This slow cooker turkey roast is the best quick and easy herbed turkey recipe for a festive dinner or filling weeknight meal! Featuring a tender and juicy boneless turkey breast roast, lots of herbs, and plenty of veggies, it’s the perfect main course to serve with all your favourite sides this holiday season! {Gluten-free & Dairy-free}
Cooking a whole turkey is a big undertaking, but roasting just the breast portion provides plenty of tasty white meat without the hassle A turkey breast roast makes an easy main course for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. But to get the best results, you need to know how long to cook a turkey breast roast Follow this guide for everything you need to know about roasting turkey breast, including timing so it turns out moist and delicious.
Overview of Cooking a Turkey Breast Roast
A turkey breast roast contains the whole breast section, including both sides, with the wings and ribs attached. Some are bone-in for added flavor while boneless options cook a bit faster.
Most turkey breast roasts range from 2 to 6 pounds, The average 3 pound roast will serve 4 to 6 people Larger roasts around 5 pounds provide enough meat for big family meals or when you need lots of leftovers
To cook turkey breast properly, most recipes recommend roasting at 325°F, but using a 350°F oven will decrease the total cooking time. Just watch the temperature closely with an instant-read meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
As a general timing guideline, plan on roasting turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound. But the safest test for doneness is to cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Letting the roast rest before carving is also key for juicy meat.
Step-by-Step Method for Roasting Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven roasted turkey breast every time:
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Remove packaging and pat dry: Unwrap the turkey breast and discard any bag holding the neck and giblets. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
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Season the meat: Coat the breast in olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle on your favorite poultry seasoning or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage.
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Insert aromatics (optional): For extra flavor, place lemon wedges, garlic cloves, onion chunks, or fresh herbs inside the breast cavity.
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Roast at 350°F: Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Roast at 350°F until fully cooked.
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Use a meat thermometer: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of breast to monitor temperature. Cook to 165°F.
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Allow to rest: Once done, tent the roast loosely in foil and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
How Long to Cook a 2 Pound Turkey Breast
A small 2 pound boneless turkey breast roast will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to cook at 350°F. Check the temperature early, as boneless cooks faster than bone-in.
For a 2 pound bone-in turkey breast half, plan on 45 to 55 minutes in the oven until it reaches 165°F. Rest for at least 15 minutes once roasted before carving.
How Long to Cook a 3 Pound Turkey Breast
A 3 pound boneless turkey breast roast will need about 50 to 60 minutes in a 350°F oven. For a bone-in breast, allow 60 to 70 minutes of roasting time.
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than time to test for doneness. Cook bone-in or boneless turkey breast to 165°F, then let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
How Long to Cook a 4 Pound Turkey Breast
Increase the roasting time to about 70 to 80 minutes for a 4 pound boneless turkey breast at 350°F. Check temperature early as boneless cooks faster.
For a 4 pound bone-in turkey breast half, plan on 75 to 90 minutes in the oven. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the oven.
How Long to Cook a 5 to 7 Pound Turkey Breast
A large bone-in turkey breast roast between 5 and 7 pounds will need between 90 minutes to 2 hours in a 350°F oven.
You can calculate roasting times based on 20 minutes per pound, but it’s safest to use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F doneness, especially if your roast has bones.
Let the cooked breast rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Enjoy your tender and juicy roast turkey breast!
Additional Tips for Roasting Turkey Breast
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Brining the raw turkey breast in a saltwater solution enhances moisture and flavor.
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Cut small slits in the skin before roasting to help the fat render and make the skin extra crispy.
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Use a roasting rack to elevate the breast so air circulates to cook the meat evenly.
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Baste occasionally with pan juices or melted butter during roasting for added moisture and color.
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Cover with foil if the skin browns too quickly while roasting to prevent burning.
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Carve across the grain of the meat in thin slices for tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
With the proper roasting time and temperature, you’ll achieve the perfect oven-roasted turkey breast to serve for any occasion. Getting your turkey breast roast just right is easier than you think.
How to Make Gravy From Drippings
- To prepare the gravy recipe, place a fine wire mesh strainer over a blender, and strain the mixture from the bottom of the slow cooker, so that the broth goes into the blender. Add half of the cooked onion and roasted garlic cloves from the bottom of the slow cooker to the blender.
- Blend until pureed. The mixture will have a foam on the surface, but this will disappear when you boil it on the stove.
- Transfer the gravy mixture to a small pot over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Transfer it to the saucepan, increase the heat, and bring the ingredients to a boil, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper, to taste.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the step where you let the turkey breast rest under a tent of foil. This allows the juices to infuse back into the turkey. If you slice into it too quickly, it will lose some of its juiciness.
What is a Boneless Turkey Roast?
Boneless turkey roast is a turkey roast that has had the bones removed either mechanically or by a butcher. As a result, it is easier to prepare, requires less cooking time, and is a breeze to slice.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
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Less drying out:The lower temperature cooks the turkey breast more gently, minimizing moisture loss and resulting in a juicier bird.
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Even cooking:A lower temperature ensures the whole breast cooks evenly, preventing the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
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Suitable for most cuts:Whether you’re cooking a boneless or bone-in turkey breast, 325°F is a safe and reliable temperature to use.
How long do you cook a 3 pound butterball turkey breast roast?
- Preheat the oven to 325°F or 350°F
- Place the turkey breast in a shallow pan
- Cook until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
- Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing or carving
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast at 350 degrees?
- A turkey breast that weighs 3–5 lbs may take 1–2¼ hours to cook
- A turkey breast that weighs 5–7 lbs may take 2¼–3 hours to cook
- A turkey breast that weighs 7–9 lbs may take 3–3½ hours to cook
Do you roast a turkey breast covered or uncovered?
Cover the turkey to prevent over-browning.
If the skin over the breast meat begins to brown too darkly toward the end of cooking, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent scorching.
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
How Long To Roast Turkey Breast – General Rule: The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an un-stuffed turkey, or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Or 15 minutes per pound at 325 unstuffed and 17 minutes per pound at 325 for a stuffed turkey.
How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast?
To cook a bone-in turkey breast, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Roast the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. How long does it take to cook a boneless turkey breast?
How long do you cook a turkey breast at 325?
The general rule of thumb for roasting turkey breast is to allow 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. At the higher 350°F temperature, you can decrease this cooking time to 12-15 minutes per pound Here are some estimates based on breast size: Boneless breast and those without skin will cook faster, so start checking the temperature early.
How do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect alternative to a full size turkey for small families. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, your whole family is going to love this one! Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a 3 to 8 pound turkey breast skin side up on the rack of a roasting pan, or into a lightly greased 9×13 pan.
How do you cook a 3 lb turkey breast?
The oven is the most common way to cook a turkey breast. To cook a Butterball 3 lb turkey breast in the oven, you will need: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey breast with melted butter. Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil.
How long do you cook a Turkey in the oven?
Proceed to place it in the preheated oven and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to baste the turkey with the remaining melted butter every 30 minutes to achieve that perfect, flavorful skin.