Whether it’s your first go at cooking Thanksgiving dinner or you’re a seasoned pro, the turkey takes center stage on the table, so it must come out perfect!
Cooking a boneless turkey breast may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy if you use an oven bag. The bag locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring a tender and juicy breast every time. In this simple guide, I’ll walk through the entire process of preparing a boneless turkey breast in a bag, from thawing to roasting. With just a few basic ingredients and tools, you’ll have a beautiful main dish ready in just a couple of hours.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey in a Bag
There are several advantages to cooking turkey in an oven bag:
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Moisture Oven bags create a sealed environment that locks in the natural juices and prevents the turkey from drying out This is especially helpful for lean white meat like boneless turkey breast
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Easy cleanup The bag contains any drippings or mess, so there’s minimal cleanup of roasting pans afterwards Just discard the bag when done
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Flavor: Seasonings and aromatics stay contained in the bag and fully permeate the meat.
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Convenience: It’s hard to overcook turkey in a bag. Just follow the time guidelines and you’ll get perfect results every time.
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Versatility An oven bag can be used for a whole turkey bone-in breast or boneless breast.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof boneless turkey breast cooked in an oven bag.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 tsp dried thyme
- 1⁄4 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 oven bag (Reynolds recommended)
Directions
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Thaw the turkey breast: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
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Prepare the oven bag: Coat the inside of the oven bag lightly with cooking spray or flour. This prevents sticking.
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Season the turkey: Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle with garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Fill the bag: Place seasoned turkey in the center of the oven bag. Add any other aromatics like onion, celery, carrots, or lemon wedges.
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Seal the bag: Tie the oven bag closed with the nylon tie. Make 5-6 half-inch slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
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Roast: Place the bag in a baking dish and roast at 325°F for approximately 1 1⁄2 hours.
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Test for doneness: Turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Times
Cooking times can vary based on the size of the turkey breast. Here are general guidelines:
- 1-2 lbs: 60-75 minutes
- 3-4 lbs: 75-90 minutes
- 5-7 lbs: 90-120 minutes
Always verify doneness by taking the internal temperature, not just relying on time. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast.
Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas
One benefit of oven bag cooking is how well it absorbs flavors. Consider rubbing the turkey with any of these seasoning blends before roasting:
- Lemon pepper, garlic, and herbes de provence
- Rosemary, sage, thyme, and smoked paprika
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper
- Italian seasoning and crushed fennel seeds
- Brown sugar and ginger
You can also place sliced lemons, oranges, onions, or fresh herbs inside the bag to permeate the turkey with flavor. Get creative with ingredients!
Serving Suggestions
The juicy turkey breast pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Serve with:
- Cranberry sauce
- Gravy from the pan drippings
- Herb stuffing or dressing
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans
Sliced turkey is also fantastic for sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat pieces in the microwave or oven until 165°F.
Oven Bag Tips
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Choose high-quality oven bags without seams for best results. Reynolds is a top choice.
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Be sure the bag is large enough to lay flat and not touch the sides of the pan.
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Place the bag in a broiler pan or baking dish to catch any drips.
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Add 1⁄4 cup water or broth to help create steam and moisture.
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Monitor the bag closely to ensure it doesn’t melt or burst.
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Let the turkey rest before removing it from the bag to prevent juices from spilling.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Don’t let leftover turkey go to waste! Get creative with these delicious recipes:
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Turkey casserole – Mix turkey with rice, veggies, and cream soup. Top with cheese and crackers.
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Turkey tetrazzini – Turkey and pasta tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce.
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Turkey chili – Spice up ground turkey in a hearty chili with beans.
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Turkey soup – Simmer turkey with veggies and broth for a comforting soup.
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Turkey sandwiches – Pile turkey on crusty bread with cranberry sauce and stuffing.
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Turkey salad – Toss diced turkey with mayo, celery, apples, and nuts.
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Turkey tacos – Warm turkey in taco shells and top with all the fixings.
FAQs
What size oven bag do I need?
Choose an oven bag about 2-inches larger than the turkey breast. Most brands state the turkey weight they can accommodate.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in a bag?
No, freezer-to-oven cooking is not recommended. Always thaw turkey completely first for food safety.
Do I need to baste or add liquid to the bag?
No basting needed! The bag locks in natural juices. You can add 1⁄4 cup broth or water for extra moisture.
How do I make gravy from the drippings?
Open bag carefully after roasting and pour juices into a saucepan. Add flour or cornstarch to thicken.
What if the bag melts in the oven?
This can happen if heat is too high or bag touches oven sides. Prevent by using a large bag and pan. Monitor temperature.
Can I stuff a boneless turkey breast?
Stuffing is not recommended as it can affect safe cooking. Prepare it separately to serve alongside.
Can I roast vegetables in the oven bag too?
Yes, add peeled potatoes, carrots, onions, or other hardy veggies right in the bag with the turkey!
