Barbecued Turkey Breast
Juicy, flavorful barbecued turkey breast infused with vinegar and herbs, slow-cooked to tender perfection, ideal for gatherings or hearty family meals served on buns or as main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss the roasting bag with 1 tablespoon of flour and shake to coat.
- Place the turkey breast in the bag and pierce the bag with a fork.
- Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the turkey in the bag.
- Seal the bag securely.
- Bake the turkey at 300°F for 4 to 5 hours.
- Remove the bones from the cooked turkey.
- Shred the meat and add it to the juices remaining in the bag.
- Serve the shredded turkey on buns or as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix. If you want a slightly sweeter taste, you can substitute half of the vinegar with apple cider vinegar. Make sure to pierce the roasting bag well to prevent it from bursting during cooking. Also, allow the turkey to rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep the meat moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shredded turkey on toasted buns for delicious sandwiches, and consider adding toppings like coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like Green Beans Bravo or a crisp salad. Leftover turkey can also be used in casseroles or added to soups like Good Venison Hamburger Soup for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shredded turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the turkey in a pan with a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm it over low heat on the stove. You can also microwave it in short intervals, adding moisture as needed to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Turkey Breast contains roughly 223 calories, with 23g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (184% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and potassium (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
While it's possible to cook a frozen turkey breast, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption from the marinade. If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious to avoid partially cooking the meat.
What can I do if I don't have a roasting bag?
If you don't have a roasting bag, you can use a covered roasting pan or a Dutch oven. Just be sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking. You might need to baste the turkey occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
How do I know when the turkey is done cooking?
The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check. If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink. A longer cooking time at a low temperature helps ensure tenderness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).