Imagine pulling a perfectly golden, herb-infused turkey breast out of the oven that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth. This Dutch oven turkey breast recipe is about to revolutionize your home cooking, transforming an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a special dinner or simply craving a delicious protein-packed meal, this foolproof recipe guarantees mouthwatering results every single time.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast (4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
Instructions
- Remove turkey breast from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) with rack positioned in the lower third of the oven.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoning blend.
- Pat turkey breast completely dry using paper towels to help achieve crispy skin.
- Rub olive oil all over the turkey breast, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly across entire surface of turkey breast, massaging into the skin.
- Place fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary) underneath and on top of the turkey breast for additional flavor.
- Place turkey breast into a large Dutch oven, breast side up.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the Dutch oven to create moisture and prevent drying.
- Cover Dutch oven with lid and place in preheated oven.
- Roast turkey breast for approximately 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carefully transfer turkey to cutting board and slice against the grain for most tender results.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your turkey breast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the turkey breast, which helps achieve that irresistible golden, crispy exterior.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your spice blend - massaging the seasonings into the skin creates deeper flavor penetration.
- Herb Magic: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary aren't just garnish - they infuse incredible aromatic flavors into the meat.
- Moisture is Your Friend: The chicken broth in the bottom of the Dutch oven prevents the turkey from drying out and creates a built-in basting liquid.
- Rest is Best: Always let your turkey rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Accurate Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked turkey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
