Are you looking for a foolproof way to cook a perfectly juicy and tender turkey breast? Forget the stress of a whole turkey – your trusty roaster oven is the secret weapon for a delicious, hassle-free meal. This recipe offers a simple yet elegant approach to preparing turkey breast, resulting in a dinner that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It's one of the best recipes for healthy, homemade cooking that's surprisingly quick and easy.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your roaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely.
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Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast.
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Sear (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the turkey breast in a skillet with olive oil before placing it in the roaster oven. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
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Roasting Time: Place the chopped onion and celery in the bottom of your roaster oven. Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth around the turkey.
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Cook to Perfection: Cover the roaster oven and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and your roaster oven.
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Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the roaster oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked turkey will be dry.
- Basting: For extra moist turkey, baste it with the pan juices every 30 minutes during cooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms.
- Leftovers: Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.
Variations:
- Herb Roasted Turkey: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the spice rub for a more aromatic turkey.
- Lemon Herb Turkey: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the chicken broth for a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Cranberry Turkey: Add a cup of cranberry sauce to the bottom of the roaster oven along with the vegetables for a festive twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This easy turkey recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy your perfectly cooked turkey breast!