Let’s discuss the part of preparing a turkey that we all fear the most: How Long to Cook a Turkey. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!
Whether you’re preparing a modest 4-pound turkey breast or a whopping 24-pound full bird, I have tips to help you figure out when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey.
Plus, I’ve included some of my best tips and tricks for knowing when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’re definitely going to want one of these bad boys).
Scroll down to view all of the content, or use the Table of Contents box above to skip to the content you need.
Plus, I have a printable how long to cook a turkey in the oven chart with turkey cook times at the end.
Below, you’ll find estimated cook times for unstuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked outside the bird) and stuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked inside the bird).
It’s important to keep a close eye on things throughout the cooking process to make sure everything turns out perfectly.
Cooking a turkey can seem daunting, especially if you’re tackling the big bird for the first time. With so much food and festivity riding on your shoulders, you’ll want to make sure the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table is cooked to absolute perfection.
Lucky for you, cooking a turkey is easier than you think when you follow a few simple guidelines. In this article, we’ll walk through exactly how long to cook a 13 lb turkey in the oven at 325°F to end up with a beautiful, golden brown, juicy and delicious bird that will wow your guests.
Overview of Cooking Times
The most important factor in determining turkey cook time is the size and weight of your bird. Here are general guidelines from the USDA for cooking an unstuffed turkey at 325°F:
- 12 to 14 lb turkey: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
- 14 to 18 lb turkey: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
A 13 lb turkey falls right in the middle of that range, so you can expect your cook time to be around 3 1/2 to 4 hours
These times are based on a fully thawed turkey. If your turkey is still partially frozen, it will take significantly longer to cook. Make sure to allot adequate thawing time before roasting day – never try to cook a fully frozen bird!
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these simple steps for roasting turkey success:
1. Thaw the Turkey
- If frozen, thaw your turkey in the fridge for 24 hours per 4-5 lbs weight. Thaw breast side up and leave turkey in original wrapper to prevent cross-contamination.
- Change the tray underneath occasionally to allow blood and juices to drain.
- Once thawed, dry turkey inside and out with paper towels before seasoning.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Low and slow is best for roasting turkey.
- Make sure there are no racks directly above turkey to allow air circulation.
3. Prepare the Turkey
- Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities. Use for making gravy or stock.
- Pat turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out.
- Liberally season all over with salt and pepper. You can also rub butter under the skin.
- Lightly stuff the cavity with onions, herbs or lemon wedges if desired. Overstuffing restricts airflow.
4. Position the Turkey
- Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Tuck wings under body to prevent burning.
- Tent loosely with foil to prevent over browning if needed.
5. Calculate Cook Time
- For a 13 lb turkey, plan on roasting for approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness, not just cook time.
6. Baste and Tent Turkey
- Baste turkey with pan drippings every 30 minutes.
- If browning too quickly, tent with foil and reduce temperature to 300°F.
7. Test for Doneness
- Turkey is done when thigh meat registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
- Juices should run clear when thigh is pierced.
- Let turkey rest 20-30 mins before carving for juiciest meat.
8. Make Turkey Gravy
- Make gravy with drippings in roasting pan while turkey rests.
- If drippings are scant, supplement with chicken or turkey stock.
Helpful Turkey Roasting Tips
Keep these additional pointers in mind for roasting success:
- Cooking times are approximate. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not cook time.
- If roasting turkey with the plastic pop-up timer, still confirm temperature with thermometer. Pop-up can activate prematurely.
- Lower oven temperature to 300°F if turkey browns too quickly. Tent with foil to prevent overcooking.
- Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving so juices redistribute into the meat.
- Place prepared stuffing into a baking dish, not in the turkey cavity, for food safety.
Alternate Cooking Methods
While roasting in the oven is the classic preparation, turkey can also be cooked using these methods:
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Grill: Cook turkey over indirect heat on a gas or charcoal grill. Use poultry shears to spatchcock turkey for quicker, more even cooking.
-
Smoke Season turkey and slow smoke over indirect heat on a charcoal or electric smoker. Ideal for deeper flavor
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Fry Submerge turkey in peanut oil heated to 350-375°F for crispy skin and juicy meat Use turkey fryer outside only for safety,
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Sous vide: Cook seasoned turkey in a precisely temperature controlled water bath for incredibly moist meat. Finish under broiler or grill for crispy skin.
No matter which technique you choose, following the guidelines above will help ensure roasted turkey success this Thanksgiving! With a perfectly cooked 13 lb bird as your holiday centerpiece, you’re sure to have a feast to remember.
Tips for Perfect Turkey
- If you are buying a frozen turkey, budget thawing time into your meal prep.
- Assume you’ll need about 1.5 pounds of uncooked turkey per person (see How Much Turkey Per Person for more).
- Let your turkey come to room temperature prior to cooking.
- Use meat thermometer to make sure your turkey is cooked through.
- Start checking your turkey’s temperature about 90 minutes in. This will allow you to gauge how quickly it’s cooking and make any necessary adjustments to your roasting time.
- Let your turkey rest! Just like other cuts of meat, it’s important to let your turkey rest for a few minutes before you begin carving.
Stuffed Turkey Cook Times
These times are based on a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on about 15 to 17 minutes per pound (the times below are based on 15 minutes per pound).
- 4 to 8 pounds: 1 to 2 hours
- 8 to 10 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
- 14 to 16 pounds: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
- 16 to 18 pounds: 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 hours
These times are based on starting a room temperature turkey at higher temp (450 degrees F), then lowering it to 325 degrees F after 45 minutes to 1 hour (recommended for crispy skin).
- 4 to 8 pounds: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
- 8 to 10 pounds: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
- 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- 20 to 24 pounds: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
How long does it take to cook a 13 pound turkey?
FAQ
How long to cook a 13 lb turkey in the oven at 325?
Weight
|
Cook Time (Unstuffed)
|
Cook Time (Stuffed)
|
6-7 lbs.
|
2-2½ hrs.
|
2¼-2¾ hrs.
|
7-10 lbs.
|
2½-3 hrs.
|
2¾-3½ hrs.
|
10-18 lbs.
|
3-3½ hrs.
|
3¾-4½ hrs.
|
18-22 lbs.
|
3½-4 hrs.
|
4½-5 hrs.
|
Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
What temperature should a 13 lb turkey be when it’s done?
Should you bake a turkey covered or uncovered?