker. Arrange celery and onions around the turkey, then pour chicken broth over it.
2. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions for 30 minutes (50 minutes for frozen turkey).
3. Let the pressure release naturally for about 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
4. Transfer the turkey to a plate and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
5. To make gravy: Mix water and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. Strain the liquid from the pot, return it to the pot, and select the Sauté function. Bring the liquid to a boil, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Whisk for about 3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Serve with the turkey.

How to Cook Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey breast in a slow cooker is a great way to free up oven space, allowing you to set it and forget it. This method gives you more time to focus on other tasks, spend time with loved ones, or even step out for a while. This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe requires only two ingredients, but you can enhance the flavor by adding aromatics like onions or celery, or season to taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 pound) bone-in turkey breast
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
• Optional: 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: Aromatics like onions, celery, garlic, etc.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pat the turkey breast dry. Gently loosen the skin using your fingers. Rub the onion soup mix all over the turkey, both on the outside and under the skin (optional: rub with butter to get extra crispy skin).
2. Place the turkey in the slow cooker. Optional: Add aromatics like onion, celery, or garlic to enhance the flavor.
3. Cover and cook on High for 1 hour, then switch to Low and cook for 7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let the turkey rest for 10 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Cook Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

Cook a split turkey breast in your air fryer to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. Coat it with oil or butter, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs to maximize flavor. This Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe offers that classic oven-roasted taste, but in a fraction of the time. If you prefer brined turkey, check out this Olive-Brined Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe for a tasty twist.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• 2 ¾ pounds skin-on, bone-in split turkey breast

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
2. On a cutting board, combine rosemary, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slice butter into thin pieces and mash them with the herbs and seasonings until well blended.
3. Pat the turkey dry, then rub the herbed butter all over the turkey, including under the skin.
4. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Flip the turkey to skin-side up and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 18 more minutes.
6. Transfer the turkey to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Grill Turkey Breast

Even in sweater weather, you can still fire up the grill! Grilling turkey is a fantastic way to save oven space. This Marinated Turkey Breast recipe blends sweet and savory flavors. If you're cooking a single 3-pound turkey breast half, just halve the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (3 pound) boneless turkey breast halves
• 6 whole cloves
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic, basil, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto the turkey breasts, then insert one clove of garlic into each end and one in the center of the breasts.
2. In another shallow dish, mix vegetable oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Place the turkey breasts in the dish and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to marinate.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat.
4. Lightly oil the grill grates. Discard the marinade and place the turkey breasts on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 15 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How to Fry a Turkey Breast

Breaded and fried turkey breasts are a hit with kids, making Thanksgiving feel a bit like enjoying chicken tenders. Add some dried herbs, paprika, or garlic powder for extra flavor. If you like your breaded turkey crispy, adding a little cornstarch will help the coating crisp up when it hits the hot oil. Keep in mind, this Deep-Fried Turkey Breast recipe needs a 24-hour rest for the spice rub to really flavor the meat.

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 (7 pound) turkey breast
• 2 gallons canola oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the spices together in a plastic container and shake until well combined.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast to coat evenly. Wrap it in aluminum foil and refrigerate for 24 hours.
3. Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while you heat the oil.
4. Heat oil in a large pot (big enough to submerge the turkey breast) to 325°F.
5. Carefully place the turkey into the hot oil, cover, and fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 25 minutes.