How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit

Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think if you follow some simple guidelines. When roasting a turkey breast in the oven, the most important factors are temperature and cooking time. Here’s what you need to know about how long to cook a turkey breast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overview of Cooking Times

In general, you’ll want to cook a bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C), or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

For example, a 5 pound bone-in breast will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes at 350 degrees. An 8 pound breast will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

For boneless turkey breasts, reduce the cooking time to about 15 minutes per pound since there is no bone to cook through.

Keep in mind that brined or stuffed turkey breasts may require a little more roasting time It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

There are a few factors that can increase or decrease the cooking time for your turkey breast

• Bone-in vs Boneless – Bone-in breasts take longer since the bone continues cooking and retains heat. Remove about 5 minutes per pound for boneless.

• Brined or Unbrined – Brining adds moisture and seasoning, but can extend cooking time slightly. Add 5-10 minutes if brined.

• Stuffed or Unstuffed – A stuffed breast often needs 10-15 more minutes to ensure the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F.

• Frozen or Thawed – A frozen breast will take significantly longer to reach a safe internal temperature. Add 15-20 minutes if still partially frozen.

• Oven Temperature – Cooking at a higher temperature like 375 degrees F will reduce the roasting time. Lower temps will lengthen it.

• Weight – Heavier breasts over 8 lbs or those cooked together may need extra time in the oven.

Step-by-Step Roast Turkey Breast Recipe

To cook a juicy turkey breast at 350 degrees F in the oven, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove giblets and neck from breast cavity and trim any excess skin or fat. Rinse if brining is not desired. Pat very dry with paper towels.

2. Generously coat the breast with olive oil or melted butter and rub an herb seasoning all over. Salt and pepper the inside cavity.

3. Place turkey breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup chicken broth or water to the bottom of the pan to help prevent drying out.

4. Roast at 350 degrees F, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature.

5. Once it reaches 160 degrees F, tent with foil and continue roasting until 165 degrees F is reached internally.

6. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil and allow to rest 15-20 minutes before carving.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

• For enhanced browning and crisping, coat the skin with butter or oil and reflect heat onto breast with foil.

• Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness reading. Check in thickest part away from bone.

• Let it rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute for a juicier turkey breast.

• Carve across the grain in thin slices for tender, sliceable meat.

• Add aromatics to the roasting pan like garlic, herbs, onions or citrus for extra flavor.

• Brining or marinating is wonderful for adding moisture, flavor and seasoning to the meat.

• Prevent overcooking and drying out by pulling it out right when it hits 165 degrees F.

Common Problems and Solutions

Undercooked Turkey – Cook longer, use a thermometer to confirm 165 degrees F. Shield thinner areas.

Overcooked Turkey – Slice thinner and against the grain. Make a sauce or gravy to moisten.

Dry Turkey – Brine, baste and tent with foil to retain moisture. Don’t overcook.

Burned or Blackened Skin – Add liquid to pan, tent with foil to prevent burning. Cook at lower temp.

Uneven Browning – Use foil strips to shield hot spots. Roast at lower temp for even cooking.

Safely Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Properly stored leftovers can last 3-4 days refrigerated and 2-3 months frozen. Reheat thoroughly to 165 degrees F. Slice breast meat and reheat gently in broth or gravy to prevent drying out. Use within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

• Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce

• Turkey casseroles or tetrazzini

• Turkey soup with veggies and noodles

• Turkey pot pie with biscuit topping

• Turkey salad with mayo, celery and cranberries

• Quesadillas with turkey, peppers and cheese

• Tacos with shredded turkey and fixings

• Turkey chili or turkey taco soup

• Turkey enchiladas with green chile sauce

• Turkey hash with potatoes and onions

With proper roasting technique and accurate monitoring of temperature, you can easily achieve a tender, juicy turkey breast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Reference these cooking times, test for doneness and employ these helpful tips for success.