Easy Guide: how to cook a small butterball turkey breast

Cooking a turkey breast can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re aiming for that perfectly juicy, flavorful result without all the fuss of a whole bird. If you’ve picked up a small Butterball turkey breast, you’re in luck! They’re fantastic for smaller gatherings, weeknight meals, or whenever you crave some delicious turkey without the leftovers lasting for weeks. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare a tender and tasty Butterball turkey breast, making you feel like a kitchen pro!

Why Choose a Small Butterball Turkey Breast?

Small Butterball turkey breasts are a fantastic choice for several reasons:

• Perfect Portion Size: Ideal for 2-4 people, minimizing waste.
• Quicker Cooking: Much faster to cook than a whole turkey.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, Sunday dinners, or even meal prepping.
• Consistently Good: Butterball products are known for their quality, often pre-brined for extra juiciness.

First Things First: Thawing Your Turkey Breast

Thawing is a crucial step for food safety and even cooking. Never thaw your turkey breast at room temperature!

• Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)

  This is the safest and easiest method, though it requires planning. Place the frozen turkey breast (still in its wrapper) on a plate or in a shallow pan to catch any drips. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey. A small breast (1.5-3 lbs) will typically need 1-2 days.

• Cold Water Thawing (Faster)

  If you’re short on time, this method works well. Keep the turkey breast in its leak-proof packaging. Submerge it in a sink or large container filled with cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold and thaws evenly. Allow about 30 minutes per pound for thawing. For a 3 lb breast, this would be around 1.5 hours.

Getting Ready: Prepping Your Turkey Breast

Once thawed, it’s time to prepare your turkey for cooking. A little prep goes a long way!

• Pat It Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the turkey breast dry. This helps the skin crisp up and allows seasonings to adhere better.
• Seasoning is Key: Rub the turkey breast generously with your favorite seasonings. A simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage works wonderfully. You can also rub it with a little olive oil or softened butter before seasoning for extra moisture and flavor.
• Optional Brining: While many Butterball turkey breasts are pre-brined, if yours isn’t, a quick brine (soaking in a saltwater solution) for a few hours can significantly enhance moisture and flavor.

Cooking Methods for a Delicious Turkey Breast

There are several excellent ways to cook a small Butterball turkey breast. Choose the method that best suits your kitchen and schedule!

1. Oven Roasting (Classic & Flavorful)

Roasting in the oven is a classic choice for a reason – it delivers tender meat and often crispy skin.

• Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) or 350°F (175°C). Lower temperatures generally yield more tender results.
• Prepare for Roasting: Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin side up, in a shallow roasting pan or an oven-safe dish. You can elevate it on a rack if you have one to allow for better air circulation.
• Cooking Time:
  • At 325°F (160°C): Approximately 20 minutes per pound.
  • At 350°F (175°C): Approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.

  A 3 lb breast might take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the oven and starting temperature.

• Basting (Optional): You can baste the turkey every 30 minutes with its juices or melted butter to keep it moist and help with browning.
• Covering with Foil: If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil for the last portion of the cooking time to prevent over-browning and retain moisture.

2. Slow Cooker (Effortless & Super Moist)

The slow cooker is perfect for a hands-off approach that results in incredibly moist turkey.

• Set Up: Place the seasoned turkey breast in your slow cooker. You can add about 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom for extra moisture.
• Cooking Time:
  • Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
  • Cook on HIGH for 1.5-2.5 hours.

  Times can vary slightly based on the size of your breast and your slow cooker’s heat.

• Crispy Skin (Optional): Slow-cooked turkey skin won’t be crispy. If you desire crisp skin, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet after cooking and broil for a few minutes until golden brown (watch carefully!).

3. Instant Pot (Quick & Tender)

For a surprisingly quick and consistently tender turkey breast, the Instant Pot is a fantastic option.

• Prepare the Pot: Place a trivet (metal rack) at the bottom of your Instant Pot and add 1 cup of chicken broth or water.
• Cook: Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
• Cooking Time:
  • For thawed turkey: Pressure cook on HIGH for 6-8 minutes per pound.
  • For frozen turkey (not recommended for best texture, but possible): Pressure cook on HIGH for about 10 minutes per pound.
• Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
• Crispy Skin (Optional): Like the slow cooker, Instant Pot turkey won’t have crispy skin. You can transfer it to an oven and broil for a few minutes for browning.

The Golden Rule: Checking for Doneness

Regardless of the cooking method, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding bones. The turkey is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Do not overcook! Going past 165°F is the quickest way to dry out your turkey.

The Essential Step: Resting Your Turkey

Once your turkey breast reaches 165°F, remove it from the heat source and transfer it to a cutting board. Loosely tent it with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a much juicier and more tender slice.

Carving Your Masterpiece

After resting, carve your turkey breast against the grain into slices of your desired thickness. This helps ensure every bite is tender.

Top Tips for a Truly Juicy Turkey Breast

• Don’t Skip the Thermometer: It’s the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy turkey without overcooking.
• Brine or Season Well: Flavor comes from good seasoning. If not pre-brined, consider a quick brine for maximum moisture.
• Always Rest: This step is non-negotiable for juicy results.
• Cover if Needed: If roasting and the skin is browning too fast, use foil.
• Start with Thawed Turkey: For most methods (especially oven), thawing thoroughly ensures even cooking.

FAQs About Cooking Small Butterball Turkey Breasts

What size Butterball turkey breast should I buy for a small meal?

For 2-4 people, a small Butterball turkey breast typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 pounds. This size is manageable and cooks relatively quickly.

Do I need to baste my turkey breast?

Basting is optional. It can help with browning and add a little moisture to the skin, but it’s not strictly necessary for a juicy interior, especially if you cook to the correct temperature and rest properly. Many Butterball breasts are self-basting.

Can I cook a small Butterball turkey breast from frozen?

Cooking from frozen is generally not recommended for oven or slow cooker methods as it can lead to uneven cooking and longer times. The Instant Pot can handle frozen turkey breast with adjusted cooking times, but thawed is always preferred for best results.

What temperature should I cook a turkey breast to?

Always cook turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.

How long does it take to thaw a small turkey breast?

In the refrigerator, allow about 1-2 days for a small breast. Using cold water, plan for about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every half hour.

Enjoy Your Delicious Turkey!

Cooking a small Butterball turkey breast is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. With these tips and methods, you’re all set to prepare a perfectly tender, flavorful, and juicy turkey breast that everyone will love. Happy cooking!