Boneless, skinless turkey breast is a healthy, lean cut of meat that can be roasted beautifully in the oven. When properly cooked it emerges juicy, flavorful and perfect for holiday meals or anytime. But nailing the timing is essential to prevent dried out turkey. So how long should you bake a boneless skinless turkey breast? Let’s find out.
An Overview of Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breasts
Boneless skinless turkey breast is simply the breast meat portion of a turkey with the bones and skin removed. This leaves just the lean mild-flavored white meat.
Since the skin and excess fat has been trimmed, boneless, skinless turkey breast is lower in calories and fat compared to turkey cooked with the skin on. It provides an excellent source of lean protein.
When purchasing boneless, skinless turkey breasts, opt for a size from 1-3 pounds to feed a family. The meat will be smooth, uniform and white or pale pink when raw.
Oven Roasting Guidelines
To achieve tender, juicy oven roasted turkey breast, follow these guidelines:
1. Cook to an Internal Temperature of 165°F
Food safety experts recommend poultry reach an internal temperature of 165°F to destroy any potential bacteria. Use an instant read meat thermometer to evaluate doneness.
2. Allow 15-20 Minutes Per Pound of Turkey
As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting boneless, skinless turkey breasts for 15-20 minutes per pound.
So for a 2 pound breast, bake for 30-40 minutes. For a 3 pound breast, bake for 45-60 minutes. Check often with a meat thermometer.
This range provides moist, tender turkey without overcooking. Times vary slightly depending on thickness.
3. Let It Rest Before Slicing
After roasting, always allow the turkey breast to rest for 5-10 minutes tented loosely with foil. This allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Step-by-Step Oven Roasting Method
Here are more details on how to perfectly roast boneless, skinless turkey breast:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a shallow roasting pan or baking dish.
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Pat dry the turkey breast and rub lightly with oil or melted butter. Season all over with salt, pepper and any other spices desired.
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Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, checking temperature periodically. For example, roast a 2 pound breast for 30-40 minutes.
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Once the internal temperature reads 160°F, remove from the oven. Residual heat will bring it up to 165°F as it rests.
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Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
The turkey will emerge juicy, tender and safe to eat when following this easy method. Adjust cooking times slightly for thicker or thinner breasts.
Add Flavor With a Simple Brine
For added moisture and flavor, try soaking the turkey breast in a simple brine before roasting:
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Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water or broth. Add herbs and spices.
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Submerge breast in brine 4-8 hours. Rinse and pat dry before roasting.
Cooking Alternatives Beyond the Oven
While oven roasting is popular, boneless, skinless turkey breasts can be cooked using various methods:
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Grill over medium indirect heat, rotating occasionally, until 165°F internally. Allows smoky flavor.
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Air fry at 400°F for super fast, crispy turkey. Spray with oil for browning.
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Slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours creates fall-off-the-bone tender meat.
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Poach in simmering broth or water until 165°F for ultra moist turkey.
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Sauté diced turkey breast in a pan with olive oil for quick weeknight meals.
No matter which cooking method you choose, sticking to the 15-20 minutes per pound guideline helps prevent dried out poultry so you can enjoy juicy, delicious boneless, skinless turkey breast any time.
Signs Turkey Breast is Done Besides Temperature
If a meat thermometer is not available, look for these cues that the turkey is fully cooked:
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Meat is opaque throughout with no pink or red remaining
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Juices run clear when pricking the turkey with a fork
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Texture is firm yet still moist, not rubbery or tough
However, a thermometer provides the most reliable doneness indicator. Resting allows juices to be reabsorbed so meat stays moist.
The Takeaway
When oven roasting boneless, skinless turkey breasts, allow about 15-20 minutes per pound while monitoring the internal temperature to 165°F. Rest before slicing. Proper roasting times prevent dry turkey so you can enjoy this healthy, versatile poultry for easy meals.
How to Cook Boneless Skinless Turkey Breast
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
How long does it take to cook a butterball boneless turkey breast?
Do you roast a turkey breast covered or uncovered?
How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast in the oven?
Sear it on all sides until golden. Preheat the oven to 325°F/160°C. Roast: Transfer the cast-iron skillet to the oven and roast the boneless skinless turkey breast for about 50 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reads 160°F/71°C. Start checking after 45 minutes if your oven runs high.
How do you cook a boneless skinless turkey breast?
One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to cook a boneless skinless turkey breast is by oven roasting. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe to get you started: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the turkey breast with your favorite herbs and spices. Garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika work wonderfully.
What temperature do you cook a boneless turkey breast?
What Temperature to Cook a Boneless Turkey Breast? Cook the breast in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F (162.8 C), and slow roast for 15 to 20 minutes per pound. This will slow roast it and brown the skin beautifully without burning, and cook the turkey until the internal thermometer pops up.
How do you cook a boneless turkey breast in a cast iron skillet?
Rub meat with olive oil and spices. Sear it on all sides until golden. Preheat the oven to 325°F/160°C. Roast: Transfer the cast-iron skillet to the oven and roast the boneless skinless turkey breast for about 50 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reads 160°F/71°C.
How long do you cook a turkey breast at 325 degrees?
Place the coated turkey breast in a shallow casserole dish or baking dish and roast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 90 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the breast reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius). Remove the turkey breast from the oven and cover with aluminum foil (leave it in the pan).
How long do you cook a rolled Turkey in the oven?
Rub the remaining herb butter on top of the roll. Roasting Rolled Turkey: Preheat oven to 375 F. Place in a roasting pan or a baking dish and bake until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees to 165 degrees, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes total. Remove from oven, and let rest for 10 minutes.