Juicy BBQ roasted turkey breast sliced on a wooden cutting board with herbs and BBQ sauce

Juicy BBQ Roasted Turkey Breast

Juicy BBQ Roasted Turkey Breast
mediumstar
1 hour 15 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat10gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Turkey breast (bone-in, skin-on)1.5 kg
  • Olive oil2 tbsp
  • Paprika (smoked if available)2 tbsp
  • Brown sugar1 tbsp
  • Garlic powder1 tsp
  • Onion powder1 tsp
  • Dried thyme1 tsp
  • Salt (kosher or sea salt)1 tbsp
  • Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
  • BBQ sauce (optional, for basting)1/2 cup

This BBQ roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for home cooks who want a flavorful and juicy turkey without the fuss. You'll roast the turkey breast with a delicious BBQ dry rub and baste it to keep it moist and tender. The ingredients cost roughly $12-15 USD (about €11-14, £9-12, ₹900-1100) and this dish yields about 4 servings with approximately 350 kcal per serving. Suitable for a medium skill level cook, the preparation time is around 15 minutes and cooking time about 1 hour 15 minutes. This recipe emphasizes safe cooking with clear instructions on achieving the perfect safe internal temperature to ensure deliciously safe to eat turkey every time.

Preparation instructions

Preheat the oven

1Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature ensures even cooking without drying the turkey.

Prepare the turkey breast

2Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up during roasting.

Make the BBQ dry rub

3In a small bowl, mix paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives your turkey a smoky, sweet, and flavorful crust.

Apply olive oil and rub

4Brush the turkey breast with olive oil evenly, then rub the dry spice mix all over the turkey, covering all sides thoroughly for maximum flavor.

Roast the turkey

5Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.

Baste with BBQ sauce (optional)

6After 45 minutes of roasting, start basting the turkey with BBQ sauce every 10-15 minutes to build a glossy, tasty glaze. Continue until done.

Rest the turkey

7Once the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), remove the turkey from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, making the meat moist.

Carve and serve

8Carve the turkey breast into slices against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ roasted turkey breast!

Cooking Tips

1Use a reliable meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.

2Keep raw turkey separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

3Bone-in turkey breast retains more moisture and flavor than boneless.

4If you don't have BBQ sauce, you may baste with melted butter or a mixture of olive oil and honey.

Equipment Needed

  • Roasting pan
  • Wire rack to fit inside roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Sharp carving knife
  • Cutting board

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Turkey breast (1.5 kg) - Approx. $10-12. Choose fresh from the meat counter or a good quality frozen one. Look for skin-on, bone-in for best flavor.
  • [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50. Use extra virgin for the best taste.
  • [ ] Paprika (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.30. Smoked paprika adds a great smoky flavor.
  • [ ] Brown sugar (1 tbsp) - Approx. $0.10. Adds sweetness to balance spices.
  • [ ] Garlic powder (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.05.
  • [ ] Onion powder (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.05.
  • [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.05.
  • [ ] Salt (1 tbsp) - Approx. $0.05. Use kosher or sea salt for better seasoning.
  • [ ] Black pepper (1 tsp) - Approx. $0.05. Freshly ground is best.
  • [ ] BBQ sauce (1/2 cup, optional) - Approx. $1. You can use your favorite brand or homemade.
  • Total approximate cost: $12-15

FAQ

How do I know when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached at least 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the breast to ensure it is safe to eat.

Can I use boneless turkey breast instead?

Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast but it may cook faster and can be drier. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check temperature frequently.

Do I have to use BBQ sauce to baste?

No, basting with BBQ sauce is optional. You can use melted butter or olive oil instead if you prefer.

How do I avoid cross-contamination?

Always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw turkey, wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry, and clean surfaces that touch raw meat.

Can I prepare the turkey breast ahead of time?

You can season the turkey breast and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before roasting to enhance the flavors.