If you're having an intimate Thanksgiving, a turkey breast is the ideal centerpiece. America's Test Kitchen gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to prepare a juicy breast that will satisfy the whole table.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
If you're having an intimate Thanksgiving, a turkey breast is the ideal centerpiece. America's Test Kitchen gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to prepare a juicy breast that will satisfy the whole table.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Mix butter, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in medium bowl with rubber spatula or fork until thoroughly combined. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Mix butter, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in medium bowl with rubber spatula or fork until thoroughly combined. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Trim excess fat from turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Trim excess fat from turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Using hands, separate skin from meat, taking care not to tear membrane around perimeter of breast; release skin on either side of breastbone. Using spoon, work half of butter mixture under skin on one side of breast. Repeat with remaining butter mixture on other side of breast. Using hands, gently rub turkey skin to evenly distribute butter mixture over entire breast.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Using hands, separate skin from meat, taking care not to tear membrane around perimeter of breast; release skin on either side of breastbone. Using spoon, work half of butter mixture under skin on one side of breast. Repeat with remaining butter mixture on other side of breast. Using hands, gently rub turkey skin to evenly distribute butter mixture over entire breast.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Set V-rack inside large roasting pan and spray with vegetable oil.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Set V-rack inside large roasting pan and spray with vegetable oil.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Place turkey in rack with skin side facing up. Pour 1 cup water into roasting pan.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Place turkey in rack with skin side facing up. Pour 1 cup water into roasting pan.
Roast turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Roast turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Continue to roast turkey until thickest part of breast registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer, about 1 hour longer.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Continue to roast turkey until thickest part of breast registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer, about 1 hour longer.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Transfer turkey to carving board and let rest for 20 minutes.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Transfer turkey to carving board and let rest for 20 minutes.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Run chef's or slicing knife along one side of breastbone. Use other hand (with towel to protect it from heat) to pry entire breast half from bone while cutting, being mindful to keep skin intact.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Run chef's or slicing knife along one side of breastbone. Use other hand (with towel to protect it from heat) to pry entire breast half from bone while cutting, being mindful to keep skin intact.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen
Slice meat on bias. Repeat process with meat on other side of breastbone and serve.
Turkey breast for a small gathering —
Slice meat on bias. Repeat process with meat on other side of breastbone and serve.
Courtesy America's Test Kitchen