How Long to Cook a 3 Pound Turkey Breast for Juicy, Tender Results

Cooking a turkey breast can seem intimidating but it’s actually a simple and delicious way to enjoy turkey any time of year. With the right technique a 3 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast can turn out incredibly moist, flavorful and tender.

In this article. we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a perfect 3 pound turkey breast including

• How long to cook a 3 pound turkey breast
• What temperature to cook it at
• Should you brine or marinate
• How to prep and season
• Roasting tips for maximum juiciness
• Ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat
• Letting it rest before slicing into it

Follow these simple steps for foolproof results every time!

How Long Does it Take to Cook a 3 Pound Turkey Breast?

The exact cooking time can vary a bit depending on the shape and thickness of your particular turkey breast. But in general, you can expect a 3 pound turkey breast to take:

• 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours at 325°F
• 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2 hours at 350°F

These cooking times are for a boneless, skin-on breast. Bone-in breasts take slightly longer.

We recommend roasting at 325°F, which allows the breast to cook low and slow for the most tender, juicy meat.

Always rely on an instant read thermometer rather than time to determine doneness. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast to ensure it reaches 165°F internally before removing it from the oven.

Let the cooked breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for the juices to reabsorb.

Should You Brine or Marinate the Turkey Breast?

For the juiciest results, we highly recommend brining or marinating the turkey breast before cooking.

Brining involves soaking the raw turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps season the meat and makes it incredibly moist and flavorful.

A simple brine can be made with:

• 1 gallon water
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Herbs and spices (optional)

Marinating the breast in an acidic mixture also keeps it tender and adds tons of flavor. Try marinating for 2-12 hours in:

• 1 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup citrus juice or vinegar
• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage
• Minced garlic and pepper

Turkey Breast Prep and Seasoning

• Thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking if frozen. Leave it in the fridge for 24 hours or thaw in cold water.
• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
• Loosen the skin from the meat gently with your fingers. Rub seasoning directly onto the meat under the skin.
• Coat the skin in olive oil or melted butter. Season the skin liberally with salt and pepper.
• You can also rub fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme under and on top of the skin.
• Stuff aromatics like lemon, garlic and herbs inside the cavity. They impart tons of flavor.

How to Cook a Moist, Juicy Turkey Breast

Follow these simple roasting tips for the best results:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan fitted with a V-shaped rack if possible.
• Place turkey breast skin-side up on the rack. Pour 1 cup broth, wine or water in the bottom of the pan.
• Tent breast loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Roast for 45 min.
• Remove foil, baste with pan juices. Roast until 165°F, basting every 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

The hot roasting pan placed underneath the breast creates steam for tender, moist meat. Basting throughout roasting prevents the turkey breast from drying out.

And letting the cooked breast rest before carving allows the juices to reabsorb so they don’t run out when you slice into it!

Is the Turkey Breast Done?

There are a few ways to test doneness:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check for 165°F in thickest part.
• Juices should run clear when pierced with tip of a knife.
• Meat near bone may be slightly pink when done.
• The breast should feel firm to the touch, not squishy.

Cooking to 165°F kills any harmful bacteria, ensuring it’s safe to eat. Don’t rely on the pop-up thermometer if your turkey breast has one – they can be inaccurate.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

For an even quicker turkey breast dinner, you can use these convenient shortcuts:

• Purchase a pre-brined or pre-seasoned turkey breast.
• Skip brining and rub with a poultry seasoning blend before roasting.
• Roast at a slightly higher temp of 350°F to reduce cooking time.
• Use an Instant Pot or slow cooker to cook the breast. It only takes about 1 hour!
• Finish cooking on the grill for crispy skin and smoky flavor.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftover roasted turkey breast is incredibly versatile. Get creative with these delicious options:

• Slice for sandwiches or subs – delicious layered on crusty bread.
• Dice or shred to make turkey salad, casseroles, soup, chili and more.
• Pair with veggies, cheese, hummus or crackers for easy snacking.
• Make turkey skewers or stir fry with soba noodles and veggies.
• Whip up a hearty turkey pot pie or turkey tetrazzini.

With proper roasting technique, seasoning and doneness, you can enjoy incredibly tasty, juicy turkey breast any night of the week. Follow this guide for perfect results!

Frequency of Entities:
how long to cook a 3 pound turkey breast: 16
325°F: 3
165°F: 4
roasting pan: 3
brining: 4
marinating: 2
instant read thermometer: 3
letting rest: 3
leftovers: 2