Are you tired of serving dry turkey breasts? Fortunately, it can be avoided and we are here to show you how.
Turkey breast meat is thick yet super lean (minimal fat). Due to the thickness, turkey breasts typically need about two hours to cook all the way through. If you cooked fatty meat for that long, the fat would melt during the cooking process, lubricate the muscle fibers, and keep the meat juicy. Since the typical turkey breast contains little fat, it can dry out during long cooks.
You can avoid serving dry turkey breasts by wet or dry brining before cooking, but that won’t be feasible if you don’t have the time or fridge space to brine a turkey breast. If brining is not an option, consider cooking your turkey breasts in a slow cooker.
NOTE: We highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness as every slow cooker cooks differently. Internal temperature needs to be 165°F in both the thickest part of the breast (without touching the bone) and in the thighs to ensure doneness and food safety.
Cooking a 6 lb turkey breast can seem daunting, but with the right technique, timing and temperature, you can achieve a tender, juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast This article will provide a complete guide on how long it takes to cook a 6 lb turkey breast, along with tips for preparing, seasoning and roasting it to perfection
Overview of Cooking Times
The total cooking time for a 6 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast will be between 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours. This allows enough time for the interior to reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F, while the exterior gets nicely browned.
Here are some general guidelines for roasting time based on whether or not the breast is stuffed
- Unstuffed: 15 to 20 minutes per lb = 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours total
- Stuffed: 20 to 30 minutes per lb = 2 to 3 hours total
Keep in mind that a stuffed breast often takes longer to cook since the stuffing acts as an insulator. An unstuffed breast will cook faster with more direct exposure to the oven heat.
Although these roast times are a good starting point, it’s best to use an instant-read meat thermometer to determine when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. Letting the turkey rest afterwards will allow the temperature to rise further to 170°F for well-done meat if desired.
Selecting and Preparing the Turkey Breast
To start, select a fresh or completely thawed turkey breast between 5 to 7 lbs. Leave the skin on and the bone in for added moisture and flavor.
If using a frozen breast, be sure to thaw it 1-3 days in advance in the refrigerator. Keep the thawed breast chilled until ready to cook.
Remove the turkey from the fridge about 30 minutes before roasting so it can come to room temperature. Pat the skin dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps achieve crispier skin when cooked.
Trussing the Breast (Optional)
For a more uniform shape, you can truss the turkey breast. To do this, tuck the wing tips under the breast and tie them in place with kitchen twine. Next, tuck the drumsticks under the breast and tie them together. Trussing keeps everything tucked neatly for more even cooking.
Seasoning the Turkey Breast
For optimal flavor, rub the turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Generously season all sides with salt, pepper and any additional herbs or spices desired.
Try a simple herb blend with rosemary, thyme and sage or get creative with onion and garlic powders, paprika, cumin or chili powder.
Gently loosen the skin from the meat and rub some seasoning directly onto the breast meat for better coverage and taste.
How to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F-450°F to start. Place the seasoned turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Use a rack for better air circulation and even browning.
Roast at a high temperature for the first 30 minutes. This helps sear the skin and lock in juices. Reduce heat to 325°F and continue roasting until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 30 minutes to prevent drying out. Tent foil loosely over the breast if the skin browns too quickly.
Once 165°F is reached after about 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours total, remove the breast from the oven and let rest before slicing. The residual heat will allow the internal temperature to rise to 170°F+ for well-done meat if desired.
Letting the Turkey Breast Rest
Allowing the roasted turkey breast to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing is crucial for evenly cooked, tender and juicy meat.
This resting time enables the juices to redistribute throughout the breast after roasting. Skipping this step can lead to dry meat.
Tent the roast loosely with foil while resting to retain warmth. The internal temperature will continue rising 5-10 degrees during this time.
Carving the Turkey Breast
To serve, place the roasted turkey breast on a cutting board. Carefully slice across the grain of the meat in even, thin slices. This gives you the tenderest, most flavorful way to serve it.
Arrange the carved turkey slices on a platter with the crispy skin layered on top. Garnish with any pan juices or gravy to keep it moist.
Troubleshooting Common Turkey Breast Roasting Problems
Follow these tips if your turkey breast doesn’t turn out right:
Problem: Dry, stringy meat
Solution: Don’t overcook. Roast until 165°F then rest. Monitor with a meat thermometer.
Problem: Pale, soft skin
Solution: Roast at 450°F on a rack to crisp the skin. Baste periodically.
Problem: Burnt skin
Solution: Use foil to cover if browning too quickly. Lower oven temp 25 degrees.
Problem: Undercooked meat
Solution: Cook to higher internal temp of 170-175°F. Check with thermometer.
Problem: Uneven cooking
Solution: Allow to rest before slicing so juices can redistribute.
Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Breast
Here are some simple tips for a flavorful, tender and moist turkey breast:
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Brine the breast up to 24 hours before roasting
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Rub with olive oil or butter and generously season under and on the skin
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Roast at 450°F for the first 30 minutes to sear and seal in juices
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Reduce heat to 325°F and roast until 165°F internal temperature
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Baste every 30 minutes during roasting
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Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving
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Slice across the grain for most tender and juicy meat
Follow these easy guidelines for roasting turkey breast, and you’ll have a mouthwatering centerpiece to impress your guests. Enjoy the delicious results of a perfectly cooked 6 lb turkey breast!
Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
Crockpot and slow cooker can mean the same thing. Crock-Pot® is the brand name of the first-ever slow cooker. Other brands now make slow cookers, and like Crock-Pot® slow cookers, these cookers have three primary components – a pot, a transparent lid, and a heating element.
Follow these tips to cook perfect turkey bone-in breasts in a Crock-Pot® or another slow cooker.
- Place a turkey breast skin side up inside the cooker. If the skin is facing upwards, it’s less likely to tear when removing the turkey breast from the slow cooker. Also, keeping the skin out of the broth will allow it to develop a delectable color.
- Before placing the turkey breast in the slow cooker, brush the skin with cooking oil before rubbing your seasonings. The oil will help the seasonings adhere to the body and enhance the flavor. It will also help the skin brown beautifully during the cook.
- Add half a cup of liquid (water, broth, or wine) to the base of the slow cooker. The turkey breast will absorb the flavor and moisture of the liquid while cooking. It will also help prevent the meat from sticking to the base of the pot. For more flavor, place halved garlic, onions, and your other favorite ingredients at the bottom of the pot.
Why Should You Make Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
A slow cooker uses low heat to slowly cook turkey, letting the meat marinate and simmer in its own juices. Also, since a slow cooker does not release steam, it locks moisture inside the pot and meat to help deliver juicy turkey breasts.
Slow cooking bone-in turkey breast can take five to six hours, but the results are unbelievable – moist and tender turkey meat packed with flavor. Even better, the hands-off cooking process is so convenient. Just place the turkey breast inside the slow cooker, close the lid, set the cooker, and relax until the timer goes off.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast that weighs 6 lb?
4- to 6-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 1½ to 2¼ hours. 6- to 8-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 2¼ to 3¼ hours.
Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
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Moist results:A lower temperature allows for slower cooking, which helps retain moisture in the turkey breast.
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Even cooking:The lower heat ensures the turkey cooks evenly throughout, preventing overcooked parts.
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Good for large breasts:If you are cooking a large turkey breast, 325°F is especially recommended to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
How long does it take to cook a 6 lb butterball turkey breast?
… are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest portion of breast registers 170°F (2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes …
How long does it take to cook a 6-pound turkey at 325?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5½ lbs. | 1½-2¼ hrs. | 2-2¾ hrs. |
| 5½-9 lbs. | 2¼-2¾ hrs. | 2¾-3¼ hrs. |
How long does it take to cook a 6 lb turkey breast?
To determine how long it will take to cook a 6 lb turkey breast, you can follow a general guideline of around 20-30 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey breast, or 15-20 minutes per pound for an unstuffed one. Therefore, a 6 lb turkey breast would typically take between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook thoroughly.
What temperature should a 6 lb turkey breast be cooked at?
A temperature of 325°F (165°C) is recommended for cooking a 6 lb turkey breast. However, you can adjust the temperature slightly depending on your recipe or preference. 4. Can I cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker?
How long do you cook a 6 pound turkey at 325?
4- to 6-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 1½ to 2¼ hours. 6- to 8-pound whole turkey breast: Roast at 325°F for 2¼ to 3¼ hours. How long do you cook a 6lb turkey and at what temperature? How Long to Roast a Turkey? How long does it take to cook a 6 pound turkey at 325? 1½-2¼ hrs. 2-2¾ hrs. 2¼-2¾ hrs. 2¾-3¼ hrs.
Can you cook a 6 lb turkey breast without stuffing?
Yes, you can cook a 6 lb turkey breast without stuffing it. In this case, you can follow the general guideline of 15-20 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey breast. 2. Should I brine the turkey breast before cooking? Brining the turkey breast can enhance its flavor and juiciness.
How long do you brine a 6 lb turkey breast?
For a 6lb turkey breast I recommend brining for 12-24 hours before cooking. A simple brine of 1 gallon water 1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and aromatics like garlic, peppercorns, and herbs infuses the meat with seasoning and locks in moisture. After brining, rinse and pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning. 2.
How do you cook a roasted turkey breast?
Place the roasted breast on a cutting board and carefully slice into it. Carve across the grain of the meat in thin, even slices. Arrange the sliced turkey on a platter with the crispy skin on top. Pour any accumulated juices over the meat. Make gravy while the turkey rests!