Rotisserie turkey breast is a delicious and easy way to cook turkey, but knowing how long to rotisserie it is key for optimal results. With the right technique, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with crisp, golden skin using your rotisserie grill or smoker.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to rotisserie a turkey breast:
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Size – A 6-8 pound bone-in turkey breast will take 1-2 hours to cook through. Larger breasts over 8 pounds may need up to 2.5 hours.
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Temperature – Cook the breast to an internal temperature of 165°F. Monitor with an instant read thermometer.
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Indirect heat – Cook using indirect heat around 325-350°F. Direct high heat causes the exterior to overcook.
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Basting – Regularly basting the breast with butter broth or sauce keeps it moist and promotes browning.
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Brining – Soaking the raw breast in a saltwater brine hydrates it so it retains moisture. Brined breasts cook faster.
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Stuffing – Stuffed breasts take longer since heat must penetrate the center Add 30-45 mins to the cook time.
Step-by-Step Rotisserie Cooking Times
Follow these time estimates when rotisserie cooking a 6-8 pound bone-in turkey breast:
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15 minutes – Remove turkey breast from fridge and allow to come to room temperature
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10 minutes – Prepare and light grill for indirect cooking at 325-350°F
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5 minutes – Pat turkey dry and coat with oil, herbs and spices
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5 minutes – Skewer breast on rotisserie rod and attach to grill
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15 minutes – Sear breast over direct high heat to brown skin
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1 – 1 1⁄2 hours – Rotisserie cook using indirect heat, basting regularly
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10-15 minutes – Brush breast with glaze during last 15 minutes if desired
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15 minutes – Remove breast from grill and allow to rest before carving
Total Time: 1 3⁄4 – 2 hours
So for a 6-8 pound bone-in turkey breast, rotisserie cook for about 1 3⁄4 – 2 hours, until it reaches 165°F. Rest, then slice and serve.
Tips for Maximizing Juiciness
To keep your rotisserie turkey breast extra juicy:
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Brine the breast in saltwater for 2-12 hours before cooking
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Truss the breast to hold shape if boneless
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Cook to 165°F, not over. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.
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Baste every 30 minutes with broth, butter or oil
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Add a drip pan under the breast to catch juices
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Wrap breast in foil if exterior browns too quickly
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Inject breast with broth if very large or stuffed
Recipe Ideas
Some delicious spice rubs and wet brines to try for your next rotisserie turkey breast:
Spice Rub Ideas
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Smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, black pepper, mustard powder
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Rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, lemon zest, salt
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Brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, cumin, salt
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Jerk seasoning – Allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, habanero
Wet Brine Ideas
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Salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, herbs
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Apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon
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Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar
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Beer or wine, onions, garlic, bay leaves
With the right technique and target internal temperature, you can achieve amazingly juicy, flavorful turkey breast on your rotisserie grill or smoker in around 1 3⁄4 – 2 hours for a 6-8 pound breast. Brining, basting and resting are key! Adjust cook times up or down for larger or smaller breasts.
Special Equipment
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
376 | Calories |
14g | Fat |
2g | Carbs |
56g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 12 to 14 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 376 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 14g | 18% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 21% |
Cholesterol 212mg | 71% |
Sodium 888mg | 39% |
Total Carbohydrate 2g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 2g | |
Protein 56g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 1% |
Calcium 52mg | 4% |
Iron 2mg | 12% |
Potassium 477mg | 10% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
How to Rotisserie a Turkey Breast
FAQ
How many hours per pound of turkey breast?
How long to reheat 3 lb turkey breast?
How long does it take to cook a turkey on the grill rotisserie?