How Long to Cook a Bone-In Turkey Breast at 325 Degrees Fahrenheit

Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with crispy skin can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. The key is knowing how long to cook a bone-in turkey breast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. With the right technique, timing and temperature, you’ll have a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

When roasting a bone-in turkey breast in the oven, there are a few factors that impact the overall cooking time:

• Weight – The heavier the turkey breast, the longer the cooking time. Figure approximately 15-20 minutes per pound for a bone-in breast.

• Bone-in vs. Boneless – A boneless breast will cook faster than bone-in. Remove about 5 minutes per pound for boneless.

• Temperature – Cooking at a lower oven temp (325°F) results in a more even, gradual cook. Higher temps speed things up but can dry out the meat.

• Stuffing – Skipping the stuffing reduces cook time. An unstuffed breast cooks more evenly

• Size/shape – Shallow, thin breasts cook faster than thick, plump ones. Cook time varies.

• Brined vs, unbrined – Brining adds moisture and seasoning, It can extend cooking time slightly,

• Frozen vs. thawed – Always thaw breasts fully in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. Frozen breasts take significantly longer.

How Long to Cook a 5-6 lb Turkey Breast

For a average bone-in turkey breast weighing approximately 5 to 6 pounds, you’ll want to roast it at 325°F for about:

• 5 lb breast: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• 6 lb breast: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

These times are general guidelines. To ensure doneness and food safety, always rely on an instant-read meat thermometer rather than timed cooking.

How to Know When Turkey Breast is Done

Using a good digital meat thermometer is key to perfectly cooked turkey breast. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to hit the bone.

• For optimal juiciness and safety, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

• The temperature will rise 5-10°F after resting. So you can remove it from the oven at 160°F and allow it to rest before carving.

• If brined, it can be safely cooked to 155°F and carryover heat will bring it to a safe final temperature.

• The juices should run clear when pierced and the meat should not be pink.

Tips for Roasting Bone-In Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for foolproof results when cooking your holiday turkey breast:

• Season well – Rub the skin generously with herbs, salt, pepper, butter or oil. Seasonings permeate the meat during roasting.

• Roast uncovered – Skip the foil or lid to allow the skin to fully crisp and brown. Moisture is trapped inside.

• Use a rack – Elevate the breast on a rack in a roasting pan for air circulation. The rack prevents soggy skin.

• Cook breast-side up – Roast with the skin facing up to maximize browning. The underside stays moist.

• Baste occasionally – Brush with pan juices or melted butter to add flavor and moisture. Avoid constant basting which drops the oven temp.

• Rest before slicing – Let rest 15-20 minutes after cooking for juices to absorb back into the meat. Prevents dryness.

• Carve across grain – For most tender meat, always slice thinly across the grain of the breast meat.

Roasting Turkey Breast with Herb Butter

For next-level flavor, roast your turkey breast with a flavor-infused herb butter. The butter keeps the delicate white meat extra moist and provides a flavor boost:

Herb Butter Ingredients:

• 1 stick softened butter
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Roast with Herb Butter:

1. Loosen skin – Carefully loosen skin from breast meat while leaving it attached.
2. Rub butter – Rub herb butter evenly under skin directly on meat.
3. Replace skin – Smooth skin back into place over buttered meat.
4. Roast uncovered – Roast at 325°F until 165°F internal temperature.
5. Rest and serve – Let rest 15 minutes then slice and serve breast warm with pan juices.

The flavored butter permeates the breast meat during roasting. As the butter melts, it keeps the meat incredibly moist and adds tons of flavor.

Mastering Cook Times for Bone-In Turkey Breasts

Cooking turkey breast properly is all about nailing the right internal temperature. While the times per pound provide an estimate, always rely on a thermometer for safety and perfection.

For the ideal texture and taste, roast bone-in turkey breasts low and slow at 325°F, factoring approximately 15-20 minutes per pound. Resting before carving locks in the juices for a tender, succulent holiday centerpiece.