At What Temp is a Turkey Breast Done? The Ultimate Guide to Cooking the Perfect Turkey Breast

As Thanksgiving approaches, home cooks everywhere are gearing up to prepare the star of the holiday meal – the turkey! While cooking an entire turkey can seem daunting, starting with just a turkey breast is a great option for beginners But how do you know when the turkey breast is cooked to perfection? Keep reading for the ultimate guide on at what temp is a turkey breast done

Why Temperature Matters

Cooking the turkey breast to the proper internal temperature is absolutely crucial for both food safety and taste. According to the USDA, turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential foodborne illnesses like salmonella. Cooked below this temp, and bacteria could still be alive in the meat, potentially causing illness to anyone who eats it.

On the flip side, turkey breast that is overcooked to well above 165°F will be dry and tough. No one wants stringy, chewy turkey on Thanksgiving! That’s why using a meat thermometer and closely monitoring the temperature as your turkey breast cooks is so important.

USDA Minimum Internal Temperatures

The USDA provides the following guidelines for minimum internal temperatures when cooking turkey:

• Whole turkey: 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing.

• Turkey breast 165°F

• Ground turkey: 165°F.

• Turkey thighs, drumsticks, and wings: 165°F.

No matter what part of the turkey you are cooking, it is safest to cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.

How Long Does it Take to Cook a Turkey Breast to 165°F?

The approximate cooking times for turkey breast to reach 165°F are:

• Boneless turkey breast (2-3 lbs): 1 – 1 1/2 hours at 350°F

• Bone-in turkey breast (5-7 lbs): 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hours at 350°F

However, cooking time can vary based on a number of factors:

• Size and shape of the breast

• Bone-in or boneless

• Oven temperature

• Whether the breast was brined or not

Because so many variables affect cooking time, the only way to determine true doneness is by using a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The old method of calculating cook time by minutes per pound is notoriously unreliable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Turkey Breast to 165°F

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked turkey breast every time:

1. Select Your Turkey Breast

Choose a fresh or thawed turkey breast between 2-7 lbs. For easier cooking, opt for a boneless breast. If choosing bone-in, allow for extra cook time.

2. Prep the Turkey Breast

Remove giblets from the cavity and rinse the breast under cold water. Pat dry completely with paper towels. At this point, you may choose to brine or marinate the breast which adds flavor and moisture.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Many ovens run hot or cold, so use an oven thermometer to check the true temperature.

4. Cook the Turkey Breast

Place turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a shallow pan. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into the thickest part of the breast, taking care that the probe is not touching bone.

Roast the breast for the estimated cook time, checking temperature periodically. Juices should run clear when it nears 165°F.

5. Rest and Carve the Turkey

Once 165°F is reached, remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the breast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes so juices can redistribute before slicing.

Use a sharp knife to carefully carve the turkey breast. Slice against the grain for more tender meat.

Common Turkey Breast Cook Times

Use these approximate cook times as a starting point, but always rely on a thermometer for doneness:

Signs Your Turkey Breast is Done

In addition to using a meat thermometer, you can gauge doneness from these visual cues:

• The meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear, not red or pink

• The thighs and wings are easy to wiggle and move

• The drumsticks move easily in their sockets

• The meat begins to pull away from the bone (if bone-in)

However, visual signs alone are not completely reliable, so a thermometer is best for accuracy. Cook to a safe minimum 165°F to ensure any bacteria present is killed.

As you prepare your perfectly cooked turkey breast this Thanksgiving, remember the takeaway message is to always rely on a food thermometer for safety and enjoy your holiday feast!