Are you tired of serving dry turkey breasts? Fortunately, it can be avoided and we are here to show you how.
Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked fatty meat for that long, the fat would melt during the cooking process, lubricate the muscle fibers, and keep the meat juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
You can avoid serving dry turkey breasts by wet or dry brining before cooking, but that won’t be feasible if you don’t have the time or fridge space to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.
NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. Internal temperature needs to be 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and in the thighs to ensure doneness and food safety.
Roasting a turkey breast can seem daunting, but mastering the timing is the key to succulent, flavorful meat. When tackling an 8 lb turkey breast, how long should you cook it and what’s the best technique? Follow this guide for tips to roast an 8 lb turkey breast just right every time.
Overview of Cooking Times
For an 8 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, the approximate roasting time is:
- 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours at 350°F
However, cooking duration can vary based on several factors:
- Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in breasts take longer. Allow up to 30 minutes extra time.
- Brined vs unbrined – Brining helps turkey stay moist but cooks slightly faster.
- Cooking method – Roasting pan vs baking dish affects timing.
- Shape and thickness – Thicker sections need more time. Shallow breasts cook quicker than plump.
- Final temperature – Cook until it reaches 165°F internally.
Because so many variables impact cook time using a meat thermometer and testing doneness is better than relying solely on estimates.
Step-by-Step Method for Roasting
Follow these simple steps for roasting an 8 lb turkey breast:
- Prepare the Turkey Breast
- Thaw completely if frozen, about 24 hours per 4-5 lbs
- Rinse turkey, pat dry with paper towels
- Leave breast whole for even cooking
- Tuck wing tips under to prevent burning
- Season the Breast
- Loosen skin and rub herb butter or seasoning underneath
- Rub skin with oil or butter and season outside with salt, pepper, etc.
- Preheat Oven and Roast
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan, add 1 cup broth/wine
- Roast approximately 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours until 165°F internally
- Let Turkey Rest
- Remove turkey from oven when it reaches 165°F
- Loosely tent with foil and let rest 20-30 minutes
- Allows juices to redistribute for moist meat
How to Tell When Turkey Breast is Done
Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. Insert it into the thickest part without hitting bone. Safe minimum internal temperatures are:
- 165°F for whole breasts
- 175°F for dark meat like thighs and legs
If a thermometer is unavailable, signs it may be fully cooked:
- Clear juices run out when pierced with a fork
- Meat easily pulls away from bones
- Thighs twist loosely in sockets
- Drumsticks move freely
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to dry out or under/overcook turkey if you aren’t careful. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Not fully thawing – Always thaw turkey completely 1-2 days in fridge.
- Overstuffing cavity – Can hinder even cooking. Cook stuffing separately.
- Basting too early – Don’t baste until last 45 minutes to prevent delayed cooking.
- Foil on entire time – Remove foil last 30-60 minutes for crispy skin.
- High roasting temp – Use 325-375°F for balanced roasting.
- Skipping resting – Juices redistribute during resting for moist meat.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these useful tips for juicy, flavorful turkey breast:
- Brine breast in a saltwater solution 12-24 hours before roasting.
- Loosen skin and rub butter/oil underneath and on top for crispy skin.
- Use a rack in a pan to allow air flow for even cooking.
- Baste with broth, wine or juices to prevent drying out.
- Maintain consistent oven temperature, keep door closed.
- Let breast rest 20-30 minutes before slicing for juiciest meat.
Roasting Alternatives
If an 8 lb whole breast is too large consider
- Roasting one 4-5 lb side only
- Roasting two 3-4 lb boneless breast fillets
- Cooking in a slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Grilling or smoking boneless breast fillets/steaks
- Buying pre-cooked or spiral sliced breast
- Making breast roulade – rolled up breast stuffed
Perfect Pairings
An 8 lb roasted breast serves around 12 people. Classic holiday side dishes include:
- Fluffy mashed or sweet potatoes
- Bread stuffing or cornbread dressing
- Cranberry sauce
- Roasted autumn vegetables
- Green bean casserole
- Fresh baked rolls or biscuits
- Fall salad with pomegranate arils
- Pecan or apple pie for dessert
With the right techniques and cooking times, you’ll be ready to roast an 8 lb turkey breast for your next special occasion. Use a thermometer, allow ample resting, and pair with delicious sides for a holiday meal to remember!
Instant Pot® or Electric Pressure Cooker
Unlike a slow cooker, instant pots and electric pressure cookers, cook food quickly. Since these fast cookers lock in steam and cook food quickly, you can use them to make flavorful and moist turkey breasts. An Instant Pot® also has a slow cooker setting for cooking turkey breasts with low heat.
Learn more about how to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot® or electric pressure cooker here.
Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
A slow cooker uses low heat to slowly cook turkey, letting the meat marinate and simmer in its own juices. Also, since a slow cooker does not release steam, it locks moisture inside the pot and meat to help deliver juicy turkey breasts.
Slow cooking bone-in turkey breast can take five to six hours, but the results are unbelievable – moist and tender turkey meat packed with flavor. Even better, the hands-off cooking process is so convenient. Just place the turkey breast inside the slow cooker, close the lid, set the cooker, and relax until the timer goes off.
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook an 8 lb turkey breast?
- Unstuffed: 2 1/4–3 1/4 hours at 325°F
- Stuffed: 3–4 hours at 325°F
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
- Juicy results: The lower heat allows for slower cooking, which helps retain moisture in the turkey breast.
- Less risk of burning: With a lower temperature, the skin is less likely to burn before the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Consistent cooking: A lower temperature ensures the turkey breast cooks evenly throughout.
Should a turkey breast be cooked, covered or uncovered?
Should You Cover a Turkey When Cooking? To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven.Nov 13, 2024
How long to cook a 8 lb Butterball turkey breast in oven?
- Bone-in turkey breast: Cook at 350°F for 12–15 minutes per lb
- Frozen turkey: Cook for about 50% longer than a thawed turkey
How long do you cook an 8 lb turkey breast?
An 8-pound turkey breast should roast for about 2.5 to 3 hours in a 400 degree F. oven. For the first 2 hours, cover the baking dish with foil, and remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to an hour of baking time. How Long to Cook an 8 Lb Turkey Breast?
How long do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Preheat Oven and Roast Preheat oven to 350°F. Place turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup broth or wine to the bottom of the pan for moisture. Roast for approx. 2 hours, or until internal temp reaches 165°F when thermometer is inserted deep into the thickest part.
What temperature should a turkey breast be cooked at?
While it is possible to cook a turkey breast at a higher temperature, it is generally best to cook it at 325°F (163°C) to ensure even cooking and avoid a dried-out result. 8. How often should I rotate the turkey breast while cooking? Rotating the turkey breast is not necessary if your oven provides even heat distribution.
How much does it cost to cook an 8lb turkey breast?
The cost of cooking an 8lb turkey breast will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the cooking method you choose. However, you can expect to spend around $20-30 on the ingredients for a basic turkey breast dinner. Where can I buy an 8lb turkey breast? You can buy an 8lb turkey breast at most grocery stores.
How long does it take to fry a turkey breast?
Fry the turkey breast for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 8. Remove the turkey breast from the fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. 9.
Can You Thaw an 8 lb turkey breast?
To properly thaw an 8 lb turkey breast, place it in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs of turkey. 2. Can I cook a frozen 8 lb turkey breast? It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast as it can lead to uneven cooking and potentially unsafe food. 3.