Cooking a turkey breast is a delicious and relatively straightforward process. Here’s a simple recipe for roasting a turkey breast:

Ingredients:

– 1 turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference)

– Olive oil or melted butter

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Herbs and spices of your choice (such as thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder)

– Optional: Chicken or turkey broth for basting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

– Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Prepare the Turkey:

– If the turkey breast is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

– Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.

3. Season the Turkey:

– Rub the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. This helps the skin crisp up during roasting.

– Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like. Common choices include thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder.

– You can also gently lift the skin and rub some of the seasoning directly onto the meat for added flavor.

4. Place in Roasting Pan:

– Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, preferably on a rack to allow air to circulate around it.

5. Roast the Turkey:

– Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. A general guideline is to cook it for about 20 minutes per pound (450 grams).

– Baste the turkey breast every 30 minutes with pan drippings or chicken/turkey broth to keep it moist.

6. Check for Doneness:

– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey breast is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

– If you’re using a bone-in turkey breast, make sure the thermometer isn’t touching the bone.

7. Rest the Turkey:

– Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

8. Carve and Serve:

– Carve the turkey breast into slices and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and actual cooking times may vary depending on your specific oven and the size of the turkey breast. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.