How to Roast Two Turkey Breasts Together

Cooking two boneless turkey breast halves together is a great option for smaller holiday meals. It provides plenty of just the white meat without having to roast a whole large bird. But to ensure both turkey breasts cook thoroughly without drying out, there are some tips to follow.

Here is a complete guide to roasting two turkey breasts at the same time for perfect doneness and flavor

Benefits of Roasting Turkey Breasts

There are a few advantages to opting for boneless turkey breasts over a whole turkey:

All white meat – You get only the turkey breast meat, which many guests prefer over dark meat.
Faster cooking – Turkey breasts roast more quickly than a full turkey, usually in under 2 hours
Less waste – With no backbone, neck, or wing tips, there is far less waste.
Easier carving – Boneless breasts slice cleanly and don’t require wrestling with a whole bird,
Flexible portions – Cook 1 to 2 breasts depending on number of guests.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breasts

For the most even roasting results, choose turkey breasts that are similarly sized, within about 1/2 pound of each other. Some guidelines:

For 2-4 people, use 1-2 lbs turkey breasts
For 4-6 people, choose 2-3 lbs turkey breasts
For 8-10 people, pick 3-4 lbs turkey breasts

Make sure both breasts can lay flat with space between them in your baking pan. Avoid crowding, which can hinder even cooking.

Seasoning Turkey Breasts

Season the turkey breasts as desired before roasting. Here are some easy seasoning ideas:

Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Melted butter with fresh herbs
Spice rub of brown sugar, thyme, rosemary
Citrus zest, garlic, and mustard
Chili powder, cumin, and cayenne

Get creative with your own blends and marinades. Apply evenly over both turkey breasts.

How to Roast Turkey Breasts Together

Follow these simple steps for roasting two turkey breasts simultaneously:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Place turkey breasts on sheet, leaving space between.
Season breasts all over as desired.
Roast for total time based on weight of larger breast, adding 15 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; cook to 170°F.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

The total roasting time will depend on the larger breast’s weight. Follow these guidelines:

1-2 lbs: 45-60 minutes
2-3 lbs: 60-75 minutes
3-4 lbs: 75-90 minutes
4-6 lbs: 90-120 minutes

Always rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than cook times for safety. Resting is key to allow juices to redistribute.

Roasting Temperatures for Turkey Breasts

The optimum oven temperature for roasting boneless turkey breasts is 325°F. This allows the breasts to cook through gently without over-browning the exterior.

Higher temperatures like 350°F or 375°F can lead to dried out breast meat. Lower temperatures will increase the cook time considerably.

If you want crisper turkey skin, increase the temperature to 375°F just for the last 15-20 minutes of roasting.

Handling Uneven Doneness

When roasting two breasts together, it’s possible one may cook faster than the other, especially if there is a large size difference. Here are some tips to handle uneven cooking:

Place the smaller breast towards the center of the pan
Shield thicker end of larger breast with foil
Rotate pans front to back halfway through roasting
Check both with a meat thermometer for doneness

Take care not to overcook the smaller breast while waiting for the larger to finish. You can always let the larger rest and slice the smaller to serve immediately.

Let Turkey Breasts Rest Properly

Allowing the cooked turkey breasts to rest before carving is crucial. Resting gives the juices time to redistribute evenly within the meat.

Let turkey breasts rest for a minimum of 10-15 minutes before slicing. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm. The meat will continue to cook slightly during this time.

If you skip this resting step, the turkey will spill juices onto the cutting board and be dry. Patience pays off with juicy roasted turkey!

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Turkey Breasts

Once you’ve mastered the simple method for roasting two turkey breasts together, get creative with how you serve them:

Slice and serve turkey over salad greens for a lighter meal
Pile slices on sandwiches or wraps with cranberry sauce
Dice turkey for soups, chili, casseroles, and stir fries
Pair with your favorite holiday side dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes

Get several family meals out of those delicious leftovers!

Roasting two boneless turkey breasts makes easy work of holiday and Sunday dinners. Follow these tips for moist, flavorful white meat the whole family will love.

cooking 2 turkey breasts together

Can you cook 2 bone in turkey breasts at the same time?

FAQ

Can I cook two turkey breasts at the same time?

If you want to cook two boneless turkey breasts at the same time, assuming they are about 3 lbs. each, I recommend cooking on low for 5-6 hours. You can check the internal temp at 5 hours if you want to make sure it’s 165 degrees, but it won’t hurt to go all the way until 6 hours. Don’t forget to double the rub amount!

How long to cook two turkeys together?

Don’t double the roasting time: Even though you’ll have two birds cooking, this doesn’t mean you should double the cooking time. If you have two 12-pound turkeys, roast them for the same amount of time as if you only had one, which is 2¾ to 3 hours at 325°F.

How long to cook two butterball turkey breasts?

Brush or spray skin with vegetable oil. Place turkey breast in 350° oven and heat until warm. 3/4 – 1.5 hours. Check temperature with a meat thermometer.

Can you cook two turkey breasts in one oven bag?

Yes, as long as there’s enough room in the bag to permit some air circulation, you should have no problem putting both pieces into the same bag. I’d be careful not to overcook them though. The separate pieces should cook more quickly than a whole bird, so use a thermometer to double check your temp. Happy Thanksgiving!

Can you cook two Turkey breasts at once?

For best results cooking two turkey breasts at once, use breasts of roughly the same size. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the two turkey breasts in a baking pan with the meat side up. Season the turkey breasts according to your recipe.

Can one have turkey and carrots?

Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.

How do you cook a turkey breast in a roasting pan?

Place the turkey breasts on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Make sure the turkey breasts are not touching each other. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help to keep the turkey breasts moist while they cook. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.

Can you cook two turkeys at a time?

Here are some tips to remember when cooking two turkeys at one time: Choose the right roasting pan: For a 9- to 12-pound turkey, choose a shallow roasting pan no more than three inches deep; place a rack in the bottom of the pan to elevate the turkey above the pan drippings. Two compact 13×9 roasting pans should allow both birds to fit in the oven.

How long do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the two turkey breasts in a baking pan with the meat side up. Season the turkey breasts according to your recipe. Roast the turkey breasts based on the weight of the larger breast, but add 15 minutes to the total cooking time.

How do you spice up a turkey breast?

Make the flavorful spice rub: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs, fresh herbs, lemon zest and paprika. Add olive oil or melted butter to create a thick paste. Brush this flavorful paste on all sides of the turkey breast. Nestle the turkey into the veggies.