Roasting a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with crispy skin can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right technique, seasonings and temperature, you can have a beautiful golden brown turkey breast on your table in just about 2 hours. So do you cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350? The short answer is both temperatures will work well, but let’s dive into the details.
Why Temperature Matters
Cooking turkey at the proper temperature is crucial for getting the best results. Too low and it could be unsafe or you’ll end up drying it out. Too high and you risk burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
325°F is ideal for a slow roast that keeps the turkey breast nice and moist The lower heat gently cooks the meat while allowing plenty of time for the collagen to break down into gelatin This retains moisture and gives you a succulent texture.
350°F will cook a bit faster, so it’s great if you’re pressed for time. The slightly higher heat helps crisp up and brown the skin Just be careful not to go over 350°F or you may end up with a drier breast
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
While temperature plays a big role, there are other factors that will determine the total cooking time for your turkey breast
Weight – A good rule of thumb is about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. So a 5 lb breast takes 75-100 minutes.
Bone-in or Boneless – Bone-in will take a little longer than boneless since the bone is denser and conducts heat slower.
Brined or Unbrined – Brining adds moisture and seasons the meat. A brined breast may cook slightly faster.
Stuffed or Unstuffed – Do not stuff a turkey breast. An unstuffed breast will cook much faster and more evenly.
Frozen or Thawed – Always thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. A frozen breast will likely need over 2 hours to roast.
Monitor the temperature and use a meat thermometer for the best results. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F. Let rest at least 10 minutes before carving.
How to Roast the Perfect Turkey Breast
Now let’s get into the step-by-step method so you can roast up the juiciest, most flavorful turkey breast on your table!
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (4-6 lbs)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
Directions
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Remove the turkey breast from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place a roasting pan or baking dish on the center rack to heat up.
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Make a simple herb rub. Mince the garlic and finely chop the fresh herbs. Combine with olive oil, salt, pepper and the zest of 1 lemon.
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Loosen the skin on the turkey breast and rub half the herb mixture directly onto the meat.
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Rub the skin with remaining herb mixture. Tuck the lemon halves inside the cavity.
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Roast for 75-90 minutes until the internal temp reaches 165°F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part.
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Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
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For a browner skin, increase the temp to 350°F after the first 45 minutes.
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Add broth or wine to the bottom of the pan to make gravy from the drippings.
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If the skin starts to get too brown, tent foil over it during the last 15-30 minutes.
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For even more flavor and moisture, brine the turkey breast overnight before roasting.
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Cook stuffing separately to avoid food safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some of the most common turkey breast roasting FAQs.
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 5 lb breast will need 75-100 minutes total.
What is the minimum safe temperature for turkey?
Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the breast.
Should you brine a turkey breast?
Yes, brining makes the meat much more flavorful and moist. See my brine recipe below.
Can you stuff a turkey breast?
Do not stuff a turkey breast as it can lead to food poisoning if undercooked. Cook stuffing separately.
How long does roast turkey last in the fridge?
Leftover roasted turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice breast meat from the bone and store in an airtight container.
The Best Brine for Turkey Breast
Brining is easy to do and makes a world of difference in the flavor and moisture of the finished turkey breast. Here is a simple brine recipe.
Brine Ingredients:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Herbs and spices: peppercorns, allspice berries, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic
Directions:
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Combine water, salt, sugar and seasonings in a pot. Heat until salt and sugar dissolve.
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Chill brine completely before adding turkey breast.
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Submerge breast in brine 12-24 hours.
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Rinse and pat dry before roasting.
In Conclusion
As you can see, roasting up a moist and delicious turkey breast is totally doable for any home cook. While both 325°F and 350°F work well, the lower 325 creates the most tender and juicy meat. Brining is highly recommended for maximum moisture and flavor.
