You might think that cooking a turkey breast is simple, but actually, it’s easy to overcook, undercook, or cook it to a bland, dry texture. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, Sunday lunch, or a regular dinner during the week, the secret to moist and tender meat is knowing how long to cook a turkey breast. The issue is that the cooking time is affected by the size of the breast, whether it is bone-in or boneless, and the cooking method used.
In this guide, we’ll break down turkey breast cook times per pound, explore different cooking methods, the difference between boneless and bone-in breasts, and demonstrate how to use a meat thermometer to get ideal results.
Table of contents
How Long Does it Take to Cook a Turkey Breast per Pound?
An easy way to get an approximate cooking time is by weight. For instance, a turkey breast with the bone in takes about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). At the same temperature, boneless breasts take an average of 18 minutes per pound.
For example:
- A 3-pound turkey breast requires about 55–60 minutes.
- A 6-pound turkey breast could take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- A 7-pound turkey breast might stretch from 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
- The 8-pound turkey breast demands 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
Keep in mind that these are rough calculations since your oven’s performance and the presence of stuffing in the turkey also affect the cooking time. If you are trying to figure out how long to cook a 7 lb turkey breast, this per-pound rule is a good way to begin.
How Long to Cook a Turkey Breast by Cooking Method
The cooking method has an impact on the Turkey Breast cooking time and the finished texture of your Turkey breast. Here’s what you need to know:
Oven Roasting
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bone-in Turkey breasts take an average of 20 minutes per pound, while boneless ones take about 18 minutes per pound. If you want a meat that has a crispy outer layer, gently cover it with foil. Do remember to uncover it in the last 15 to 20 minutes.
Slow Cooker
For a boneless turkey breast, you should plan for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high, depending on the size of the meat. This method keeps the breast juicy and also helps in slicing.
Crockpot
Crockpots function the same as slow cookers. A medium-sized turkey breast normally requires 5 to 7 hours to cook on low heat. This slow and gentle cooking and heat treatment preserves the moisture and enhances the flavor, especially if you add some aromatic herbs or a splash of broth.
Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot
Need to save time? A pressure cooker can help. It will take 30 to 40 minutes for a turkey breast of 4 to 6 lbs, at high pressure, plus 10 to 15 minutes for natural release. You will not need to watch the oven to get a turkey breast of wonderful texture.
Sous Vide
Sous vide turkey breast stands out as the best method for achieving tender, juicy turkey breast. The cooking process time varies from 2 to 4 hours in the water bath set at 145°F (63°C), depending on the thickness of the turkey breast. To end the cooking process, sauté the turkey in a hot skillet or place it in the broiler for 1-2 minutes to create a golden-brown crust on the meat.
From Frozen
Indeed, frozen turkey breast can be cooked, but requires approximately 50% more cooking time compared to a thawed bird. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Regardless of the method used, it is easier to estimate the cooking time of turkey breast when you have a reliable thermometer, especially when using sous vide or a combination of cooking methods.
Using a Meat Thermometer for Perfect Turkey Breast
Even with exact cook times, a meat thermometer is in a class of its own when it comes to accuracy. The Typhur Sync Gold Dual meat thermometer stands out the most among the other home cook thermometers. The dual probes make it possible to temperature of the thickest part of a turkey breast and the oven temperature all at once.
Long Range Wireless Meat Thermometer
Turkey breast must be cooked to a minimum of 165°F (74°C). If the probe is inserted into the thickest part, this ensures the bird is done at the exact right moment. This is very helpful when calculating the cooking time for a 6 lb turkey breast or a boned turkey breast.
A few tips:
- Always check the temperature at the thickest point.
- If your turkey is stuffed, measure the center of the stuffing too, which should also be 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the turkey breast at 5°F before your target temperature; carryover cooking while resting will bring it to the perfect doneness.
A wireless meat thermometer removes all the guesswork, ensures safety, and delivers juicy and delicious flavours consistently.
Expert Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Breast
- Allow Rest Time: After roasting, leave the turkey undisturbed for 15–20 minutes. This lets the juices settle back into the meat, ensuring each bite is tender.
- Brine Before Cooking: Even a basic brine made of salt and water will improve the moisture and taste.
- Use Fat Wisely: Applying olive oil or melted butter will not only add flavor but will also promote browning of the skin.
- Season Generously: Herbs, garlic, paprika, and even black pepper require a good massage to the meat to properly infuse the flavors.
- Check Early: Begin checking the turkey breast 10–15 minutes prior to the cook time. Each turkey and every oven will be a little different.
Pairing these guidelines with the correct cooking time will ensure a turkey breast that is juicy, bursting with flavour, and fitting restaurant standards.
FAQs About Turkey Breast Cooking Time
Both methods work, but loosely covering with foil helps keep the skin from becoming too dry. If you want, you may remove the foil in the last 15 to 20 minutes for some browning and crispiness.
The most accurate method is to check with a meat thermometer. Properly cooked turkey will have reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest section. It should have clear juices and be firm but not dry.
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time by approximately 50%. Also, the internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Summary
Cooking a turkey breast doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing how long to cook a turkey breast per pound, understanding the differences between bone-in and boneless, and picking the right cooking method all make a huge difference. Slow cooker, oven, and slow cooker all have their advantages, but the timing needs to be spot on.
The Typhur Sync Gold Dual is one of the accurate meat thermometers that allows you to check if your turkey breast is at the right temperature. After setting the proper cooking method, the weight, be it 3, 6, or even 7 pounds, will yield a succulent and tender turkey that your family or guests will appreciate.
