How Long Do You Cook a Turkey Breast?

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.

Cooking a delicious, juicy turkey breast seems intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With some simple tips and techniques, you can cook a moist and flavorful turkey breast in your own oven. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook the perfect turkey breast, including how long to cook it.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

How long it takes to cook a turkey breast depends on several factors:

Weight – A 5 lb turkey breast will take less time than a 10 lb one. See the chart below for general guidelines.
Bone-in or Boneless – A bone-in breast will take longer than a boneless one. The bone insulates the meat, slowing down the cooking.
Brined or Unbrined – Brining, whether wet or dry, adds moisture and seasoning to the turkey. A brined breast may cook slightly faster.
Cooking Method – The oven temperature and whether you roast uncovered or covered in foil impacts time,
Temperature – Cook the breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F

Turkey Breast Cooking Times

This chart provides approximate cooking times for unstuffed, bone-in turkey breasts cooked at 350°F:

Weight	Cooking Time
3 – 4 lbs	1 – 1 1/2 hours
5 – 7 lbs	1 1/2 – 2 1/4 hours
8 – 10 lbs	2 1/4 – 3 hours

Note that a stuffed breast will take longer, up to 30 minutes more, since the stuffing must reach 165°F as well.

For boneless breasts, reduce the time by about 30 minutes. And if cooking at a lower temperature like 325°F, add about 15 minutes to the time.

Seasoning and Preparing the Breast

For the juiciest, most flavorful results:

Brine the Breast – Wet brining or dry brining adds moisture and seasons the meat.
Loosen the Skin – Use your fingers to gently loosen the skin from the breast meat.
Rub with Oil or Butter – Coat the meat under the skin with oil or butter before seasoning.
Season Generously – Sprinkle salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs under the skin and over the skin.
Truss the Breast – Tie the breast with kitchen string to maintain its shape. Tuck the wings under.

Roasting Tips

Follow these tips for roasting a picture-perfect turkey breast:

Roast at 350°F on a V-rack in a roasting pan.
Tent loosely with foil for the first half of roasting, then remove for crispy skin.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness; it should read 165°F.
Let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving for juicy results.
Carve across the grain of the meat in thin slices.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While roasting it the most common way to cook a turkey breast, other methods work well too:

Grill – Cook over indirect heat, with a drip pan underneath. Get crispy skin by finishing directly over the heat.
Smoke – Impart delicious smoky flavor by smoking in a smoker or grill at 225-250°F to an internal temp of 165°F.
Sous Vide – Cook low and slow in a water bath for tender meat. Finish by searing the skin to crisp it.
Bake – Cover with foil and bake in the oven with some liquid for moist meat. Uncover at end for crispy skin.

Let’s Talk Carving

Carving a turkey breast is easier than carving a whole turkey. Here are some tips:

Let the breast rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Slice across the grain of the meat, at a slight angle.
Make thin slices and arrange artfully on a platter.
Serve with pan juices for extra moisture.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

Make Delicious Meals

A roasted turkey breast can be the star of the show for many meals. Get creative with leftovers!

Slice for sandwiches, wraps or salads.
Dice and add to soups, casseroles or stir frys.
Pair with veggies and pasta for a quick dinner.
Use in breakfast dishes like omelets, hash or biscuit sandwiches.
Make turkey pot pie or turkey tetrazzini.

how long do u cook a turkey breast

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey breasts in an oven or grill may be popular, but it can be tedious and unforgiving. You have to keep checking the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you accidentally cook it for a few extra minutes, the turkey could burn or get dry.

On the other hand, cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is very forgiving. Even if the turkey spends an extra hour in the crockpot, the low cooking temperature will help ensure that it doesn’t burn or get dry. Here are more benefits of opting for slow cooker turkey breast:

Flavorful, tender, and juicy turkey breasts every time
Minimal prep time – no need to brine
Hassle-free cooking process – no need to check on it for hours
Easy to clean up afterward

Lastly, using a slow cooker gives you highly concentrated turkey broth, which you can use to create an excellent gravy.

Before delving into how to cook bone-in turkey breasts in a crockpot, let’s settle the argument of crockpots vs. slow cookers.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot

Crockpot and slow cooker can mean the same thing. Crock-Pot® is the brand name of the first-ever slow cooker. Other brands now make slow cookers, and like Crock-Pot® slow cookers, these cookers have three primary components – a pot, a transparent lid, and a heating element.

Follow these tips to cook perfect turkey bone-in breasts in a Crock-Pot® or another slow cooker.

Place a turkey breast skin side up inside the cooker. If the skin is facing upwards, it’s less likely to tear when removing the turkey breast from the slow cooker. Also, keeping the skin out of the broth will allow it to develop a delectable color.
Before placing the turkey breast in the slow cooker, brush the skin with cooking oil before rubbing your seasonings. The oil will help the seasonings adhere to the body and enhance the flavor. It will also help the skin brown beautifully during the cook.
Add half a cup of liquid (water, broth, or wine) to the base of the slow cooker. The turkey breast will absorb the flavor and moisture of the liquid while cooking. It will also help prevent the meat from sticking to the base of the pot. For more flavor, place halved garlic, onions, and your other favorite ingredients at the bottom of the pot.

Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

FAQ

Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?

Is it better to cook a bone-in turkey breast at 325 or 350 degrees? Cook a bone-in turkey breast at 350°F. It will typically take 12-15 minutes per pound. So an 8-9 lb bone-in turkey breast will roast for 1 ½ to 2 hours (90 to 120 minutes).

How long does a 5 lb turkey breast take to cook?

Evey 5 lbs. will be around two hours at a temperature of 225°F.

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

What is the perfect temperature for cooked turkey breast?

The safe temperature for turkey breast is 165°F. You can take your turkey breast out of the oven at 160°F and after a 10 minute rest, it should have raised up to 165°F. It’s best to double-check this using a thermometer.

How long do you cook a 4 pound turkey breast?

The general rule of thumb for cooking a turkey breast is to allow approximately 20 to 25 minutes of cooking time for each pound when roasting in the oven at 325°F (163°C). For example, a 4-pound turkey breast might take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes to fully cook.

How long to cook a turkey breast at 325 degrees?

When it comes to cooking turkey breast at 325 degrees, timing is crucial to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection. A general rule of thumb is to cook a bone-in turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound at 325 degrees. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is bone-in or boneless.

How long does it take to cook a boneless turkey breast?

First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Then place your turkey breast on the middle rack in the oven to cook for 13-16 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. and the pan juices run clear. Typically, it will take about 30 minutes per pound to fully cook a boneless turkey breast.

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 long do you slow cook a turkey breast?

For slow cooking, plan on cooking your bone-in turkey breast for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. A boneless turkey breast typically takes around 5 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Season Generously: Since slow cooking doesn’t brown the meat, use marinades or rubs to enhance flavor.

How long do you cook a 10 lb Turkey?

Put your turkey into the preheated oven and roast the turkey. The cooking time will vary based on weight. Figure 15-25 minutes per pound at 325. So if your turkey is 10 lbs, you will cook the turkey between 2.5-4.5 hours. There is a guide for cooking times further down this page! STEP 3.