Thanksgiving Turkey For Two
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
22-25 minsFree Time
to set the table
Making a small-scale Thanksgiving dinner? Use the microwave to cook the turkey — seriously! Our secret? Lowering your microwave’s the power level yields tender and juicy results. This recipe cooks the turkey in a savory broth for added richness, which is a perfect start for a quick-cooking gravy!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 2 lb (900g) brined and marinated turkey breast, thawed (Jennie-o oven ready preferred)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup (60ml) chicken stock
- 3 sprigs of fresh sage
- Gravy, for serving (optional)
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in the Anyday dish. Flip the turkey a few times to make sure it's coated in the liquid.
- Cover with lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6for 22-25 minutes, or until the turkey registers at least 165°F and is cooked through. Note: The thickness or height of the breast will determine the cooking time, the thicker the breast the longer it will take. If the internal temperature is not reached, continue adding time at the same Power level in 5-minute intervals.✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
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Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 5 minutes and transfer to a serving plate. Discard sage leaves and peppercorns and use the remaining juices to start a simple gravy.
- Slice and serve turkey breast with gravy, if desired.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Quickly sear or broil for a golden top, if desired.
- Brush the top with mustard and roll on chopped parsley for a festive presentation.
- Thinly slice leftover meat and use it in a sandwich or wrap.
- Shred or chop leftover turkey and use it in place of rotisserie chicken.
Recipe notes
- Find whole, pre-marinated, and brined turkey breast in your local grocery store's meat section. Brining is the essential secret to achieving a successful outcome.
- You can cook the turkey ahead of time, then keep the broth and reheat the next day.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
