Bone In Turkey Breast | Turkey for Two
A bone in turkey breast can be a bit intimidating. It’s big and bulky, heavy and funky looking, and just plain awkward to handle. Have no fear! I’ve got 2 great ways to make delicious bone in turkey breast and it’s perfect for turkey for two! (That sounds romantic, doesn’t it?)
I know a lot of you are reading this recipe in prep for your small, intimate Thanksgiving meal. And this bone in turkey breast is absolutely perfect for that! But I’ve got news for you… this one’s not just for Thanksgiving, guys. It’s great year-round!
That’s why I’m showing you two different ways to get an amazingly tender, very flavorful, and flat out gorgeous bone in turkey breast. On the grill for those of you doing this year-round or in great grilling weather. And in the oven if you’re looking for a more traditional approach.
And don’t forget your side dishes! Try this Instant Pot Creamed Corn or this perfectly steamed broccoli. Yum!!
It’s all about the brine. Do not skip this step! Whether you’re firing up the grill or cranking up your oven, the key to moist and juicy turkey breast is the brine. And it’s super easy! Just toss some sugar, salt, and water in a gallon-sized zip top bag. Toss in that breast and let it sit for a couple of hours. (full brining instructions below)
The brine permeates the turkey and in doing so, pulls moisture into the breast, ensuring you’ll get a super moist bone in turkey breast every time! If you want far more detail on the science of brining (it’s actually really interesting), then check out The Kitchn’s explanation on why you should brine your turkey.
I like to use a split bone-in turkey breast (not a whole one). It will easily feed 3-4 people and is very easy to handle. And you’ve gotta coat that skin to get it nice and crisp. I find that rubbing the breast with a mixture of olive oil and butter works the best. Do this before you begin the cooking process.
Bone-In Turkey Breast on the Grill
Now on to the method. I love making this beautiful turkey on the grill. But it does take a little bit of know-how. (I’m pretty sure that’s why you’re reading it!) The basics are that you sear the outside on a very hot grill, then move the breast to a cooler side of the grill and finish the cooking process with indirect heat. The whole process takes about 45 minutes. (full recipe and directions below)
Bone-In Turkey Breast in the Oven
Oven cooking is a little bit different. You want to get that nice golden skin, but you don’t want to overcook the darn thing. The best way to achieve this result is to start with a very hot oven to get that skin crispy and then turn the temperature down to cook the rest through to the bone. This process should take about an hour. (full recipe and directions below)
This bone in turkey breast is simple, delicious, and basically fool-proof, no matter which way you cook it. Don’t forget to enjoy this one all year long!
Bone In Turkey Breast | Turkey for Two
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 1 3-4 pound bone in split turkey breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For the Brine
- 1/4 cup table salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
To Brine the Turkey
To Grill the Turkey
- Place turkey skin side down on the hot side of grill. Sear for approximately 5 minutes. Turn heat to medium high on one side of grill. Turn heat off the other half of grill and move turkey (skin side up now) to the side with the heat off (this will give you indirect heat). Close lid and cook turkey until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. It is very helpful to have a digitial instant meat thermometer for this. Check temperature after 20 minutes, then check regularly. You should check in several places of the breast (not against the bone though) to make sure you're getting an accurate reading. When turkey breast is 165 degrees, remove and tent with foil for 10 minutes.
To Cook Turkey in Oven
- Remove turkey from brine. Rinse and pat dry. Smear olive oil and butter all over the skin. Salt and pepper both sides of the turkey breast (don't be shy with the salt and pepper!) Place skin side up on a broiler pan.
- When oven reaches temperature, place in oven for 10 minutes, then turn oven temperature down to 350 degrees. Check temperature after 30 minutes, then check regularly. You should check in several places of the breast (not against the bone though) to make sure you're getting an accurate reading. When turkey breast is 165 degrees, remove and tent with foil for 10 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dishes!