Perfectly Cooked Turkey Breast: Cooking Times & Tips

Cooking a turkey breast can seem intimidating, but with the right tips and timing, you’ll serve up a juicy, flavorful centerpiece every time. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, knowing exactly how long to cook a turkey breast ensures it comes out moist and delicious—not dry or undercooked. This guide will walk you through the best methods, temperatures, and tricks for perfect turkey breast, plus answer common questions so you can cook with confidence.

How Long Should You Cook a Turkey Breast?

The cooking time for turkey breast depends on its weight and whether it’s bone-in or boneless. As a general rule:

• Bone-in turkey breast: Roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes per pound.
• Boneless turkey breast: Roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes per pound.

Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness—the thickest part should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Turkey Breast Cooking Time Chart

Step-by-Step: Roasting Turkey Breast in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep the turkey breast: Pat dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil or melted butter, and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or sage).
3. Roast: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add a cup of broth or water to the bottom for extra moisture.
4. Baste occasionally: Every 30 minutes, spoon pan juices over the turkey to keep it moist.
5. Check temperature: About 15 minutes before the estimated finish time, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. Remove from oven when it hits 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest before slicing: Cover loosely with foil and let rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Breast

• Bring to room temperature: Take your turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Add aromatics: Tuck onion slices, garlic cloves, or citrus wedges under the breast or in the roasting pan for extra flavor.
• Baste with butter: For crispier skin and rich flavor, baste with melted butter instead of pan juices.
• Tent with foil if browning too quickly: If the skin is getting dark before the meat is done, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Let it rest: Resting is key! Don’t skip this step for maximum juiciness.

Should You Cook Turkey Breast Covered or Uncovered?

You should start roasting turkey breast uncovered so the skin gets golden and crispy. If you notice it browning too fast, tent it with foil partway through cooking. This keeps the meat moist while still letting the skin crisp up nicely.

Can You Cook Turkey Breast in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Slow cookers are great for hands-off cooking and result in super tender turkey. Place seasoned turkey breast in your slow cooker, add some broth, and cook on low for about 5-6 hours (for a 3-4 lb breast) or until it reaches 165°F internally.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Breast

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in a covered dish with a splash of broth to keep them moist.

Troubleshooting: Common Turkey Breast Questions

Why is my turkey breast dry?

This usually means it was overcooked. Always use a meat thermometer and remove the turkey from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F. Letting it rest also helps retain juices.

The skin isn’t crispy—what can I do?

If you want crispier skin, try broiling the turkey breast for the last few minutes of cooking. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Can I brine my turkey breast?

Absolutely! Brining adds moisture and flavor. Soak your turkey breast in a saltwater solution (with optional herbs and spices) for several hours or overnight before roasting. Rinse and pat dry before seasoning and cooking as usual.

I have an extra-large turkey breast—how do I adjust?

Add about 20 minutes of cooking time per extra pound, but always rely on your thermometer for doneness rather than time alone.

Your Turkey Breast Cooking Checklist

• Thaw completely: Make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed before cooking.
• Season well: Don’t skimp on herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
• Bake at the right temp: Stick to 350°F for even cooking.
• Baste and check temp: Baste during cooking and use a thermometer to check for doneness.
• Let it rest: Don’t carve right away—resting makes all the difference!

Final Thoughts

Cooking turkey breast doesn’t have to be stressful. With these simple guidelines—timing by weight, using a thermometer, basting occasionally, and letting your meat rest—you’ll serve up a juicy, flavorful main course every time. Happy cooking!

FAQs About Cooking Turkey Breast

What’s the best way to season turkey breast?

A mix of olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme works wonders!

Can I stuff a turkey breast?

You can! Butterfly the breast and fill with your favorite stuffing before rolling up and securing with kitchen twine. Increase cooking time slightly and ensure stuffing reaches at least 165°F as well.

Is it safe to cook from frozen?

You can cook turkey breast from frozen, but it will take at least 50% longer. It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and best texture.

How do I know when turkey breast is done?

The only sure way is with a meat thermometer—look for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

What sides go well with turkey breast?

You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce, green beans, or stuffing!