Are turkey breasts that are dry getting old for you? Luckily, you can avoid that, and we’ll 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 meat with a lot of fat for that long, the fat would melt, leaving the muscle fibers smooth and juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
Turkey breasts can be served less dry if they are brined before they are cooked, but you won’t be able to do that if you don’t have time or room in the fridge 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. For safety and to make sure the meat is done, the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and the thighs need to be 165°F on the inside.
Honeysuckle White boneless turkey breast is a lean and versatile choice that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making easy weeknight meals. Follow this complete guide to learn tips for selecting, prepping, seasoning, and cooking tender, juicy turkey breast every time.
Why Choose Honeysuckle White?
Honeysuckle White turkeys are
- 100% natural with no hormones or steroids added
- Minimally processed from humanely raised birds
- Quick-cooking, easy to portion, and extremely lean
- Mildly flavored to take on any seasoning beautifully
Boneless turkey breast works great for roasting, sautéing grilling and more. With a little prep, you can unlock delicious turkey breast any night of the week.
Picking the Right Size
Honeysuckle White boneless turkey breasts come in a few sizes. Figure about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of turkey per person.
Some common sizes are:
- 1-1.5 lbs: Feeds 2-3 people
- 2-3 lbs: Feeds 4-6 people
- 4-5 lbs: Feeds 8-10 people
Buy fresh whenever possible for maximum juiciness. Thaw frozen breast thoroughly 1-2 days before cooking.
Prepping the Turkey Breast
Proper prep helps ensure tender, flavorful results:
- Rinse breast and pat very dry
- Trim off excess fat or skin
- Butterfly thicker breasts for even cooking
- Gently pound to an even thickness
- Brine or marinate 1-2 hours for extra moisture and flavor
- Rub seasoning all over surface before cooking
How to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast
There are several excellent cooking methods to try:
Oven Roast
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Place seasoned breast on rack in roasting pan
- Roast 30-40 min per lb until 165°F internal temp
- Baste with pan juices every 20 minutes
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing
Grill
- Oil grates and grill over direct heat 6 mins per side
- Move to indirect heat and grill 15-20 mins more, basting with sauce, until 165°F
Sauté
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook 4-5 mins per side until browned and 165°F internal temp
Air Fry
- Coat with oil and air fry at 400°F 15 minutes
- Flip and cook 10 more minutes until 165°F
Slow Cooker
- Add seasoned breast and broth/sauce to crock pot
- Cook on low 6-8 hours until extremely tender
- Shred for tacos or sandwiches
Checking Doneness
Always use an instant-read thermometer to check temperature instead of cook time.
- 165°F = Safe to eat, faint pink center
- Over 170°F = Dry and overcooked
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat
Seasoning Ideas
Turkey breast pairs well with endless flavors:
- Herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano
- Spices – garlic, onion, paprika, chili powder
- Citrus – lemon, lime, orange
- Sauces – pesto, chimichurri, teriyaki
- Rubs – Cajun, jerk, Mediterranean
Get creative with marinades, spice blends, and sauces for amazing flavor. Brush with oil or butter before cooking for crispy skin.
What to Serve with Turkey Breast
Turkey breast matches beautifully with all kinds of sides:
- Roasted veggies – potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots
- Fresh green salad or slaw
- Rice pilaf or risotto
- Pasta – veggie primavera, mac and cheese
- Breads – dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread
Serve with gravy or sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
Leftover Turkey Breast Ideas
Leftover roasted or grilled turkey makes quick, delicious meals all week long.
- Sandwiches – clubs, paninis, wraps
- Tacos – with avocado, pico, lime crema
- Salads – Cobb, Greek, chef
- Soups – turkey noodle, turkey wild rice
- Breakfast – omelets, burritos, hash
- Casseroles – turkey tetrazzini, turkey stuffing
Add to grains, flatbreads, nachos, pizza and more!
Get Cooking with Honeysuckle White!
With a few simple tricks, you can make incredibly juicy, flavorful boneless turkey breast. Experiment with cooking methods and spice rubs for amazing homemade taste. Satisfy your family any night of the week with delicious Honeysuckle White turkey breast.
Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker
Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. You can use these fast cookers to make tasty and moist turkey breasts because they keep the steam in and cook food quickly. An Instant Pot® also has a slow cooker setting for cooking turkey breasts with low heat.
Learn more about how to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot® or electric pressure cooker here.
Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
A slow cooker cooks turkey slowly over low heat, letting the meat soak up its own juices and marinate. Also, because a slow cooker doesn’t let steam out, it keeps moisture in the pot and the meat, which makes the turkey breasts juicy.
Slow cooking a turkey breast with the bone in can take up to six hours, but the meat is so moist and flavorful that it’s hard to believe. Even better, the hands-off cooking process is so convenient. You only need to put the turkey breast in the slow cooker, close the lid, and set the timer. Then you can wait until the timer goes off.
How to Prepare a Turkey – Honeysuckle White
FAQ
How do you cook a honeysuckle white turkey breast?
Is honeysuckle white turkey a good turkey?
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
Is honeysuckle white turkey breast already brined?
How do you Thaw a honeysuckle white turkey breast?
Thaw your Honeysuckle White turkey breast in the refrigerator before cooking. Place the turkey on a tray, then place the tray on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent the juices from dripping to food below. Allow at least one full day to thaw each 4 lbs. of turkey breast.
How do you cook a turkey breast in a crock pot?
Place the turkey breast on a plate or board and pat it dry with paper kitchen towels. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper until the herbs are distributed throughout the butter. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, top and bottom, making sure every inch is coated in butter.
How do you cook a thawed turkey breast?
Preheat the oven to 325 F and prepare a roasting pan with a rack. Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup if desired. Remove the wrapper (and gravy packet, if any) from the thawed boneless turkey breast. You can leave the butcher’s string on, but loosen it a little so it doesn’t cut into the turkey.