Conclusion
Cooking boneless turkey breast in an oven bag is a foolproof method for juicy, flavorful meat. With just a few simple ingredients and following the cooking guidelines above, you’ll have perfect turkey breast ready for any meal or occasion. Get creative with different seasonings and leftovers too. Let the oven bag do the work for you!
bonless turkey breast: 31
oven bag: 28
turkey: 15
season: 9
cook: 8
juicy: 7
flavor: 6
drippings: 5
leftover: 5
Reynolds: 4
thaw: 4
garlic: 3
thyme: 3
rosemary: 3
baste: 2
gravy: 2
stuffing: 2
melt: 2
size: 2
vegetables: 2
frozen: 2
liquid: 2
crackers: 1
tacos: 1
salad: 1
casserole: 1
tetrazzini: 1
chili: 1
sandwiches: 1
soup: 1
wraps: 1
broth: 1
pan: 1
dish: 1
lemon: 1
herbs: 1
fennel: 1
cranberry: 1
potatoes: 1
Brussels sprouts: 1
carrots: 1
green beans: 1
refrigerate: 1
reheat: 1
microwave: 1
oven: 1
seams: 1
broiler: 1
drips: 1
rest: 1
spilling: 1
waste: 1
pasta: 1
parmesan: 1
beans: 1
apples: 1
nuts: 1
shells: 1
fixings: 1
thicken: 1
cornstarch: 1
stuffing: 1
separately: 1
hardy: 1
onions: 1
potatoes: 1
carrots: 1
TURKEY OVEN BAG COOKING TIMES
Add 1 tablespoon of flour to coat the bag when preparing your turkey oven bag. Do not add any water (unless directed).
| OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES Until internal temp reaches 165°F in the breast and thigh in several places, not touching the bone (If you prefer a well-done turkey with no pink juices, cook until 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone) | |
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time @ 350°F |
| Whole Turkey, unstuffed | |
| 10-12 pounds | 1 1/2 to 2 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 2 to 2 1/4 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Whole Turkey, stuffed (stuffing temperature should be 165°F) | |
| 10-12 pounds | 2 to 2 1/2 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
| Turkey Breast, bone-in | |
| 8-12 pounds | 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours |
| Turkey Breast, boneless | |
| 8-12 pounds | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Wild Turkey | |
| Same as whole turkey, but if skinless, add 1/4 cup water and brush with extra oil or butter. | |
If you want all the juicy details about how to cook a turkey in an oven bag, and our oven bag cooking times, peek at our oven bag cooking charts for turkey, chicken, beef, pork, and more!
COOKING A TURKEY IN AN OVEN BAG
Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in a Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag is a fantastic way to ensure that your turkey stays moist and succulent while also turning out a golden light brown. Plus, with an oven bag, you wont even have to worry about scrubbing the roasting pan. Just follow these easy steps to roast a turkey in an oven bag for your next dinner.
- Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag
- One 8 to 24-pound turkey
- 1 tablespoon flour (wheat, rice, potato, nut or gluten-free flour, corn starch, corn meal, or matzo meal can be used as a substitute for flour)
- Ties that come in the oven bag package
- Large oven-safe roasting pan or disposable aluminum roasting pan
- Seasonings
- Meat thermometer
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place a turkey-size oven bag into a large roasting pan that is at least two inches deep. Sprinkle one tablespoon of flour into the bag and shake to distribute (you may use wheat, rice, potato, nut or gluten-free flour, corn starch, corn meal, or matzo meal instead of flour). Then, add sliced vegetables, depending on the recipe. Turn down the ends of the bag several times to help hold it open while you place the turkey inside.
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. If you like to stuff your turkey, place the stuffing into the cavity. Be careful not to overstuff. Pat the skin dry, brush the turkey with oil or melted butter, and season as desired. Not sure what to use for seasoning? Try this herb-roasted turkey recipe. Place turkey in the oven bag atop your sliced vegetables.
Close the bag with the nylon tie found in the turkey oven bag carton. It’s usually folded inside the cooking chart.
Make 6 half-inch slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape as the turkey cooks. Tuck the corners of the bag in the pan and trim or fold down the extra bag beyond the tie to ensure it doesn’t touch the oven or heating elements when cooking.
Place the turkey on the lowest rack of your oven to roast. There’s no need to baste or attend to the turkey. Look at the cooking chart included in the carton for the estimated time for cooking a turkey in an oven bag. To check if the turkey is done cooking, measure the temperature through one of the cut slits on the top of the bag. Place a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, not touching the bone.
Let the turkey stand in the bag for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then, cut the top of the bag open with cooking shears or a paring knife.
To remove the turkey from the bag, insert serving forks in the neck and chest cavities of the turkey. Then, transfer your turkey to a serving dish for dinner. Use the juices to make flavorful gravy to pair with the moist turkey.