Turkey Breast Recipes

Roasting turkey breast is a classic turkey cooking method. Turkey breasts can also be deep-fried, grilled, smoked, prepared in a slow cooker and more. For the ultimate convenience, Butterball Ready-to-Roast turkey breasts are fully prepared and ready to cook with no thawing, no prep work and minimal clean-up. No matter which method you choose to cook turkey breast — all of them produce delicious results — make sure the meat's internal temperature reaches 165ºF before serving.

Turkey's cook time depends on several factors, including its weight, cooking method and whether the turkey is frozen, thawed or fresh. Some Butterball turkey breasts come fully cooked and simply need reheating in the oven before serving. Fully cooked turkey requires the least amount of preparation and cooking time. For fresh or frozen turkey breast, use the Butterball turkey cooking calculator to determine the proper cook time for oven-roasted turkey. Explore our How To section for tips on how long to smoke turkey along with other preparation methods. Always follow preparation instructions on the package, and never fry a frozen turkey.

Turkey cook time per pound varies by the product's weight and cooking method, but here are a few mandatory turkey cooking guidelines. Turkey must reach 140ºF within 4 hours of beginning cooking. Turkey's minimum internal temperature for serving is 165ºF. To calculate turkey cook time per pound, use the Butterball turkey cook time calculator.

Roast turkey breast uncovered according to package directions or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 170°F. If your turkey breast has stuffing inside, the center of the stuffing should be 165°F.

Brining turkey breast before cooking ensures the meat stays moist and doesn't dry out while roasting. Brining imparts some taste, but for maximum flavor, marinate your turkey instead of (or in addition to) brining. Brining works best with fresh turkeys. If your turkey is frozen, thaw it before brining. Brining requires a large container, and the turkey must stay refrigerated during the brining process, so plan ahead to ensure you have space to accommodate. As a rule of thumb, you should brine your turkey for 45 to 60 minutes per pound. Get more tips on our how to brine a turkey page.

We get it; carving turkey can feel intimidating. If you follow a few simple tips, it doesn't have to be! First, let the turkey breast cool for 10-20 minutes. Make sure you have a sharpened, straightedge knife and carving fork. Beginning halfway up the breast, slice straight down with an even stroke. When the blade reaches the cut above the wing joint, the piece should fall free on its own. Continue to slice breast meat by starting the cut at a higher point each time. For more step-by-step turkey carving tips and an instructional video, check out our turkey breast carving instructions page.

Start by brining or marinating your turkey breast to ensure the cooked product is juicy and flavorful. Turkey is a versatile protein that can handle a variety of flavor profiles, so let your culinary creativity shine. For inspiration, start with our make-ahead turkey dry rub recipe.

You can thaw a turkey breast in the refrigerator or cold water. Never thaw a turkey breast at room temperature. See How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey for detailed instructions and a helpful thawing time calculator.

Butterball turkey breasts range from 2.5 pounds to 9 pounds. They're smaller and simpler to cook than a whole turkey, making them great for family dinners or smaller gatherings. A general rule of thumb is to plan one pound of turkey breast per person. For more detailed calculations, including if you want leftovers or plan to serve a group of big eaters, use the Butterball turkey serving calculator to plan perfect portions.