Like most people, you probably think the best way to prepare a frozen turkey breast is to put it in the oven and bake it. But did you know there are other, better ways to do it? Ways that will make your turkey taste amazing?
Here’s how to cook frozen turkey breast in 7 different ways. I will also share my method to ensure your turkey always comes out perfect.
How To Cook Frozen Turkey Breast? 7 Different Ways
You can choose either of these 7 ways to cook your frozen turkey –
1. The Classic Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the frozen turkey side up on a roasting pan.
- Cover the turkey with foil, and seal all edges of the foil tightly around the pan so that no steam can escape.
- Allow the turkey to cook for approximately 50% longer than you would cook a thawed turkey breast.
- Remove the foil during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to be brown and crisp.
- Check the internal temperature of the turkey breast with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat.
2. The Slow Cooker Method
- Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker.
- Cover the turkey with chicken broth, white wine, or water.
- Add aromatics like chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker if desired.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the cooked turkey from the crockpot and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
3. Sous Vide Turkey Breast
- Fill a large container or pot with water and attach sous vide immersion circulator.
- Set the temperature to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place your frozen turkey in a large zip-top bag and seal it, making sure to remove as much air from the bag as possible.
- Place the bagged turkey in the water bath and cook for 10-12 hours.
- Remove the cooked turkey from the water bath and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the skin with salt and pepper if desired, then place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until crisp and browned.
Read More: 5 Best Frozen Turkey Burgers For A Delicious Meal
4. The Boil-then-Bake Method
- Place the frozen turkey in a Dutch oven and cover it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the turkey for 30 minutes.
- Drain the water from the pot and dry the turkey breast with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the turkey breast in a baking dish and season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
- Bake it uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. The Grill Method
- Place the turkey breast in a large zip-top bag and cover it with water.
- Submerge the bagged turkey in a cooler or sink full of ice water and allow it to thaw for 12-24 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (around 325 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Place the turkey breast on the grill, skin side up, and cook it for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read More: 6 Best Frozen Turkey Options To Try Out This Thanksgiving!
6. The Fryer Method
- Fill a turkey fryer or large pot with enough oil to completely submerge the turkey.
- Preheat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully lower the turkey breast into the hot oil and cook it for 3 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the cooked turkey from the oil and allow it to drain on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carving.
7. The Microwave Method
- Place the frozen bird in a microwavable dish and season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the dish.
- Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave it on high for 5 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
My Tips For A Yummy Thanksgiving Treat – Frozen Turkey Breast
- There are so many ways to cook frozen turkey breast, but my favorite way is in the slow cooker. This method is super easy and yields juicy, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. Plus, it frees up your oven for other holiday dishes!
- Once the turkey is cooked, you can either shred it for use in sandwiches or other recipes or slice it into thick slices for serving. I like to serve mine with some homemade gravy and mashed potatoes.
- No matter how you choose to prepare your frozen turkey breast, be sure to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful. Enjoy!
FAQs – How To Cook Frozen Turkey Breast
How long does it take to cook a frozen boneless turkey breast in oven?
It usually takes around 10-12 minutes per pound to cook a frozen boneless turkey breast. However, it is always best to cook the turkey breast according to the instructions on the package.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast without thawing it first?
Yes. However, it takes about 50% longer to cook a frozen turkey than it does to cook a thawed turkey breast. So, if your recipe calls for a thawed turkey breast that will take 1 hour to cook, you should plan on cooking a frozen breast for 1½ hours.
How long does it take to cook a frozen 5 lb turkey breast?
It takes about 2 hours to cook a frozen 5 lb turkey breast in the oven.
Can you cook a Butterball turkey breast from frozen?
Yes, you can cook a Butterball frozen turkey breast directly. Just be sure to allow for 50% more cooking time than you would need for a thawed turkey breast.
Is it better to cook a frozen turkey at 325 or 350?
It’s better to cook a frozen turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature will help to prevent the outside of the bird from overcooking before the inside is done.
Prepare Frozen Turkey Breast With Your Fav Method!
Now that you know how to cook frozen turkey breast, it’s time to get cooking! As with anything, there are variations in the best way to do things.
After all, there is no one perfect way to make this dish – everyone has their own method that works best for them. So get creative, experiment a little bit, and enjoy your delicious homemade Thanksgiving feast!
I’m Rachel, and I love food. I especially love writing about food – reviewing different brands and items, and sharing my thoughts on new frozen foods that hit the market.
Food is a huge part of my life, and I love trying new things. That’s why I’m so excited to be working on my blog Pickfrozenfood.com. I will be always innovating and coming out with new review, and I know that I’ll be able to try lots of great food with them.
