How Long to Cook a Boneless Butterball Turkey Breast for Perfectly Juicy Results

Butterball boneless turkey breasts make an easy and delicious entrée for holidays, weeknight dinners or any time you’re craving turkey. But knowing exactly how long to cook a boneless turkey breast is key to ensuring it turns out juicy, tender and flavorful.

Follow this guide for tips on cooking times, temperature, thawing and more to master oven-roasted Butterball boneless turkey breasts.

Why Choose Boneless Turkey Breast?

Opting for a boneless turkey breast offers several advantages

• Convenient – No need to carve around bones. Just slice and serve

• Quick cooking – A 3-5 lb breast roasts more rapidly than a whole bird.

• Lean and versatile – With no skin or bones, it’s very low fat. Use for anything from entrees to sandwiches

• Less waste – You get 100% edible meat since there’s no bone or cartilage.

• Portion control – A boneless breast gives you a specific amount of meat for your gathering.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why boneless turkey breasts are popular options for everyday meals and small holiday feasts alike.

Thawing a Frozen Butterball Turkey Breast

Butterball boneless turkey breasts are sold both fresh and frozen. If using a frozen breast:

• Keep it wrapped and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 1 lb.

• For quicker thawing, submerge the wrapped breast in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes.

• Once thawed, use within 1-2 days.

Never thaw turkey breasts at room temperature, as bacteria can multiply rapidly.

How Long to Cook a Small Boneless Turkey Breast

For a 2-3 lb boneless turkey breast, the cooking time is approximately:

• Oven: 1 – 1 1/2 hours at 325°F

• Grill: 45 – 60 minutes over medium indirect heat

• Smoker: 2 – 3 hours at 225 – 250°F

How Long to Cook a Medium Boneless Turkey Breast

For a 3-5 lb boneless turkey breast, plan for roughly:

• Oven: 1 1/2 – 2 hours at 325°F

• Grill: 60 – 75 minutes over medium indirect heat

• Smoker: 3 – 4 hours at 225 – 250°F

How Long to Cook a Large Boneless Turkey Breast

For a 5-7 lb boneless turkey breast, expect around:

• Oven: 2 – 2 1/2 hours at 325°F

• Grill: 75 – 90 minutes over medium indirect heat

• Smoker: 4 – 5 hours at 225 – 250°F

The cook times above are general guidelines. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the breast has reached a safe internal temperature.

What Temperature to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast?

Regardless of size, cook boneless turkey breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the meat. This ensures any bacteria are killed and the breast is cooked through without drying out.

Let the breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. The temperature will rise slightly during the rest time.

For optimal safety and texture, do not eat turkey cooked below 165°F. Overcooking above 170°F will cause dryness.

How to Tell When Turkey Breast is Done

Checking temperature is the most reliable way to assess doneness, but here are some other signs your boneless turkey breast is fully cooked:

• The meat pulls away from the bone easily.

• Juices run clear when pierced with a knife or fork.

• The breast meat looks opaque and is firm to the touch.

• A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest section reads 165°F.

Seasoning and Flavoring Boneless Turkey Breast

One concern with lean boneless turkey breasts is that they can turn out bland or dry. Here are tips for maximizing flavor and moisture:

• Brine before cooking – Soak in a saltwater solution for added seasoning and juiciness.

• Rub with herbs and spices – Coat the breast with olive oil and generously season the exterior. Common flavors include rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

• Stuff with aromatics – For a showstopping dish, carefully loosen the meat and stuff pockets with citrus slices, onion and herbs.

• Baste while roasting – Frequently brush with melted butter, oil, broth or sauce as it cooks.

• Inject flavor – Use an infusion syringe to inject marinades deep into the meat before cooking.

• Cook in liquid – For roasting, add wine, stock or fruit juice to the pan. Baste and make gravy from the braising liquid.

With the right prep and seasoning, you can enjoy incredibly moist and delicious home-cooked boneless turkey breast any night of the week.

Boneless Turkey Breast Cooking Methods

While the oven is most common, boneless turkey breasts also cook up beautifully on the grill, smoker or stovetop.

Oven Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast

• Roast at 325°F on a rack in a shallow pan until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• For crispier skin, start breast skin-side down then flip halfway through.

• Baste periodically with melted butter, olive oil or broth.

Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast

• Smoke with indirect heat at 225-250°F, allowing 1 hour per pound.

• Use wood chips, chunks or pellets for flavor. Try cherry, maple, apple, pecan or hickory.

• Brine first for extra moisture and serve with barbecue sauce.

Grilled Boneless Turkey Breast

• Sear over direct high heat before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking.

• Infuse smoke flavor by adding soaked wood chips to the coal bed.

• Create a moist exterior with herb butter or barbecue mop sauce.

Braised Boneless Turkey Breast

• Brown the breast then simmer in broth, wine or a sauce until tender.

• Try cranberry, maple, apple cider, or citrus juices for the braising liquid.

• Use the braising liquid as the base for a savory gravy.

Safely Storing Leftover Turkey Breast

Proper storage prevents harmful bacteria growth, keeping leftovers safe to enjoy for 3-4 days:

• Let breast cool completely before refrigerating.

• Store sliced meat in shallow airtight containers.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

• Reheat fully to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving again.

With proper handling, cooked turkey will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat thawed frozen turkey to 165°F.

Get Delicious Boneless Turkey Breast on the Table

When you need an easy yet impressive entrée, look no further than a boneless turkey breast. Follow these guidelines for thawing, seasoning, cooking times and temperatures.

In about 1-2 hours you can be carving juicy, flavorful slices to serve your family or guests. A boneless turkey breast makes finishing touches like unique sauces or accompaniments simple.

So pick up a quality Butterball boneless turkey breast on your next grocery trip. With the perfect doneness achieved and wonderful aromas filling your kitchen, you’ll find boneless turkey breast is a go-to way to get dinner on the table any night of the week.