How Long Should You Cook a 7lb Turkey Breast?

Roasting a juicy delicious turkey breast is easier than tackling a whole bird. A bone-in turkey breast in the 7lb range feeds 4-8 people plenty of tasty white meat. But exactly how long should you cook a 7lb turkey breast to perfection?

Overview of Cooking Times

For a 7lb bone-in skin-on turkey breast the approximate roasting time is

140-150 minutes (2 hours, 20-30 minutes) at an initial 425°F oven temperature
After browning. reduce heat to 325°F to finish cooking
Always use a meat thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute

Factors That Affect Cook Time

Several factors impact how long a 7lb turkey breast needs to roast:

Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless cooks 15-30 minutes faster
Brined or unbrined – Brining adds flavor but slightly increases cook time
Stuffing – Stuffing adds richness but increases overall cook time
Cooking method – Oven roasting takes longer than grilling or smoking
Temperature – Higher heat means quicker cooking time

Step-by-Step Roasting Method

Follow these steps for a tender, juicy oven-roasted turkey breast:

Pat turkey dry and loosen skin to rub seasoning underneath
Generously season outside skin with oil, salt, pepper, herbs like sage
Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, add broth to the pan
Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes to brown the skin
Reduce temperature to 325°F and continue roasting
Baste every 20-30 minutes with pan drippings for added moisture and flavor
Use an instant-read thermometer to check temperature; cook to 165°F
Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to finish cooking and let juices redistribute

How to Tell When It’s Done

The best way to test doneness is to use a reliable meat thermometer. Check temperature by inserting the probe into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone. It should reach 165°F when done. If undercooked, continue roasting and check temperature again.

The breast juices should run clear and the meat should be fork tender when pierced but not falling apart. Let it rest before slicing so the juices don’t run out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to dry out your turkey breast if you aren’t careful. Here are some common pitfalls:

Not using a meat thermometer leads to overcooking
Cooking at too high temperature throughout
Forgetting to baste results in drier meat
Neglecting to let it rest causes juices to spill out
Pulling from oven before it reaches 165°F internally

Tips for a Moist, Juicy Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for the most mouthwateringly moist roasted turkey breast:

Pat the skin dry before seasoning so it crisps well
Loosen the skin gently and rub seasoning or compound butter underneath
Use a roasting rack in a pan to allow air flow all around
Baste frequently with the pan drippings for added moisture and flavor
Brine your turkey breast for 12-24 hours before cooking
Cook to the proper internal temperature of 165°F
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to finish cooking

Alternative Cooking Methods

While roasting in the oven is most common, turkey breasts can be prepared using other cooking methods as well:

Grill over indirect heat, monitoring temperature closely
Smoke low and slow in a smoker for a deep, rich flavor
Cook in an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker for faster meal
Poach in liquid like broth, wine or cider on the stovetop
Sous vide for an ultratender turkey breast with concentrated flavor

Regardless of technique, cook the turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F and let rest before serving for optimal doneness. Get creative with your 7lb turkey breast!

how long to cook a 7lb turkey breast

How to Defrost a Turkey

Cooking a turkey is pretty straightforward, but you do need to plan ahead. Given that it can take several hours to roast, the turkey needs time beforehand (days if you need to defrost) to lose the chill from the refrigerator.

If you are buying a frozen turkey, youll need to put it in the refrigerator to defrost. The turkey will need about 5 hours of defrosting time for every pound of turkey.

So if you have a 15 pound turkey, it should take about 75 hours, or 3 days, to defrost in the refrigerator. A 20 pound turkey will take about 100 hours, or 4 days, to defrost.

If your turkey is still partially frozen the day you plan to cook it, clean out the basin of your sink, fill it with cool water and place the turkey in it. Change the water every half hour until the turkey is defrosted.

The Internal Temperature for Roast Turkey

165°F is the USDA recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey. The turkey will continue to cook for several minutes after you take it out of the oven, so take it out before the meat reaches those target temperatures.

I usually take the the turkey out when the breast reaches 155°F to 160°F, and the thighs 155°F to 165°F. While white breast meat can easily dry out if its temperature gets too high, thigh meat can handle a higher internal temperature without drying out.

how long to cook a 7lb turkey breast

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 it take for a 7 lb turkey breast?

Turkey breast takes about 20 minutes per pound to cook.

How long to cook 7lb turkey at 350?

The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a …Oct 10, 2024

How long to cook a 7lb butterball turkey breast?

The general rule of thumb is to cook it for 30 minutes per pound in preheated to 350 degrees F oven. 7-10 pounds roast: Cook for 30 minutes per pound but check with a thermometer 30 minutes before calculated total time. Just to avoid overcooking your turkey breast as oven gets hotter with time.

How long do you cook a 7 lb turkey breast?

**The ideal cooking time for a 7 lb turkey breast in the oven is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at 325°F (165°C).** Cooking times may slightly vary depending on your oven and the specific type of turkey breast you are cooking.

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

To do this, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the turkey breast for 2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should a 7 lb turkey breast be cooked at?

Cooking times may slightly vary depending on your oven and the specific type of turkey breast you are cooking. It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. 1. How long does it take to cook a 7 lb turkey breast at 350°F?

How do you cook a 7 lb Turkey?

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when cooking a 7lb turkey: * Start by brining the turkey. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. * Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound.

How to roast a 7 pound turkey breast?

Steps to Roast a 7-pound Turkey Breast in the Oven 1. Choose a turkey breast. When choosing a turkey breast, look for one that is plump and evenly shaped. The breast should have a white skin and a deep red color. Avoid turkeys that are too thin or have dark, purplish skin. 2. Brined the turkey breast.

How long does a Butterball turkey breast take to cook?

The cooking time for a Butterball turkey breast may vary depending on its weight. As a general guideline, you can estimate about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey breast. However, it is always crucial to use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).