Heat oven to 325°F. Remove neck, giblet and gravy packet, if applicable. These may be used to prepare gravy or stuffing.
Place turkey on rack in shallow pan, breast side up, and loosely cover with foil. Remove foil after 1 hour of cooking.
Roast until timer pops up and turkey is fully-cooked, 180°F as measured by a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. ALWAYS confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Juices should run clear.
For optimal safety, cook stuffing and turkey separately. If desired, add fully cooked stuffing to cooked turkey just prior to serving.
Cooking a fully cooked Jennie-O turkey breast can be a tasty and easy dinner option for your family. With the right techniques, you’ll have juicy, flavorful turkey ready in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to perfectly cook a Jennie-O fully cooked turkey breast.
Overview of Jennie-O Fully Cooked Turkey Breasts
Jennie-O is a popular brand of turkey products owned by Hormel Foods. They offer a wide selection of fully cooked, ready-to-eat turkey breasts. These come pre-seasoned and fully cooked so all you need to do is simply heat and serve.
Some of Jennie-O’s most popular fully cooked turkey breast options include:
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Oven Ready Boneless Turkey Breast – Comes pre-seasoned and salted with a gravy packet No thawing required
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Premium Basted Bone-In Young Turkey Breast – Offered in 5-9 lb options and pre-basted for added moisture.
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Applewood Smoke Flavor Turkey Breast Tenderloin – Smoked flavor without lengthy prep. Perfect for quick meals.
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Lean Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey – Pre-seasoned turkey ready for tacos, burritos, etc.
Benefits of Cooking Jennie-O Fully Cooked Turkey Breasts
There are many advantages to choosing Jennie-O’s pre-cooked turkey breasts:
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Convenience – With no thawing or seasoning required, they cut down on prep time significantly.
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Versatility – Turkey breasts can be used in a variety of recipes from sandwiches to casseroles and more.
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Flavor – Jennie-O turkey is pre-seasoned to deliver delicious flavor without the work,
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Nutrition – Turkey is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals but lower in fat than other meats.
How Long to Cook a Frozen Jennie-O Turkey Breast
If you are starting with a frozen Jennie-O fully cooked turkey breast, you will need to allow some extra time for it to thaw and roast properly. Here are some general guidelines:
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Small Breasts (3-5 lbs) – Thaw 24 hours in fridge then roast at 325°F for 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours.
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Medium Breasts (5-7 lbs) – Thaw 36 hours in fridge then roast at 325°F for 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours.
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Large Breasts (7-9 lbs) – Thaw 48 hours in fridge then roast at 325°F for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours.
Always rely on a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of just cooking times. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you are short on time, you can thaw the turkey breast in cold water, allowing 30 minutes per pound. Be sure to keep the turkey refrigerated once thawed.
How to Cook a Jennie-O Fully Cooked Fresh Turkey Breast
For fresh, fully cooked Jennie-O turkey breasts that don’t need thawing, follow these simple steps for roasting:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F.
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Place the turkey breast on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Be sure the rack elevates it above the bottom of the pan.
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Cook skin side up for optimal browning and crispiness.
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Roast for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part.
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For example, a 5 lb breast would take 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours to roast fully.
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Once done, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise slightly as it rests.
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Serve hot and enjoy! Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours.
Alternative Cooking Methods
In addition to roasting in the oven, you can also prepare a Jennie-O fully cooked turkey breast using these alternate cooking methods:
Slow Cooker
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Add 1 cup water to the slow cooker to prevent drying out.
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Place turkey breast in a cooking bag in the slow cooker.
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Cut 3 slits in the top of the bag for venting.
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Cook on HIGH for approximately 4 hours until 165°F.
Grill
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Preheat grill to medium heat, around 350°F.
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Grill skin-side down first until browned. Flip and grill second side.
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Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 15-20 min per lb.
Sous Vide
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Pre-heat water to 140°F and vacuum seal turkey in a cooking bag.
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Cook for 2-4 hours until internal temp reaches 145°F.
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Remove bag and sear both sides to crisp skin.
Helpful Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey
Follow these simple tips for the best results when cooking a Jennie-O fully cooked turkey breast:
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Always allow the turkey to rest before slicing to allow juices to distribute.
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy – don’t rely solely on cook times.
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Prevent overcooking and drying out by removing it once it reaches 165°F.
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For maximum browning and crispiness, cook the turkey breast skin-side up.
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Add broth, wine or water to the roasting pan to help keep the turkey moist.
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Slice across the grain of the meat for the most tender cuts.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F.
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For sandwiches, slice meat thick and pile high on your favorite bread or rolls.
Common FAQs
How long does a frozen Jennie-O turkey breast take to cook?
Thaw completely in the refrigerator then allow approximately 15-20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven. Use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Can I cook it straight from frozen?
It’s not recommended. Always thaw completely first for food safety and to allow even cooking.
What is the minimum safe internal temperature?
Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer to destroy harmful bacteria.
Should I brine or season a fully cooked turkey breast?
No, Jennie-O fully cooked turkey breasts come pre-seasoned so no brining or additional seasoning is needed.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Slice the turkey and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended.
Get Your Turkey On!
With this handy guide, you now have all the tips and info you need to perfectly cook a delicious Jennie-O fully cooked turkey breast any night of the week. Just pop it in the oven after thawing, let it roast to a safe internal temp, and enjoy this lean, protein-packed meal. So grab a Jennie-O turkey breast at your local supermarket and get your turkey on tonight!
Turkey Weight & Cooking Times
- 8-12 pounds, 3-1/2 hours to 4 hours.
- 12-18 pounds, 4-1/4 hours to 4-3/4 hours.
- 18-22 pounds, 4-1/2 hours to 5 hours.
- 22-24 pounds, 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 hours.
Wash hands and all items that come into contact with uncooked turkey.
Find more whole turkey basics here. Previous How Tos