This slow cooker turkey roast is the best quick and easy herbed turkey recipe for a festive dinner or filling weeknight meal! Featuring a tender and juicy boneless turkey breast roast, lots of herbs, and plenty of veggies, it’s the perfect main course to serve with all your favourite sides this holiday season! {Gluten-free & Dairy-free}
A beautifully roasted turkey breast makes for a delicious meal whether you are cooking for a small gathering or feeding a crowd. With its rich flavor and tender texture when properly prepared turkey breast can be the star of your table. But how long should you cook a turkey breast roast to achieve the perfect results?
There are a few factors that determine total roasting time for turkey breast, including the size, bone-in or boneless, and temperature Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook a turkey breast roast so it turns out moist and full of flavor every time
Overview of Cooking a Turkey Breast Roast
Turkey breast roasts usually range from 2 to 8 pounds or more and can be purchased bone-in or boneless. Leaving the bone in results in added flavor and moisture. A whole bone-in breast is made up of two halves joined together in the middle by cartilage.
Most recipes recommend roasting turkey breast at a lower oven temperature like 325°F to keep it as juicy as possible. However, going up to 350°F can help reduce cooking time while still producing tender, flavorful meat when cooked properly.
Using an instant-read meat thermometer is crucial for determining when your roast is finished. Turkey breast should reach 165°F at the thickest part when fully cooked.
Estimated Roasting Times
The general rule of thumb for roasting bone-in turkey breast is to allow about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. If using the higher 350°F temperature, decrease cooking time slightly to 12-15 minutes per pound.
Here are some estimates for roasting times based on the weight of your turkey breast:
- 2 lb breast roast – 24-30 minutes (325°F), 20-25 minutes (350°F)
- 3 lb breast roast – 45-60 minutes (325°F), 36-45 minutes (350°)
- 4 lb breast roast – 60-80 minutes (325°F), 48-60 minutes (350°F)
- 5 lb breast roast – 75-100 minutes (325°F), 60-75 minutes (350°F)
- 6 lb breast roast – 90-120 minutes (325°F), 72-90 minutes (350°F)
- 7-8 lb breast roast – 105-160 minutes (325°F), 84-120 minutes (350°F)
For boneless turkey breast, check temperature early and reduce cooking time. Plan for at least 15 minutes of resting before carving.
Seasoning and Preparation
Proper prep is key for the best results when roasting turkey breast:
- Brine the breast in saltwater overnight to season and retain moisture.
- Rub the skin with oil or butter and sprinkle with dried herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme to add flavor.
- Place aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, citrus, or fresh herbs inside the cavity while roasting.
- Cook the breast skin-side up on a roasting rack in a pan to allow the skin to crisp and fat to render.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest section, avoiding bone, to monitor doneness.
- Let the roast rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for the juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Follow these easy steps for roasting turkey breast to juicy perfection:
- Take the breast roast out of packaging and pat dry. Remove any neck or giblets.
- Make a simple brine if desired (1 cup salt to 1 gallon water) and soak the breast for 12-24 hours.
- Remove the breast from brine, pat dry, and let it air dry in the fridge for 1-2 hours before seasoning.
- Coat the breast in oil or butter and sprinkle over dried herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F or 350°F. Place the breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Calculate the estimated roasting time based on weight, allowing 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F or 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F.
- Once the temperature reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, remove from oven.
- Lightly tent the roast with foil and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Roasting a juicy, flavorful turkey breast roast is easy when you follow a few simple guidelines. Allow 15-20 minutes per pound when cooking at 325°F or 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. Rely on an instant-read thermometer over cooking times to ensure the breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Resting the roast after cooking and proper seasoning techniques are also vital for best results. In no time, you’ll be carving up tender, succulent turkey breast roast. Gobble it up!
For the Slow Cooker Turkey Roast
- Turkey Roast: I used a 5-pound boneless turkey roast, but you can use whatever size roast you require. Feel free to use a bone-in turkey roast if you prefer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they typically take longer to cook. A turkey tenderloin would also work.
- Broth: I typically use a reduced sodium chicken broth to cut down on the sodium, but vegetable broth would work too.
- Veggies: Onions, carrots, and garlic combine to create a healthy, flavourful slow cooker turkey roast recipe. Some of the cooked veggies are also used to create the gravy at the end as well for added flavour.
- Seasonings: Garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper infuse flavour into the veggies and meat ensuring you never have bland turkey ever again.
- Oil: I like to use extra virgin olive oil to help the spice rub stick to the turkey, lock in moisture, and add a boost of healthy fats. If you prefer a more buttery taste, the oil can be substituted with softened butter instead.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the leftover dripping when combined with water to create the perfect gravy consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Added for a little extra flavour.
Slow Cooker Turkey Roast – So Juicy!
One common complaint I hear about turkey breast is that it’s bland and dry. Well, not anymore! This slow cooker turkey roast recipe features an herbed rub and a long, slow cooking process to lock in both flavour and moisture for the most delicious turkey ever!
Better yet, it’s paired it with hearty vegetables for an easy thanksgiving dinner or holiday meal you can prepare in no time at all. No more fussing around in the kitchen all day!
This recipe for boneless turkey roast is great served on its own for a healthy low-carb dinner, but also tastes great along with quick sides like mashed potatoes with Greek yogurt and roasted beets and carrots salad.
It requires just 15 minutes of prep work and is a breeze to clean up. No messy oven or carving a whole bird required! Just toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, set it and forget it.
You can even make your own homemade gravy from the drippings! It’s the perfect smaller turkey recipe for a smaller crowd or holiday gathering.
For more delicious turkey recipes, be sure to check out this Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast and Stuffed Turkey Breast with Orange Honey Glaze!
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long to cook a boneless turkey breast roast?
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Before removing plastic bag place roast under warm, running water for 1 minute. …
- Place turkey on rack in shallow roasting pan. …
- Cook until meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) – approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before removing netting and slicing.
How long do you cook a turkey breast at 350?
Calculate turkey cooking time and temperature. The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?
How long does a boneless turkey breast take to cook?
There are a few factors that impact the roasting time for boneless turkey breast: Weight – Heavier breasts take longer to cook than lighter ones A good guideline is to roast for about 15 minutes per pound. Thickness – Thicker cuts will need more time in the oven than thinner boneless breasts. Check for doneness early and adjust time as needed.
How long does it take to cook a 5lb Turkey?
In the oven, you’ll need 20 to 25 minutes of baking time per pound of turkey breast, depending on the temperature used. Make sure your turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. How long does it take to cook a 5lb turkey at 350? Calculate turkey cooking time and temperature.
How do you cook a roasted turkey breast in the oven?
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven roasted turkey breast every time: Remove breast from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Discard bag holding the neck and giblets. Make a brine if desired (1 cup salt to 1 gallon water). Soak breast for 12-24 hrs. Remove from brine and pat dry.
How long do you cook a Turkey in the oven?
Proceed to place it in the preheated oven and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to baste the turkey with the remaining melted butter every 30 minutes to achieve that perfect, flavorful skin.
How long do you cook a skin-on turkey breast?
Place the turkey breast skin-side-up in a roasting pan, preferably one specifically designed for roasting. A skin-on turkey breast will help retain moisture as the fat under the skin provides additional flavor and juiciness. When it comes to cook time, plan on roasting the turkey breast for approximately one hour.