Juicy and Tender Turkey Breast – Cooking in a Reynolds Oven Bag

During the holiday season, a frequently asked question is, “How long to cook a turkey?” The answer is, of course, it depends. Are you using a regular roaster and a traditional approach, or the Reynolds oven bags alternative?

In large part, this was due to the culinary skills of my Aunt Joan. It was also a result of Aunt Joan’s fabulous turkey-roasting secret weapon:

My Aunt Joan has been using a Reynolds cooking bags for years, but I always forget about them from one year to the next until I bite into one of their spectacular feasts.

In addition to the flavor intensifying and texture enhancing qualities oven bags will bring to your meals, they not only make clean up (both roaster and oven!) a breeze but also significantly speed cooking time and attention. Wondering how long to cook turkey?* This bag serves as a kind of pressure cooker and can cut your cooking time almost in half compared to traditional preparation. Plus, there’s no more leaving your guests or bailing on the Christmas afternoon walk to babysit/baste the bird, which Cook’s Illustrated actively recommends against, anyway.

Cooking a turkey breast can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy if you use a Reynolds oven bag. These bags create a closed environment that locks in moisture and flavor for tender, juicy meat. Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey breast every time.

Why Cook Turkey Breast in a Bag?

Turkey breast is lean and can easily dry out during roasting. An oven bag provides the following advantages for juicy, flavorful results:

  • Seals in moisture and juices
  • Allows seasonings to fully permeate the meat
  • Speeds up cooking time
  • Easy cleanup – just toss the bag after cooking!

Cooking in a bag gives you turkey breast with succulent texture and plenty of flavorful juices for gravy or sauce.

Tips for Choosing and Preparing Turkey Breast

  • Select a bone-in or boneless breast half. Boneless is quicker cooking but bone-in has the best texture and flavor.
  • Plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound per serving. A 2 to 3 pound breast half feeds 3 to 4.
  • Thaw completely before cooking. This may take 2 days in the fridge.
  • Pat the breast dry before seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick.

How to Cook Turkey Breast in a Reynolds Oven Bag

Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey breast every time.

Ingredients

  • 1 turkey breast half (2 – 3 lbs)
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • Reynolds Oven Bag
  • Seasonings of choice
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Add 1 tbsp flour to the oven bag Shake to coat the bottom

  3. Place the bag in a baking pan. Add any veggies like onions or celery to the bottom of the bag.

  4. Rinse turkey breast and pat dry with paper towelsBrush with oil or melted butter Season all over with salt, pepper, herbs, etc. Place breast in the bag on top of the vegetables.

  5. Close the bag tightly with the nylon tie provided. Make 6 half-inch slits in the top of the bag. This allows steam to escape.

  6. Tuck the ends of the bag into the pan to prevent burning. Bake according to the times below.

Turkey Breast Cooking Times

Breast Size Cook Time at 350°F
2.5 – 3 lbs 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 hours
3 – 5 lbs 1 3/4 – 2 1/4 hours
5 – 8 lbs 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 hours
  1. Check temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Cook until it reaches 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

  2. Carefully open the bag and transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Slice and serve!

Serving Suggestions

  • For a classic sandwich, slice the breast and pile it on toasted bread or rolls with mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
  • Dice or shred the meat and add it to soups, salads, pasta, rice bowls, and more.
  • Pair slices with traditional side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
  • Make quick weeknight meals like turkey tacos, flatbreads, or skillet dinners.

Key Benefits of Cooking in a Reynolds Bag

  • Juicy, tender meat – The bag seals in natural juices and moisture. No need to baste.

  • Intensifies flavor – Seasonings fully permeate the meat. Herbs, spices, citrus, or marinades give great results.

  • Speeds up cooking – Roasting in an oven bag can reduce cook time by up to 1/3.

  • Easy cleanup – No messy roasting pan to scrub! Just toss the bag after cooking.

  • Convenient – Make ahead and refrigerate uncooked breast in the bag 1-2 days before baking.

For more cooking tips and full-meal recipes using oven bags, check out the Reynolds Kitchens website. Their oven bag cooking chart covers poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and more. With Reynolds oven bags, you’ll get delicious, fuss-free dinners anytime.

how to cook turkey breast in reynolds bag

Perfect Turkey Every Time with Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bags

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in a Reynolds oven bag?

OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES
OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES The cooking times are consistent with food safety guidelines for cooking poultry.
Turkey Weight
Cooking Time @ 350°F
8 to 12 pounds
2 to 2 1/4 hours
Turkey Breast, boneless No water needed.
2 1/2 to 3 pounds
1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours

Is it better to cook a turkey breast in a bag or not?

There’s a lot to love about cooking a turkey in an oven bag. A heat-safe bag means faster cook time, minimal cleanup and extra-juicy meat. Here, a step-by-step guide to learn how to cook a turkey in a bag like a pro, plus answers to your most pressing questions about using an oven bag for turkey.

Does cooking a turkey in a bag keep it moist?

COOKING A TURKEY IN AN OVEN BAG Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in a Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag is a fantastic way to ensure that your turkey stays moist and succulent while also turning out a golden light brown. Plus, with an oven bag, you won’t even have to worry about scrubbing the roasting pan.

Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or foil?

Oven bags trap moisture inside, which helps to baste the meat and creates rich and seasoned juices for making delicious gravy. Plus, oven bags can save you from messy spills and make cleaning up a snap after cooking your turkey.

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