Are you tired of serving dry turkey breasts? Fortunately, it can be avoided and we are here to show you how.
Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked fatty meat for that long, the fat would melt during the cooking process, lubricate the muscle fibers, and keep the meat juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
You can avoid serving dry turkey breasts by wet or dry brining before cooking, but that won’t be feasible if you don’t have the time or fridge space to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.
NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. Internal temperature needs to be 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and in the thighs to ensure doneness and food safety.
Boiling turkey breast is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this versatile lean protein. When done right, boiling can yield exceptionally moist, tender and delicious turkey breast perfect for all kinds of meals.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to master the art of boiling turkey breast including
- Benefits of boiling turkey breast
- Choosing the right cut
- Prepping and seasoning techniques
- Step-by-step boiling instructions
- Ensuring proper doneness
- Keeping it moist and flavorful
- Infusing flavor into the meat
- Using the cooked turkey breast
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
So whether you’re cooking up a weeknight dinner or meal prepping turkey for easy lunches and dinners read on for pro tips to help you boil turkey breast like a seasoned pro.
Why Choose Boiling?
There are several excellent reasons to choose boiling over other cooking methods for preparing turkey breast:
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It’s fast and simple – Boiling takes much less active cooking time than roasting or baking. You simply submerge the meat in simmering liquid and let it gently cook through.
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Tender, juicy results – The moist heat environment of boiling gently cooks the turkey breast, keeping it nice and tender while helping it retain moisture.
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Infuses flavor – Boiling allows you to add aromatics like herbs, onions, garlic right into the cooking liquid so they infuse the turkey breast with extra flavor.
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Versatile end product – Boiled turkey can be used in all kinds of recipes from sandwiches, salads and wraps to casseroles, soups, pastas and more. It also shreds nicely for dishes like turkey chili.
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Makes tasty broth – The cooking liquid becomes a flavorful turkey broth perfect for making gravy, soup bases, and more.
So for a fast weeknight dinner or for batch meal prepping, boiling is one of the easiest and most foolproof cooking methods for juicy, delicious turkey breast.
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast
To end up with the very best boiled turkey breast results, it’s important to start with a high quality piece of meat:
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Fresh vs frozen – Fresh turkey breast will cook more evenly. If using frozen, be sure to thaw fully in the fridge before cooking.
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless turkey breasts are quicker and easier. Bone-in may have a bit more flavor but require longer cooking times.
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Skin on or off – Skinless is lower fat, but skin-on has more flavor and richness. The skin can always be removed after cooking if desired.
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Size – Larger turkey breasts over 2 lbs may require extra cooking time. Stick to 1-2 lb breasts for quickest, easiest boiling.
Once you’ve selected the ideal turkey breast for your needs, it’s time to get it prepped and ready for the pot.
Preparing Turkey Breast for Boiling
Proper prep is crucial for ensuring your turkey breast cooks evenly all the way through and absorbs loads of flavor. Follow these steps:
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Rinse – Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Trim – Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat or sinew.
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Season – Generously rub the turkey all over with salt, pepper and any other dry seasoning or spices.
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Add aromatics – Stuff the turkey cavity with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, citrus slices or other aromatics for extra flavor.
Your turkey breast is now all set for the boiling pot!
Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Turkey Breast
Follow this simple process for perfectly boiled turkey breast every time:
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Add water to a large pot – How much water you need depends on the size of your turkey breast. The meat should be fully submerged with some room to spare. For a 2 lb breast, use at least 6 cups of water.
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Bring water to a boil – Heat the water over high heat until rapidly boiling. This helps the turkey cook fast and evenly.
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Add turkey and aromatics – Gently lower the seasoned turkey breast into the boiling water. Add any aromatics like peppercorns, herbs, garlic, etc.
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Reduce heat and simmer – Once the water returns to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Cook until done – Simmer the turkey breast approximately 20 minutes per 1 lb weight. It should register 165°F on an instant read thermometer.
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Remove and rest – Use tongs to transfer the turkey to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing into it.
And your perfectly boiled turkey breast is ready to enjoy!
Ensuring Proper Doneness
With poultry, proper doneness is critical both for taste and safety. Follow these tips:
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Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast. It should reach 165°F minimum.
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If underdone, return the turkey to the simmering water for 5-10 more minutes until 165°F.
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If overdone, the turkey breast will be dry and stringy. Watch it closely and pull it at the first signs of doneness.
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Let the turkey rest at least 10 full minutes before slicing into it to allow juices to redistribute.
Taking the temperature is the best way to guarantee your boiled turkey breast is cooked through fully and safe to eat.
Keeping the Turkey Breast Moist
Overcooking is one of the main culprits of dry, stringy boiled turkey. Follow these tips to keep it nice and moist:
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Don’t cook too long – Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes, even for a larger breast.
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Use a low simmer – A high rolling boil can cause the meat to seize up and dry out. Gentle bubbles are best.
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Allow to rest – Resting lets the juices redistribute for moister meat. Never skip this step.
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Add liquid when reheating – Moisten leftovers with broth, water, gravy or sauce to prevent drying out.
Following the recommended cook times and constantly monitoring for doneness will prevent overcooking for tender, juicy meat.
Infusing Flavor into the Turkey
One of the best parts of boiling is how it allows you to infuse tons of flavor right into the turkey breast. Try these easy ways to pump up the flavor:
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Add aromatics – Onions, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, citrus slices, fresh herbs all add flavor to the cooking liquid.
