What Temperature to Bake a Turkey Breast for Juicy, Tender Results

Cooking the perfect turkey breast may seem intimidating, but with the right temperature and technique you can achieve tender juicy meat with crisp skin every time. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to bake a turkey breast to perfection.

Why Temperature Matters

Temperature is key when baking turkey breast. If the temperature is too low, the meat will be undercooked and dangerous to eat. If it’s too high, the turkey will dry out.

The ideal finished temperature for baked turkey breast is 160-165°F. This ensures the meat is fully cooked through without drying out. Getting the turkey breast to the right internal temp requires preheating your oven properly and monitoring the temp.

Preheating the Oven

You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350-375°F before baking a turkey breast. This gives the oven time to reach the desired temp so the turkey cooks at a steady rate.

Many turkey breast recipes call for roasting at 325°F, but a slightly higher oven temp helps crisp the skin better without overcooking the meat.

Make sure you give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to fully preheat. Opening the door often to check on the turkey will lower the oven temp.

Use a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is essential for perfect turkey breast. It takes the guesswork out and ensures the turkey is fully cooked without overbaking.

The best way to use a meat thermometer is to insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bones. Make sure it’s inserted deep into the meat for an accurate reading.

For food safety, the turkey needs to reach 165°F in the center. Juiciest results come when stopping at 160°F and allowing the temp to rise 5-10 degrees during resting time.

Check the temp periodically during roasting until the minimum safe 165°F is reached. Your turkey breast size will determine total cook time.

Roast Times for Turkey Breasts

Cook times vary widely for turkey breasts based on the size, bone-in vs boneless, and whether stuffed. Here are general timeframes:

• Boneless turkey breast (2-3 lbs): 60-90 minutes
• Bone-in turkey breast (3-4 lbs): 90-120 minutes
• Bone-in stuffed turkey breast (5-7 lbs): 120-150 minutes

The best way to test for doneness is using a meat thermometer instead of relying on cook times. But these estimates provide a good starting point.

Plan for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F. Go by temp, not time.

Resting & Carryover Cooking

Once the turkey breast reaches 160°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest, tented loosely with foil. The temperature will continue rising about 5-10 degrees during the resting period.

Resting for 15-30 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for moist, tender turkey. Skip this step and the turkey will spill juices and dry out when sliced.

If you want juicy turkey breast with the perfect finished temp, let it rest until 165°F before carving.

##Turkey Breast Roasting Tips

Here are some additional tips for roasting turkey breast:

• Season underneath the skin for added flavor
• Use a rack in a roasting pan for air circulation
• Cook skin-side up for crispiest skin
• Avoid basting to prevent temperature drops
• Brine turkey breast for added moisture and flavor

With the right temperature, resting time, and roasting techniques, you’ll have flavorful, juicy turkey breast for any occasion. Trust your thermometer for doneness, not cook time guidelines.

Now that you know the ideal oven temperature and process, it’s time to try some delicious turkey breast recipes. Here are two excellent options:

Easy Roasted Turkey Breast with Perfect Gravy

This recipe from HowSweetEats.com features a turkey breast seasoned with a flavorful herb butter. It’s roasted simply at 350°F until it reaches the ideal internal temperature. Served with an easy homemade gravy, it’s a new holiday classic.

Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

The Stay at Home Chef’s oven roasted turkey breast features a spice rub with paprika, oregano, rosemary and more. Cooked at 375°F, it produces crispy browned skin and tender meat. Leftovers are amazing for sandwiches.

Both recipes use the temperature guidelines provided to ensure perfectly cooked turkey breast every time. Give one a try for your next family meal!

Roasting turkey breast between 350-375°F and using a meat thermometer produces the best results every time. Aim for 160°F internally before a 15-30 minute rest, then slice and serve once it reaches 165°F. With the right temperature and technique, you can enjoy tender, succulent home-cooked turkey breast any time of year.