Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast seems intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. With some simple preparation and the right roasting technique, you can have tender, delicious turkey breast on your table in no time. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook turkey breast perfectly, including answering the key question – how long does it take per pound at 350°F?
Overview of Roasting a Turkey Breast
Roasting a whole turkey takes time, but cooking just the breast portion speeds things up considerably while still giving you plenty of tasty meat Turkey breast can be roasted bone-in or boneless, with or without the skin on. Bone-in breasts are more flavorful and juicy, while boneless cooks more quickly
Most turkey breast roasting recipes call for cooking at 325°F but using 350°F will decrease your cooking time. Lower temperatures are often recommended to keep the meat as moist as possible but going to 350°F won’t dry out your meat.
No matter what temperature you use, always rely on a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than cooking time. Turkey breast should reach 165°F at the thickest part once it’s finished cooking.
How Long Per Pound at 350°F?
The general rule of thumb for roasting turkey breast is to allow 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. At the higher 350°F temperature, you can decrease this cooking time to 12-15 minutes per pound
Here are some estimates based on breast size:
- 2 lb breast = 24-30 minutes
- 3 lb breast = 36-45 minutes
- 4 lb breast = 48-60 minutes
- 5 lb breast = 60-75 minutes
- 6 lb breast = 72-90 minutes
- 7 lb breast = 84-105 minutes
Boneless breast and those without skin will cook faster, so start checking the temperature early. Resting the turkey breast for at least 15 minutes before carving is also essential for juicy meat.
Keep in mind that every oven cooks differently, so rely on an instant-read thermometer for the best results. Track your cooking times and temperatures to refine the roasting time for your own oven.
Seasoning and Preparation
Proper seasoning and prep ensures your turkey breast is as flavorful and tender as it can be. Here are some tips:
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Brine the breast: Soaking in a saltwater brine solution seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture. Brine for 12-24 hours before roasting.
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Rub with herbs and oil: Coat the breast in oil then sprinkle on dried herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme. The oil helps the skin get crispy.
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Insert aromatics: Stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic, onion, fresh herbs. Their flavors will impart to the meat.
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Roast skin-side up: Put breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. The skin crisps up and fat drips away.
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Use a meat thermometer: Insert it in the thickest part without touching bone. It ensures proper doneness.
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Let it rest: Allow the breast to rest for 15 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven roasted turkey breast every time:
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Remove breast from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Discard bag holding the neck and giblets.
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Make a brine if desired (1 cup salt to 1 gallon water). Soak breast for 12-24 hrs.
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Remove from brine and pat dry. Allow to air dry in the fridge for 1-2 hours before seasoning.
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Coat with oil and seasonings. Stuff cavity with aromatics like lemon, garlic, herbs.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Place breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Roast for calculated time based on size, 12-15 min per pound. Check temp early for boneless.
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Once 165°F is reached, remove breast from oven. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 15 minutes.
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Carve and serve! Sliced turkey breast is amazing for sandwiches, salads, and more.
With these simple steps, you’ll have delicious and juicy oven roasted turkey breast. Choose a smaller 2-3 lb breast for fast weeknight dinners, or go big with a 6 lb breast to feed a crowd.
Just be sure to use an instant-read thermometer for the perfect doneness. Let your cooked turkey breast rest before slicing, and soon you’ll be enjoying tender, flavorful meat. Roasting turkey breast is easier than you think!
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
How long to cook turkey breast per pound at 350?
Is it better to cook bone-in turkey breast at 325 or 350?
How long will a 5 lb turkey breast take to cook?
Should I cook my turkey breast covered or uncovered?
How long do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Put your turkey into the preheat oven and roast the turkey. The cooking time will vary based on weight. Figure 15-25 minutes per pound at 325. STEP 3. After one hour of cooking, turn the breast over so that it is breast side up. Baste with the butter and pan drippings. STEP 4. Use a quick read thermometer to determine when the turkey is done.
How long to cook a pound of Turkey Breast?
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound of turkey breast at 350°F. A lower temperature would increase your cooking time and a higher temperature will cook the meat faster. Also bear in mind that bone-in turkey breast takes longer to cook than boneless. How Long to Cook Turkey Breasts?
How long does it take to cook a 6 pound turkey?
At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 78 minutes (or 1 hour and 18 minutes). A 15-pound turkey will take 195 minutes (or 3 hours and 15 minutes). We generally prefer to cook stuffing separately from the turkey, but if you decide to cook it inside, know that a stuffed turkey will take a little bit longer to cook through than an unstuffed turkey.
How long does a stuffed turkey take to cook?
A stuffed turkey cooks at a rate of 15 minutes per pound in a 350ºF oven. At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 90 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours). A 15-pound turkey will take 225 minutes (or 3 hours and 45 minutes). Be sure to check that both the stuffing and the turkey reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to prevent food-borne illness.