Perfect Turkey Breast
Juicy turkey breast baked to perfection with savory onions, celery, and flavorful spices, ideal for family dinners or special occasions, offering tender meat with delicious aromatics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Shake flour in a large Reynolds oven cooking bag; place the bag in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Place sliced onion and celery in the bag.
- Rinse, drain, and pat dry the turkey breast.
- Brush the turkey breast with vegetable oil; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the turkey breast in the bag.
- Close the bag with a nylon tie; make 6 (1/2-inch) slits in the top of the bag.
- Insert a meat thermometer through a slit in the bag into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding bone contact.
- Bake for 1 3/4 to 2 3/4 hours or until the meat thermometer registers 175°F.
- Let the turkey stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy skin, consider adding a bit of baking powder to the salt before rubbing it on the turkey. If you don't have vegetable oil, olive oil works well too. Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can incorporate a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup when brushing the turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this turkey breast with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with the Easy Cabbage Dinner for a hearty feast. For a festive touch, consider cranberry sauce or stuffing on the side. This dish can be the centerpiece of your holiday table or a simple family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, place the turkey in a covered dish with a splash of broth in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perfect Turkey Breast contains roughly 231 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (14% 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 cook a frozen turkey breast using this recipe?
It's best to thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking for even results. If you're in a pinch, you can cook from frozen, but it will take longer, and the texture may not be as tender. Allow about 50% more cooking time if cooking from frozen.
What should I do if my turkey breast is not browning?
If the turkey breast isn't browning, ensure that the skin is thoroughly dried before applying oil and seasoning. You can also increase the oven temperature to 375°F in the last 30 minutes of cooking to help achieve a golden color. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 175°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone contact. It's essential to check the temperature to ensure it's safe and juicy for serving.
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).