Cooking a succulent and delicious turkey breast can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! One of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare turkey breast is to cook it in a bag. This method locks in moisture and flavor, guarantees a tender texture, and requires minimal effort.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a perfect turkey breast in a bag from start to finish.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Breast in a Bag
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to do it, let’s look at why you should cook your turkey breast in a bag:
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Retains moisture The bag creates a little moisture-sealed environment steaming the turkey breast gently and keeping it incredibly juicy.
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Intensifies flavor: Cooking it in its own juices inside the bag boosts the flavor of the turkey. Any rubs, herbs or aromatics you add are also locked in.
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Easy cleanup: The bag contains any drips or splatters, so your oven stays clean.
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Hands-off: Once it’s in the bag, you can just let it do its thing without basting or checking it.
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Consistent texture: The turkey breast cooks evenly, preventing dry or overcooked spots.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for tender, succulent turkey breast every time:
1. Pick the Right Turkey Breast
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A bone-in, skin-on breast works best, but a boneless, skinless breast is fine too.
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Allow 1 pound of turkey per person if it’s the main course.
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For the moistest results, opt for a fresh (unfrozen) breast if you can.
2. Prep the Turkey Breast
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Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.
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Trim off any excess skin or fat.
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Loosen the skin from the meat gently with your fingers (this allows steam underneath to cook the meat evenly).
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Season all over with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, citrus zest, etc.
3. Make the Cooking Bag
You’ll need:
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A large oven bag (heavy duty)
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1-2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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Aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs
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1⁄2 cup broth or wine
To assemble:
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Coat the bag with oil or butter
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Place turkey breast inside
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Add aromatics around it
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Pour in liquid
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Seal the bag tightly
4. Cook the Turkey Breast
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Heat oven to 350°F.
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Place bag on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes per pound.
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Check temp; breast should reach 165°F internally.
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Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
5. Carving and Serving
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Carefully open the bag (steam will release).
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Transfer turkey to a cutting board.
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Carve into slices.
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Pour pan juices into a fat separator.
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Serve turkey drizzled with juices.
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Enjoy with favorite sides!
Turkey Breast Cooking Times
To estimate total cooking time, allow 8-10 minutes per pound at 350°F. For example:
- 2 lb. breast: 16-20 minutes
- 3 lb. breast: 24-30 minutes
- 4 lb. breast: 32-40 minutes
- 6 lb. breast: 48-60 minutes
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temp reaches 165°F. If it’s not quite done, return to oven for 5-10 minutes more.
Handy Tips for Success
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For crispy skin, start breast skin-side up then flip halfway through cooking.
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Add vegetables like onion, carrots, celery to the bag for extra flavor.
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Use broth, wine or cider instead of water in the bag for more moisture and taste.
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Let the breast rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
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Save the flavorful pan juices to make gravy or freeze for turkey soup stock.
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Cook stuffing separately to prevent food safety issues.
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If brining the breast first, reduce salt in the cooking bag.
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For the grill, use an aluminum foil bag and indirect heat.
FAQs
What size turkey breast should I buy?
For 4-6 people, a 3-4 pound bone-in breast is ideal. Allow around 1 pound per person.
What aromatics can I add to the bag?
Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, lemon, lime, oranges, rosemary, sage, thyme all add great flavor.
Can I stuff the turkey breast?
It’s best not to stuff it as this can affect cooking times and food safety. Cook stuffing separately.
What sides go well with turkey breast?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, biscuits, mac and cheese.
What wine pairs best with turkey?
Pinot noir, Beaujolais, Rhône red blend, Riesling or a lighter Chardonnay are all good options.
How long does cooked turkey breast last?
Leftover cooked turkey breast lasts 3-4 days refrigerated and 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
The Takeaway
Cooking turkey breast in a bag is one of the most reliable, hassle-free ways to prepare this lean protein. The bag locks in flavorful juices and steaming action, ensuring a tender and succulent result every time. Follow the tips above for your best bag-cooked turkey breast yet!
