Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Breast Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious feast. While a whole turkey is traditional, a turkey breast can be a fantastic alternative, especially for smaller gatherings or when you want to focus on the white meat. Turkey breast is leaner, cooks faster, and is easier to carve. This article provides several delicious and easy Thanksgiving turkey breast recipes to help you create a memorable holiday meal.

## Why Choose Turkey Breast?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore the benefits of opting for turkey breast:

* **Smaller Portion:** Perfect for smaller families or gatherings where a whole turkey would be too much.
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Turkey breast cooks significantly faster than a whole turkey, freeing up oven space and time.
* **Leaner Meat:** Turkey breast is a leaner cut of meat, making it a healthier option.
* **Easier to Carve:** Carving a turkey breast is much simpler than carving a whole turkey.
* **Versatile:** Turkey breast can be prepared in a variety of ways, from roasting to grilling to smoking.

## Essential Tips for Cooking Turkey Breast

Before you start cooking, keep these essential tips in mind:

* **Thawing:** If your turkey breast is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey breast. Never thaw turkey at room temperature.
* **Brining (Optional):** Brining helps to keep the turkey breast moist and flavorful. If you choose to brine, make sure to adjust the salt content in your recipe.
* **Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey breast is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.
* **Resting:** Allow the turkey breast to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast.

## Recipe 1: Classic Roasted Turkey Breast

This classic recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5-7 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 onion, quartered
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. **Prepare turkey breast:** Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. **Prepare roasting pan:** Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables.
4. **Roast turkey breast:** Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
5. **Cook:** Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
6. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender breast.
7. **Carve and serve:** Carve the turkey breast against the grain and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

## Recipe 2: Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

This recipe adds a layer of flavor with a delicious herb butter rub.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5-7 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup chicken broth

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. **Prepare herb butter:** In a bowl, combine the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create an herb butter.
3. **Prepare turkey breast:** Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin from the breast meat by sliding your fingers underneath. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the breast meat. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the skin.
4. **Prepare roasting pan:** Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
5. **Roast turkey breast:** Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey breast with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
6. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
7. **Carve and serve:** Carve the turkey breast against the grain and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

## Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

This recipe is perfect for freeing up oven space and creating a moist and tender turkey breast.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (3-4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Sear turkey breast (optional):** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey breast on all sides until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds flavor.
2. **Prepare slow cooker:** Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks in the bottom of a slow cooker.
3. **Season turkey breast:** In a small bowl, combine thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
4. **Place turkey in slow cooker:** Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the turkey and vegetables.
5. **Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
7. **Carve and serve:** Carve the turkey breast and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides. You can use the liquid in the slow cooker to make a gravy.

## Recipe 4: Grilled Turkey Breast

For a smoky and flavorful twist, try grilling your turkey breast.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (3-4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup apple juice

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. **Season turkey breast:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
3. **Grill turkey breast:** Place the turkey breast on the grill. Grill for approximately 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey breast with apple juice every 10 minutes to keep it moist.
4. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
5. **Carve and serve:** Carve the turkey breast and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

## Recipe 5: Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoking adds a deep, rich flavor to turkey breast that’s perfect for a special Thanksgiving meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5-7 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
* Turkey Brine (see recipe below)
* Dry Rub (see recipe below)
* Wood chips (hickory, apple, or pecan)

**Turkey Brine:**

* 1 gallon water
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
* 2 bay leaves
* 4 cloves garlic, crushed

**Dry Rub:**

* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

1. **Brine Turkey Breast:** Combine brine ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a simmer until salt and sugar dissolve. Let cool completely. Submerge turkey breast in brine; refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Remove from brine; rinse and pat dry.
2. **Prepare Dry Rub:** Combine all dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
3. **Prepare Smoker:** Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. Prepare smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions, maintaining a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C).
4. **Rub Turkey Breast:** Generously rub the dry rub mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible.
5. **Smoke Turkey Breast:** Place turkey breast in the smoker. Add soaked wood chips to the smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. **Smoke Until Done:** Smoke for approximately 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check the temperature.
7. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and let it rest for 30-60 minutes before carving.
8. **Carve and Serve:** Carve the turkey breast and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides. The resting period is crucial for a moist and tender final product.

## Recipe 6: Balsamic Glazed Turkey Breast

This recipe combines savory and sweet flavors for a truly unique Thanksgiving experience.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5-7 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 cloves garlic, minced

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. **Prepare turkey breast:** Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
3. **Prepare balsamic glaze:** In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
4. **Roast turkey breast:** Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey breast with the balsamic glaze every 20 minutes during the last hour of cooking.
5. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
6. **Carve and serve:** Carve the turkey breast and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides. Drizzle any remaining balsamic glaze over the sliced turkey.

## Recipe 7: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

This bright and festive glaze adds a tart and sweet flavor to your turkey breast, perfect for the holiday season.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5-7 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 tablespoon orange zest

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. **Prepare turkey breast:** Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. **Prepare cranberry orange glaze:** In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberry sauce is melted and the glaze is smooth.
4. **Roast turkey breast:** Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 45 minutes of cooking, brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey breast every 15 minutes.
5. **Rest:** Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
6. **Carve and serve:** Carve the turkey breast and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

## Side Dish Suggestions

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without delicious side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to complement your turkey breast:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple.
* **Stuffing:** Whether you prefer traditional bread stuffing or a wild rice version, stuffing is a must-have.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Homemade cranberry sauce adds a tart and sweet element to the meal.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** A classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** A sweet and savory casserole topped with marshmallows or pecans.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips adds a healthy and flavorful touch.
* **Gravy:** Don’t forget the gravy! Use the pan drippings from your roasted turkey breast to make a delicious gravy.

## Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can be a stressful holiday, but with proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

* **Plan Ahead:** Make a detailed menu and shopping list well in advance. This will help you stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises.
* **Prep in Advance:** Prepare as much as possible in advance. Chop vegetables, make sauces, and set the table the day before.
* **Delegate:** Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Assign tasks to family members or friends to lighten your load.
* **Relax:** Remember to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Thanksgiving is about gratitude and connection, not perfection.
* **Embrace Imperfection:** Things may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the imperfections and focus on the joy of the holiday.

## Conclusion

These delicious and easy Thanksgiving turkey breast recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking methods to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to roast, grill, smoke, or slow cook your turkey breast, you’re sure to create a memorable and delicious Thanksgiving meal. Remember to follow the essential tips for cooking turkey breast and plan your side dishes to complement the main course. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy a stress-free and joyful Thanksgiving celebration with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!