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Use broth – Chicken or turkey broth instead of plain water adds way more flavor.
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Season the meat – Generously coat the turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, dried herbs before cooking.
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Use fresh herbs – Stuff the turkey cavity with parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary.
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Spice it up – Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander and other spices to the water.
Get creative with the seasoning and aromatics to give your boiled turkey tons of extra flavor. Yum!
Using the Cooked Turkey Breast
Now comes the best part: enjoying your delicious boiled turkey! Here are just a few of the many ways to use it:
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Turkey sandwiches – Slice or shred for sandwiches, subs, wraps, and pitas
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Turkey salads – Dice or shred for healthy turkey salads
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Add to soups – Chop and add to vegetable, noodle, rice or tomato soup
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Turkey casseroles – Mix with vegetables, rice, pasta, cheese and sauce for one-dish bakes
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Turkey tacos – Shred for tasty turkey tacos or burrito bowls
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Turkey stir fries – Quickly sauté sliced turkey breast with veggies and sauce
The possibilities are endless for making use of boiled turkey breast in all kinds of meals! It also stores well for quick lunches and dinners throughout the busy work week.
Common Boiling Mistakes to Avoid
Follow these tips to sidestep some common turkey boiling pitfalls:
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Underseasoning – The hot water dilutes flavors so be generous with salt, spices and aromatics.
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Overcrowding pot – Leave plenty of room for the turkey to cook evenly on all sides.
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Boiling too vigorously – Stick to a gentle simmer to prevent the meat from seizing up.
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Not resting – Letting the turkey breast rest after cooking is crucial for tender, juicy meat.
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Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer and watch pot closely to avoid going past 165°F.
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Reheating incorrectly – Always add liquid to leftovers to keep them from drying out.
With proper technique, close monitoring and a little practice, you’ll be boiling juicy, flavorful turkey breast like a
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Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
A slow cooker uses low heat to slowly cook turkey, letting the meat marinate and simmer in its own juices. Also, since a slow cooker does not release steam, it locks moisture inside the pot and meat to help deliver juicy turkey breasts.
Slow cooking bone-in turkey breast can take five to six hours, but the results are unbelievable – moist and tender turkey meat packed with flavor. Even better, the hands-off cooking process is so convenient. Just place the turkey breast inside the slow cooker, close the lid, set the cooker, and relax until the timer goes off.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Cooking turkey breasts in an oven or grill may be popular, but it can be tedious and unforgiving. You have to keep checking the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you accidentally cook it for a few extra minutes, the turkey could burn or get dry.
On the other hand, cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is very forgiving. Even if the turkey spends an extra hour in the crockpot, the low cooking temperature will help ensure that it doesn’t burn or get dry. Here are more benefits of opting for slow cooker turkey breast:
- Flavorful, tender, and juicy turkey breasts every time
- Minimal prep time – no need to brine
- Hassle-free cooking process – no need to check on it for hours
- Easy to clean up afterward
Lastly, using a slow cooker gives you highly concentrated turkey broth, which you can use to create an excellent gravy.
Before delving into how to cook bone-in turkey breasts in a crockpot, let’s settle the argument of crockpots vs. slow cookers.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does it take to boil a turkey breast?
- Cover the turkey breast with water
- Bring the water to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer
- Cook until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F
How long does it take to boil turkey?
- You can use less water if the turkey is smaller and more tender.
- Cover the turkey and bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- The turkey is ready when the leg can be easily pulled away from the body.
- If you cook the turkey as a separate dish, put it into boiling water to ensure juiciness and higher nutritional value.
- Add water to cover the meat at all times.
How to boil turkey breast for dogs?
This will make it easier for your dog to eat and digest. Place the turkey in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the turkey is thoroughly cooked, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
How long does it take to boil turkey innards?
So while the turkey is roasting the next day, place the neck and giblets into a medium saucepan, cover it with water by about 2 inches, and bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is totally cooked through.
Can You boil turkey breast?
There are several benefits that make boiling one of the best methods for cooking turkey breast: It’s fast and easy – Boiling takes less active cooking time than roasting or baking. You simply submerge the meat in simmering liquid and allow it to cook through.
How long do you cook a 1 lb turkey breast?
Heat water over high heat until rapidly boiling. This helps the turkey breast cook fast and evenly. Gently lower the turkey breast into the boiling water. Add any aromatics like peppercorns, herbs, garlic, etc. Once water returns to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer turkey breast for about 20 minutes per 1 lb.
How do you keep a turkey breast moist while boiling?
To keep the turkey breast moist while boiling, it’s important not to overcook it. Once the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the water and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it. This will help the meat retain its moisture.
How much water do you need to boil a turkey breast?
Your turkey breast is now ready for the boiling pot! Follow this simple process for foolproof boiled turkey breast every time: How much water you need depends on the size of your turkey breast. The meat should be fully submerged with room to spare. For a 2 lb breast, use at least 6 cups water.
How long do you cook a turkey breast in water?
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Submerge the turkey breast in the water and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the turkey breast from the water and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.
Can you add seasoning to boiling turkey breast?
Yes, you can add seasoning to the water when boiling turkey breast. Aromatics such as onion, garlic, and herbs can infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. You can also add salt and pepper to the water for added seasoning. How can I keep the turkey breast moist while boiling?