When I was a kid, I remember being fascinated with my mom’s whole roast turkey recipe. Learning how to cook a whole turkey seemed intimidating but it always came out perfectly moist and tender. My first attempt at cooking a whole turkey was a total fail, but I learned what to do to make it savory, moist, and absolutely delightful, and now you can too. Here is the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe that we share every year!
Broiling a turkey produces incredibly moist, tender meat with crispy, browned skin. But knowing how long to broil a turkey is key to success. Undercooking can lead to food safety issues, while overcooking yields dry turkey. Follow this guide for foolproof broiled turkey.
Factors That Affect Broiling Times
Several factors impact the broiling time required for turkey:
- Weight – A small 3-5 lb turkey breast broils faster than an 8-12 lb whole turkey.
- Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in takes longer as the bone insulates the meat. Boneless cooks quicker.
- Distance from heat – Place 3-6 inches from heat source based on thickness
- Broiler strength – High vs low setting impacts time High is faster
- Frozen or thawed – Frozen needs significantly more time. Defrost first for quicker cooking.
With the right technique, you can broil a moist and delicious turkey in your oven.
Recommended Internal Temperature for Turkey
For safety and proper doneness, turkey should reach an internal temp of 165°F at the thickest part.
However, carryover cooking will continue to raise the temperature about 5-10°F once removed from the oven.
So ideally you want to broil the turkey to 155-160°F, then allow the temp to coast up to 165°F as it rests. Use an instant read thermometer to check.
How Long to Broil a Whole Turkey
For broiling a whole turkey at 500°F:
- 8-12 lbs: Total time 60-90 minutes. Broil 30 minutes per side.
- 12-16 lbs: Total time 75-105 minutes. Broil 35-40 minutes per side.
- 16-20 lbs: Total time 90-120 minutes. Broil 40-45 minutes per side.
Check temperature and rotate periodically while broiling. Total time depends on size and distance from heat.
How Long to Broil a Turkey Breast
For broiling a bone-in turkey breast at 500°F:
- 3-5 lbs: Total time 45-60 minutes. Broil 20-25 minutes per side.
- 5-7 lbs: Total time 60-75 minutes. Broil 25-30 minutes per side.
A boneless breast cooks faster. Reduce time by about 10 minutes per side.
Tips for Perfectly Broiled Turkey
- Thaw completely if frozen
- Preheat broiler for 10 minutes
- Place turkey on a broiler pan, 3-6 inches from heat
- Broil one side until browned, then flip
- Baste with melted butter, olive oil or pan drippings
- Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness
- Tent with foil if browning too quickly
- Allow to rest 15 minutes before carving
With an instant read thermometer and the guidelines above, you can easily broil a flavorful, juicy turkey to perfection.
Common Broiling Turkey Questions
Here are answers to some frequent questions about broiling turkey:
Should turkey be broiled skin side up or down first?
Start broiling skin side down first. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat rather than dripping off. The skin will still crisp up nicely.
What temperature should you broil a turkey?
Broil at 500°F for the fastest cooking time. Lower temperatures will increase cook time.
How do you keep turkey moist when broiling?
Baste frequently with melted butter, olive oil or pan drippings. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Cook to the proper internal temp.
What is the best turkey part to broil?
Turkey breast is ideal for broiling. The white meat stays juicy and takes less time than a whole turkey.
Should you flip a broiling turkey?
Yes, flip over halfway through cook time to brown both sides evenly. Use tongs and an oven mitt for easy maneuvering.
Can you broil a turkey that’s not fully thawed?
Only broil fully thawed turkey. Partially frozen turkey won’t cook through properly. Defrost first in the fridge 1-2 days before broiling.
With these tips and timing guidelines, you can master broiled turkey with moist meat and crispy skin. Enjoy this easy oven turkey preparation perfect for smaller gatherings and holidays.
How often do I baste a turkey?
Basting a turkey is not required, but if you choose to do so, go with 30-minute intervals.
What is the best way to season a turkey?
Seasoning inside the bird as well as seasoning under the skin are among the best ways to season a turkey. This will add so much more flavor and keep the meat juicy.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How long should I broil turkey?
How long does it take to boil a 15 lb turkey?
Should I broil the turkey at the end?