How Long to Cook Boneless Skinless Turkey Breast in Oven for a Juicy and Tender Meal

Cooking a boneless skinless turkey breast in the oven can seem intimidating. With no bones or skin to protect it, getting the right cook time is essential for a tender, juicy piece of meat. Follow this guide on how long to cook a boneless skinless turkey breast, and you’ll have a delicious entree ready for your holiday table or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Choosing and Preparing the Turkey Breast

For best results, select a breast that’s 2-3 pounds. This size gives you enough for 4-6 servings without being unwieldy to cook. Thaw frozen breasts in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. Pat the meat dry and coat lightly in oil before seasoning. Brining isn’t required but does lead to a juicier finished breast. Make a simple brine of 1 cup salt dissolved in 1 gallon of water. Submerge the breast and chill 12-24 hours. Rinse before cooking.

Determining Cook Time

Cooking times for boneless skinless turkey breast vary based on size and whether it’s brined or not, Use these guidelines

• 2 pound unbrined breast: 60-75 minutes
• 3 pound unbrined breast: 80-90 minutes
• Brined breast: Reduce cook time by about 15 minutes

Cook times given are for breasts roasted at 325°F. Start checking for doneness at least 10 minutes early. The best way to assess doneness is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part without touching bone. The breast is done at 165°F.

If using a roasting pan with rack, add veggies like onions, carrots, and celery to the pan. The drippings create amazing flavor for gravy. Roast breast-side up the entire time for even cooking.

Ensuring a Juicy Turkey Breast

The biggest risk when roasting boneless skinless turkey breast is drying out the delicate meat Follow these tips for a guaranteed moist roast

• Brine breast 12-24 hours
• Pat dry then coat with oil before roasting
• Roast at 325°F – high heat causes dryness
• Use meat thermometer for accurate doneness
• Allow breast to rest 15 minutes before slicing

Resting gives juices a chance to distribute evenly. Slice thinly across the grain for tenderness.

Cooking Methods Beyond Roasting

Roasting lends the best flavor, but you can cook boneless turkey breast several ways:

• Grill: Get grill grates very clean and brush with oil. Grill over medium heat 15-20 minutes per side.

• Saute: Cut breast into cutlets. Cook in batches in hot skillet 4-5 minutes per side.

• Poach: Simmer in broth 15-20 minutes until 165°F. Nice for turkey salad or wraps.

• Smoke: Cold smoke 1 hour, then finish roasting/grilling until 165°F internal temperature.

Serving Juicy Turkey Breast

A perfectly cooked boneless turkey breast makes an easy, impressive entree. Serve with classic Thanksgiving favorites like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with roasted veggies, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. Leftovers are fantastic on sandwiches or chopped in pasta salad or soup.

With the right prep and cook time, it’s easy to roast a flavorful, juicy boneless skinless turkey breast. Follow these tips for tender meat your family and friends will love. Experiment with new seasonings and cooking methods for amazing results every time.