How Long Does It Take to Broil a Turkey?

Broiling a turkey may seem intimidating, but it’s actually a simple and flavorful cooking method that results in a beautifully browned and juicy bird. With some basic preparation and monitoring, you can broil a turkey to perfection right in your own oven. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about broiling times for turkey.

What is Broiling?

Broiling is a high-heat dry cooking method that uses direct radiant heat from above to cook food. The food cooks quickly under the intense overhead heat, which caramelizes the surface and seals in juices. Broiling is done in the oven under the broiler, which generates heat from an upper heating element.

Broiling brings out great flavor and texture. The Maillard reaction occurs when the natural sugars and proteins on the food’s surface react under the high heat, creating complex aromas and a crispy crust. Broiling gives turkey skin an incredible crunchy texture and infuses the meat with smoky, roasted flavors.

Benefits of Broiling Turkey

There are several advantages to broiling turkey versus roasting or baking it.

• Quick cooking time – Broiling cooks the turkey much faster than roasting. A 12-14 lb turkey takes only about 1-1.5 hours to broil compared to over 3 hours to roast.

• Crispier skin – The high overhead heat of the broiler crisps up and browns the skin beautifully. Basting helps further crisp the skin.

• Enhanced flavor – Broiling gives the turkey a delicious charred, roasted flavor. The savory browning adds richness.

• Lower fat – The turkey doesn’t sit in rendered fat like roasting, so it’s a bit healthier. Fat drips away as it cooks.

• Easy monitoring – Since broiling takes less time, it’s easier to monitor the turkey’s progress and make adjustments as needed.

• Versatile – Almost any size turkey can be broiled, from small Cornish hens to a large 25 lb bird.

How Long Does it Take to Broil a Turkey?

Broiling times vary based on the size and weight of the turkey as well as your broiler’s power and positioning in the oven. Here are general guidelines

• 6-8 lb turkey – 45 minutes to 1 hour
• 10-12 lb turkey – 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• 14-16 lb turkey – 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• 18-20 lb turkey – 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• 20-24 lb turkey – 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

For any weight turkey, plan on about 13-15 minutes per pound as an estimated broiling time. So a 14 lb turkey will take around 14 x 15 minutes = 3 hours 30 minutes total.

Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying on time. The thickest part of the breast and thigh should reach 165°F. If it’s not yet up to temperature, continue broiling and checking it every 5-10 minutes until it reaches 165°F.

How to Broil a Turkey Perfectly

Follow these simple steps for flawlessly broiled turkey:

• Prep the turkey – Remove giblets and neck. Rinse turkey and pat dry. Tuck wings under and tie legs together with kitchen string.

• Season the skin – Coat the turkey skin liberally with oil or melted butter. Season all over with salt, pepper and desired herbs/spices.

• Preheat broiler – Place oven rack about 6 inches from heating element. Preheat broiler for 10 minutes on high.

• Place turkey in broiler pan – Put turkey breast-side-up on broiler pan. Tip: Line pan with foil for easier cleanup.

• Broil turkey – Broil turkey for recommended time based on weight, rotating pan halfway through. Check temp and continue broiling if needed.

• Baste frequently – Baste turkey every 10-15 minutes with pan drippings or melted butter to further brown and crisp skin.

• Let rest before carving – Once turkey reaches 165°F, remove from oven, tent with foil and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Basting and Flavoring Tips

Basting is key for broiled turkey. As the turkey broils, the fat renders out and can be used to baste the skin. Basting helps crisp the skin, keeps the turkey moist and infuses flavor. Some basting options:

• Melted butter or olive oil
• Chicken or turkey stock
• Wine, apple juice or citrus juice
• Herb butter made with fresh rosemary, thyme etc
• Soy sauce, hoisin, sriracha for Asian flavors
• BBQ sauce, hot sauce, ranch dressing, jerk seasoning

Get creative with rubs and spice blends too. Cajun seasoning, tandoori spices, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin and paprika all add amazing flavor. Brining the turkey before broiling helps keep it ultra juicy.

Common Broiling Turkey Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls when broiling turkey:

• Not preheating broiler – Always preheat at least 10 minutes to allow heating element to get piping hot.

• Turkey too close to broiler – Keep pan 5-6 inches from heat so turkey doesn’t burn.

• Not basting enough – Baste every 10-15 minutes for crispy, browned skin.

• Overcooking breast – Remove turkey once breast hits 165°F to prevent drying out.

• Letting turkey overlap edges of pan – This leads to uneven cooking. Center turkey in pan.

• No meat thermometer – Don’t rely on time, always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

• Carving too soon – Let turkey rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

Juicy Broiled Turkey Perfection

Broiling turkey may seem daunting if you’ve never tried it before. But it’s actually a very simple, quick and delicious cooking method that yields incredible flavors. With frequent basting, proper positioning under the broiler, and monitoring with a meat thermometer, you can achieve perfectly juicy, browned turkey in far less time than roasting. Crispy, savory broiled turkey is sure to be a hit at your next meal!