How to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Oven
Cooking a turkey breast in the oven is a great way to get a delicious meal without too much preparation.
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Are you hosting Turkey Day this year? Make it a feast to remember with these recipes and cooking tips.
You Will Need
- Butter
- Fresh ground pepper
- Salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Skillet
- Splatter screen
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
Steps
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Step 1
Preheat oven and prepare breast
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
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Step 2
Prepare the breast
Use your fingers to separate part of the skin from the meat to create a pocket on each side of the breast. Spread butter on the meat under the skin.
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Be careful not to rip the skin off entirely -- you need pockets to contain the butter which will help to keep the meat moist.
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Step 3
Season the breast
Season the breast with fresh ground pepper and salt. Be sure to spread the salt and pepper evenly on all sides.
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Wash your hands after touching the turkey breast.
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Step 4
Sear the breast
Spread a thin layer of oil in a skillet and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the breast in the skillet, skin side down. Cover the skillet with a splatter screen, and sear the breast for five minutes, until the skin is golden brown.
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Step 5
Put the breast in the oven
Use the tongs to place the breast, skin side up, on a wire rack on top of a foil-lined baking sheet.
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Step 6
Place in the oven
Place the baking sheet with the breast in the oven and cook for 50 to 60 minutes, until the internal temperature measures 160 degrees on your meat thermometer.
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Step 7
Take out and serve
Remove your turkey from the oven, let it sit for five to 10 minutes, and then dig in.
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Roughly 265 million turkeys are raised each year in the U.S.
