How Long Do I Cook a Turkey Breast For? A Detailed Guide

Cooking a juicy, delicious turkey breast can seem intimidating for many home cooks. However, with the right techniques and cooking times, you can have a perfectly cooked turkey breast on your table in no time. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook turkey breast right, including answering the key question – how long do I cook a turkey breast for?

Overview of Cooking a Turkey Breast

Roasting a whole turkey is quite time consuming, but cooking just the turkey breast speeds things up considerably. Turkey breast can be cooked bone-in or boneless, with or without the skin on.

• Bone-in turkey breasts are more flavorful and juicy, but take longer to cook

• Boneless turkey breasts cook more quickly, but can dry out more easily.

Most recipes recommend roasting turkey breast at 325°F, but you can go up to 350°F to decrease cooking time Lower temperatures help keep the meat moist, but 350°F won’t make it dry or tough

Don’t rely just on timing though. Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness – turkey breast should reach 165°F at the thickest part when finished cooking.

How Long Per Pound at Different Temperatures

Here are general guidelines for roasting times per pound at different temperatures:

At 325°F:

• Bone-in, skin-on breast: Allow 15-20 minutes per pound
• Boneless breast: Allow 12-15 minutes per pound

At 350°F:

• Bone-in, skin-on breast: Allow 12-15 minutes per pound
• Boneless breast: Allow 10-12 minutes per pound

So for a 3 lb bone-in, skin-on breast at 350°F, cook for 36-45 minutes. A 4 lb boneless breast at 325°F needs 48-60 minutes.

Boneless breasts and those without skin cook faster, so start checking temperature early. And be sure to let the turkey breast rest at least 15 minutes before slicing for the juiciest meat.

Every oven is different, so use a meat thermometer and track your own times and temperatures.

Seasoning and Preparing Turkey Breast

Properly preparing and seasoning your turkey breast is key for the best flavor. Here are some tips:

• Pat the breast dry and rub it all over with olive oil or butter. Get under the skin too.

• Generously season under the skin and all over the outside with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you want.

• Let the breast sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before roasting so it cooks evenly.

• You can rub freshly minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped herbs, or spiced butter under the skin for extra flavor.

• For crispier skin, let the seasoned breast air dry uncovered in the fridge overnight before roasting.

• Brining or dry brining are also great ways to boost moisture and flavor.

How to Tell When Turkey Breast is Done

Using an instant read meat thermometer is the only sure way to know if your turkey breast is fully cooked to a safe 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to hit the bone.

Here are signs your turkey breast is done:

• It reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer

• The meat is no longer pink when you cut into it

• The juices run clear when pricked with a knife or fork

• The skin is beautifully browned and crispy

Once the breast is finished cooking, tent it with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise another 5°F or so as it rests.

Roasting Methods for Juicy, Tender Turkey Breast

There are a few roasting methods that produce exceptionally juicy, delicious turkey breast:

Low and Slow

Roast at 325°F on a rack in a roasting pan until 165°F internally. Allow 15-20 minutes per pound. The low temp keeps it tender and moist.

High Heat for Crispiness

Crank the heat up to 425°F-450°F to crisp the skin intensely. Cook to 165°F, checking early since it cooks faster. Allow 12-15 minutes per pound.

Butter and Herb Basting

Roast at 350°F, basting every 30 minutes with melted butter, herbs, lemon, and garlic. Basting keeps it super juicy. Cook to 165°F, allowing 12-15 minutes per pound.

Sous Vide Then Sear

Cook 1-2 hours sous vide at 140°F for tender meat. Sear the skin quickly at 500°F for crisping. The skin can be seared separately too.

Troubleshooting Dry or Tough Turkey Breast

If your turkey breast turns out dry or chewy, here are some common problems and solutions:

• Overcooked – always use a meat thermometer and don’t go solely by time. 165°F is the safe final temperature.

• Cooked unevenly – let the breast sit at room temp before cooking so it roasts evenly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

• Roasted at too high temperature – stick to 325°F-350°F for the most tender meat. Higher temps cause dryness.

• Didn’t let it rest before slicing – resting for 15-20 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when cut.

• Brined incorrectly – make sure brine is fully dissolved before adding turkey and brine for the right amount of time (no longer than 24 hours).

• Frozen turkey breast – thaw completely in the fridge before cooking for even roasting.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Breast

Leftover roasted turkey breast is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few tasty ways to use up those leftovers:

• Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo on crusty bread

• Chopped turkey added to salads, grain bowls, omelets, and savory pies

• Turkey breast tacos with avocado, peppers, shredded cheese and salsa

• Hearty turkey rice or noodle soup loaded with veggies

• Turkey casserole with mushrooms, onion, broccoli and cheese sauce

• Turkey hash with potatoes, peppers, onions and sunny side eggs

• Turkey pot pie with carrots, peas and flaky pie crust

• Simple turkey and cheese quesadillas for a quick protein packed meal

The Takeaway on Cooking Turkey Breast

Cooking moist, flavorful turkey breast boils down to a few key tips:

• Season well under and over the skin

• Cook low and slow to an internal temp of 165°F

• Allow 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F-350°F

• Let the cooked breast rest before slicing into it

Master these basics, use a meat thermometer, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy turkey breast every time you cook it. Enjoy it right away or utilize the leftovers in endless tasty ways. Your family will be begging for turkey breast all year long when they taste how delicious it can be.