Cooking a juicy, tender turkey with crispy skin can seem daunting, especially when tackling the large bird for holidays like Thanksgiving. Many home cooks opt to roast their turkey low and slow at around 200°F to allow more flexibility with oven space and time. But is this temp high enough to safely cook the turkey and how long does it really take?
I did some research on cooking times and food safety when roasting turkey at 200°F to provide a complete guide. Whether you’re cooking your first turkey or an old pro, following these tips will help ensure your 200°F turkey turns out perfectly moist and delicious.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Cooking a turkey at the low temperature of 200°F produces incredibly tender and juicy meat, but requires a much longer cook time than the standard 325°F. There are a few key factors that affect just how long it will take to fully roast the turkey at 200°F:
-
Turkey weight – A good estimate is 30 minutes per pound at 200°F for an unstuffed turkey. So a 15 lb turkey will need about 75 hours total
-
Stuffing – A stuffed turkey will take longer to cook than an unstuffed one, as the stuffing must reach 165°F.
-
Thawed vs. frozen – A fully thawed turkey will cook much faster than one still frozen. Make sure yours is completely thawed before cooking.
-
Cooking temperature – Increasing slightly to 225 or 250°F will reduce cooking time though 188-212°F is ideal.
Step-by-Step Guide for Roasting at 200°F
Follow these simple steps for roasting a delicious, foolproof turkey at 200°F:
-
Thaw – Thaw frozen turkey completely in the fridge 1 day for every 4-5 lbs.
-
Prep turkey – Pat dry, coat in oil/butter, and generously season inside and out with salt and pepper.
-
Place in oven – Put turkey breast up on a rack in a roasting pan with 1-2 cups broth/water added.
-
Roast at 200°F – Cook uncovered, allowing about 30 minutes per pound, 7-8 hours for a 15 lb turkey.
-
Baste – Baste with pan drippings every hour for maximum moisture.
-
Check temperature – Monitor temperature after about 2/3 of estimated cook time. Turkey is done at 165°F breast, 180°F thigh.
-
Rest – Let turkey rest at least 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
-
Enjoy! – Time to carve your tender, juicy masterpiece for all to enjoy!
Tip: For added flavor and moisture, try brining the turkey overnight before roasting or adding aromatic herbs and veggies to the roasting pan.
What If Turkey Isn’t Done on Time?
If the estimated roast time passes and your turkey still hasn’t quite reached the safe minimum internal temperature, don’t fret. You have a couple options to get your bird cooked without overdrying it:
-
Continue roasting at 200°F, checking temperature every 30 minutes until it hits 165-180°F.
-
Increase oven temperature to 300-350°F to speed up cooking, checking often.
-
Transfer turkey to a 300°F oven to finish off, monitoring temperature closely.
The most reliable method is simply using a meat thermometer and cooking until the proper temperature is reached, regardless of time estimates. Even if it takes a bit longer than expected, keep roasting at 200°F or finish at a higher temp until the turkey is properly cooked.
How to Keep Your Turkey Moist
To help ensure your 200°F turkey stays tender and juicy, keep these tips in mind:
-
Brine the turkey in a saltwater solution up to 24 hours before cooking.
-
Baste the turkey every 60-90 minutes as it roasts.
-
Avoid opening the oven door frequently, which causes heat loss.
-
Let the turkey rest at least 30 minutes once removed from oven.
-
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Time-Saving Tips
Roasting at a lower 200°F temperature often requires 7-10+ hours in the oven, occupying it for most of the day. Here are some time-saving suggestions:
-
Cook the turkey overnight at 200°F while you sleep!
-
Start roasting the night before and finish up in the morning if needed.
-
Increase temperature if turkey isn’t finished when you need the oven space.
-
Cook side dishes in a slow cooker or on the stovetop instead.
-
Have guests bring ready-to-serve side dishes to share.
Alternatives to Low Oven Roasting
If you want to free up oven space or reduce roasting time, consider these alternatives:
-
Grilling – Cook turkey on a gas or charcoal grill. Use indirect heat.
-
Smoking – Add delicious smoky flavor by smoking turkey in a smoker box.
-
Frying – Deep fry turkey for significantly faster cooking time. Use caution.
-
Spatchcock – Butterfly or spatchcock turkey for quicker, even cooking.
-
Turkey breast – Roast just a bone-in breast, which cooks faster than a whole turkey.
Mastering the Perfect 200°F Turkey
Cooking the entire Thanksgiving turkey at a low 200°F oven temperature may seem risky, but with proper technique you can absolutely roast a mouthwatering bird. The keys are taking the turkey’s temperature rather than relying solely on time, basting frequently for moisture, and tenting while it rests.
