18 Best Turkey Breast Recipes Without Cooking a Whole Bird
Thanksgiving is so much easier this year!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
There's a lot that goes into cooking a big roast turkey. You need to know the right number of pounds per person, how long it takes to cook, and how to carve a turkey so it looks presentable. And while the end result is (usually) worth it, there’s an easier way to get turkey on the table! Just try one of these fool-proof turkey breast recipes instead! Not only are they easier to make for your holiday main course, but they’re also perfect if you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving. Plus, you won't feel like you're missing out on a Thanksgiving classic.
Turkey breast is less time consuming, more approachable, and just as tasty. You can even serve it up with your favorite gravy, stuffing, and Thanksgiving side dishes. Wondering what is the best way to cook turkey breast? You can make it in an air fryer for crispy skin and juicy meat or give a slow cooker recipe a try. Of course, we've also included turkey recipes like roast turkey breast with spiced apple cider glaze or stuffed turkey breast that's wrapped in prosciutto—they're both great options if you're looking to impress guests. Not to mention, there are tons of more casual, weeknight dinners made with turkey breast, too. Just look at Ree Drummond's turkey tetrazzini for a pasta recipe that's loaded with turkey. It also happens to be a great way to use up leftover turkey!
Stuffed Turkey Breast
If you thought only a whole bird would impress your guests, think again! This rolled turkey breast is filled with a flavorful bacon and apple stuffing for a show-stopping main course.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
Chicken Fried Turkey
Cutlets made from turkey breast get the "chicken-fried" treatment in this fun twist on a Southern classic. Serve it up with mashed potatoes and plenty of gravy.
Get the Chicken Fried Turkey recipe.
Leftover Turkey Shepherd's Pie
This casserole dish is made from a creamy turkey and veggie filling and a golden topping of mashed potatoes. It's the ultimate comfort food.
Turkey Tetrazzini
This weeknight pasta is loaded with turkey, mushrooms, spinach, and a creamy white wine sauce. But it's the crispy breadcrumb topping that's the finishing touch.
Get Ree's Turkey Tetrazzini recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
It might be easier to make turkey breast than a whole bird, but it's just as impressive! The air fryer is a foolproof method to make it extra moist and juicy with a crispy skin.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Turkey Soup
With big chunks of tender turkey, veggies, and orzo, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. We love the way the addition of lemon juice helps to balance out all those savory holiday flavors.
Get the Turkey Soup recipe.
Turkey Pot Pie
It's just like chicken pot pie—with turkey instead. This recipe is savory, creamy, and oh so comforting. You can make it easier by using leftover pie dough from your holiday meal.
Get the Turkey Pot Pie recipe.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
The Instant Pot uses steam to keep in all the moisture in the turkey. That means, you won't ever have to worry about dry turkey again.
Turkey Salad with Cranberries
For a seasonal twist on chicken salad, this cold turkey salad studded with cranberries is perfect for fall! You can eat it straight up or serve it on a sandwich.
Get the Turkey Salad with Cranberries recipe at Joyous Apron.
Roast Turkey Breast
This simple recipe uses butter, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to make a perfect roast turkey breast. You'll hear the crackling of the skin when you carve it.
Turkey Tenderloin
The tenderloin is a boneless portion of the turkey breast that cooks up in even less time. In fact, this whole recipe (including the potatoes and veggies) cooks up in less then an hour!
Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast
This boneless turkey breast embraces the warm flavors of fall with a sweet and sticky maple bourbon glaze. And if that weren't enough, there's also a cider bourbon gravy to pour over the top!
Get the Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast recipe at The Chunky Chef.
Turkey Divan
This classic dish combines tender turkey, broccoli, melty cheese, and a cracker topping. It'll be a hit with everyone in the family.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Stuffed Turkey Breast
The gorgeous swirl of cranberries, breadcrumbs, and herbs in the center of this rolled turkey breast makes it so impressive. But if you want to take it to the next level, simply wrap it in crispy prosciutto!
Get the Prosciutto-Wrapped Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe at How Sweet Eats.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This recipe starts off with a turkey brine that has hints of orange, cinnamon, bay leaves, and pepper. Then it's rubbed with a savory herb butter and placed in a slow cooker with onions and garlic. As you can tell, it has a ton of flavor!
Smoked Turkey Breast
This recipe breaks down everything you need to know about smoking turkey breast. From the type of smoker to use to the best seasonings, it makes it easy to whip up smoked turkey for dinner.
Grilled Chipotle Orange Turkey Kebabs
Bite-sized pieces of turkey breast tenderloin get seasoned in an orange and chipotle marinade before being skewered and grilled. It's a great way to take your turkey dinner outdoors!
Get the Grilled Chipotle Orange Turkey Kebabs recipe at A Farmgirl's Dabbles.
Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast
The spiced apple cider glaze adds a touch of tangy sweetness to savory turkey. It's an easy way to make your turkey breast even more flavorful.
Get the Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast recipe at The Noshery.
The Top Nail Colors Defining Fall 2025
Cozy Up With Seasonal Fall Cocktail Recipes
Fall Vegetable Dishes to Celebrate Harvest Season
How to Pick the Best Apples for Homemade Pie
