Let’s discuss the part of preparing a turkey that we all fear the most: How Long to Cook a Turkey. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!
Whether you’re preparing a modest 4-pound turkey breast or a whopping 24-pound full bird, I have tips to help you figure out when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey.
Plus, I’ve included some of my best tips and tricks for knowing when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’re definitely going to want one of these bad boys).
Scroll down to view all of the content, or use the Table of Contents box above to skip to the content you need.
Plus, I have a printable how long to cook a turkey in the oven chart with turkey cook times at the end.
Below, you’ll find estimated cook times for unstuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked outside the bird) and stuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked inside the bird).
It’s important to keep a close eye on things throughout the cooking process to make sure everything turns out perfectly.
Roasting a turkey is often the centerpiece of special meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. A beautifully bronzed 14 pound turkey makes an impressive sight on any table. But nailing the cook time can feel daunting. Follow this guide for foolproof results when cooking a 14 pound turkey at 325°F.
Why Cook a Turkey at 325°F?
There are two main benefits to roasting your turkey at a lower 325°F temperature compared to 350 or 375°F
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Juicier Meat – The slower cooking time allows the turkey to cook through gently without drying out the breast meat.
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Better Browning – The longer time in the oven gives the turkey skin and pan drippings more of a chance to brown and develop rich, roasted flavor.
325°F hits the sweet spot between cooking the turkey safely through to 165°F while still achieving ideal doneness, moisture and browning.
How Long Should You Cook a 14 Lb Turkey at 325°F?
The best way to ensure your turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking is to follow the guideline below
- Unstuffed 14 Pound Turkey: Approximately 3 to 3 3⁄4 hours
For a stuffed turkey, the cook time increases slightly:
- Stuffed 14 Pound Turkey: About 3 1⁄2 to 4 hours
A good tip is to start checking the temperature after 3 hours. Use an instant read thermometer placed deep in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
Monitor the temperature every 30 minutes until it registers 165°F. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with foil without it touching the skin.
Key Tips for Roasting a Turkey at 325°F
Follow these tips for roasting success:
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Let It Rest – Once removed from the oven, let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
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Maintain Moisture – Baste the turkey every 45 minutes with the pan drippings. You can also place cut lemons, onions and herbs in the cavity for extra moisture.
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Cook Thoroughly – Use a meat thermometer to verify the deepest section of the thigh reaches 165°F. If using a stuffing, it should register 165°F as well.
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Make the Drippings – Don’t discard the pan drippings! Use them to make a delicious turkey gravy.
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Prep the Pan – Roasting the turkey directly on a roasting rack set inside a heavy roasting pan allows air circulation for even cooking.
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Season Well – Rub the turkey skin generously with softened butter and season with salt and pepper before roasting.
Alternate Cook Times for Other Turkey Weights
Refer to this guide if cooking a slightly smaller or larger bird:
- 12 – 14 lbs: 31⁄2 to 4 hours
- 14 – 18 lbs: 4 to 41⁄4 hours
- 18 – 20 lbs: 41⁄4 to 43⁄4 hours
- 20 – 24 lbs: 43⁄4 to 51⁄4 hours
The cook times are based on an unstuffed turkey roasted at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer and allow the turkey to rest before determining it is fully cooked through.
Handling a Pre-Brined Turkey
Many thawed turkeys now come pre-injected with a salt solution to help keep the meat moist. Reduce the cook time slightly for a pre-brined turkey:
- Unstuffed Pre-Brined 14 Lb Turkey: About 3 to 31⁄2 hours
- Stuffed Pre-Brined 14 Lb Turkey: Around 31⁄2 to 33⁄4 hours
The salts used for brining allow the turkey to cook a bit more quickly. As always, rely on a thermometer over cook times for perfect results.
Achieve Turkey Perfection at 325°F
Cooking a 14 pound turkey in a 325°F oven results in ideal flavor, moisture and texture. With the tips above, you can feel confident your turkey will turn out right every time. Focus on monitoring temperature, allowing ample resting time, and making flavorful drippings for gravy. In no time you’ll be slicing into beautiful, juicy turkey at its very best.
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What If I Forgot to Thaw My Turkey?
If the thawing timeline above has now become impossible for you, don’t panic! You can still thaw your whole turkey using an ice-water bath.
Submerge your packaged turkey in an ice water bath (your sink, a large bucket, or even a cooler will work), ensuring the water stays between 32 degrees F and 38 degrees F. Check it constantly to ensure it stays ice cold.
This method will still take a while (about 8 hours for a 15-pound turkey), but it will be much faster than the times listed above and result in tender meat.
Stuffed Turkey Cook Times
These times are based on a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on about 15 to 17 minutes per pound (the times below are based on 15 minutes per pound).
- 4 to 8 pounds: 1 to 2 hours
- 8 to 10 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
- 14 to 16 pounds: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
- 16 to 18 pounds: 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 hours
These times are based on starting a room temperature turkey at higher temp (450 degrees F), then lowering it to 325 degrees F after 45 minutes to 1 hour (recommended for crispy skin).
- 4 to 8 pounds: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
- 8 to 10 pounds: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
- 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- 20 to 24 pounds: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
How long to cook a 14-pound turkey at 325?
FAQ
How long to cook 14lb turkey at 325?
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Turkey Roasting Times
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12- to 14-pound turkey
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3 to 3¾ hours
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14- to 18-pound turkey
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3¾ to 4¼ hours
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18- to 20-pound turkey
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4¼ to 4½ hours
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20- to 24-pound turkey
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4½ to 5 hours
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Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
How long to cook a 14 unstuffed turkey?
What temperature should a 14 lb turkey be when done?