Focus on safely hitting the minimum internal temperatures, allow ample time for the size of bird, and avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily. With these tips, your 200°F turkey will turn out deliciously juicy and tender every time. While it requires patience and monitoring, the rewards of a home-cooked turkey are worth the effort.
Downright unsafe ways to cook your turkey – Part 1
Jeannie Nichols, – November 07, 2013
Non-traditional methods may be unsafe but with a few changes they can be safe.
There are literally hundreds of ways to cook a turkey. Each year new recipes and techniques are created based on trendy regional ingredients and creative cooking methods. Some are good, some are bad and some are downright unsafe. Here are two “unique” methods that have become popular and how to make them safe.
Slow-cooking overnight method
This method is dangerous and involves cooking the turkey at 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit overnight for 12 to 13 hours. A low oven temperature means the turkey will take longer to heat, increasing the risk of harmful bacteria growth and the production of poisons that may not be destroyed with further cooking.
Make it safe – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends temperatures no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Turducken
There are two kinds of turduckens. One kind of turducken is a deboned stuffed chicken, inside a deboned stuffed duck, inside a deboned stuffed turkey. Usually the tip end of the turkey leg bones and the first two wing joints are left on the turkey so that after assembly, the finished product resembles a whole turkey. A turducken can also be a partially boned turkey layered with a boned duck, then with a boned chicken and spread with layers of stuffing between each bird. The entire mass is rolled, tied and roasted at 190 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 13 hours.
Make it safe – USDA hotline representatives recommend keeping the birds chilled until ready to assemble. While boning each bird, keep the others refrigerated. After all three birds have been boned and the stuffing has been prepared, assemble the turducken ingredients and quickly get it into a pre-heated 325 degrees Fahrenheit oven. Use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the bundle and cook the turducken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature in several locations.
Make sure your turkey or turducken is safe this year by following the safe methods recommended by Michigan State University Extension. Using safe methods including the use of a food thermometer is a step in the right direction in having a safe holiday meal.
For information on how to safely prepare your turkey in a paper bag read part two of this article.
Cooking a Turkey Overnight. Perfect!
FAQ
How long does it take a turkey to cook at 200?
200°F. When cooking at 200°F, you’ll want to allow for about 40 to 50 minutes of cooking time per pound.
Is it safe to cook a turkey overnight at 200 degrees?
No. Do not roast a whole turkey at 200 degF. If the bird is just a bit too cold or a bit too big, you’ll get food poisoning. This certain to be the case especially if you’ve anything inside the cavity. You’ll be visiting the ER before the night’s done. The turkey will also not taste good.
What’s the lowest temperature you can cook a turkey at?
The minimum oven temperature to use when cooking poultry is 325 °F (162.8 °C).
Can you cook a roast at 200 degrees?
Preheat oven to 200°. Place roast on a wire rack set inside a large rimmed baking sheet.Aug 23, 2023
How long should a Turkey be cooked at 250 degrees?
A turkey should be cooked for approximately 30 minutes per pound at 250 F, and should have reached a safe internal temperature of 165 F before serving. Nov 15, 2019. How long should I cook a turkey at 200 degrees?
How long do you cook a 14 pound turkey?
Lower the heat to 200 degrees F. Cook the turkey for 40–50 minutes per pound (9–11 hours for a 14-pound bird), or until the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F. Once every 1 1/2 hours or so, baste the turkey with any remaining juices in the roasting pan. Can I cook a turkey at 225 in the oven?
Can you cook a Turkey at a low temperature?
Cooking a turkey at a low temperature like 200 degrees Fahrenheit will result in an excessively long cooking time. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and may result in an unsafe and potentially spoiled turkey. Can you cook a turkey at a lower temperature for a longer time?
How to cook a 15 lb Turkey in the oven?
Put the turkey in the oven at 400°F, uncovered. For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes to brown it. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the next 1 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature of the breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so.
What happens if you cook a Turkey at 200 degrees Fahrenheit?
Consuming undercooked poultry can lead to foodborne illnesses. Will cooking a turkey at 200 degrees Fahrenheit make it unsafe to eat? Cooking a turkey at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time increases the risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illnesses.
Can you cook a Turkey on low overnight?
A typical roasting temperature is around 325 degrees F for up to 8 hours depending on the size of your turkey. As you slowly roast your turkey overnight at 200 degrees F for approximately 10 hours, the low temperature and moisture is basting your turkey while you sleep. Can I cook my turkey on low overnight?