Roasting a 6lb turkey breast can seem daunting for many home cooks. Getting the seasoning, cook time, and temperature just right is crucial for ending up with a tender, juicy turkey breast with crisp, golden skin. The good news is that roasting a turkey breast is much simpler than tackling a whole bird. With the right techniques, you can have a beautiful centerpiece on your holiday table without the hassle.
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know for cooking a perfect 6lb turkey breast. From brining to roasting to resting following these tips will help you nail juicy, flavorful results every time.
How Long Should You Cook a 6lb Turkey Breast?
The approximate roasting time for a 6lb bone-in skin-on turkey breast is 2 to 2 1/2 hours at 325°F. This timing is based on recipes and guidelines recommending about 20 minutes per pound.
However, cook times can vary considerably based on the shape and density of the specific breast, as well as oven hot spots. This is why it’s critical to use an instant-read meat thermometer to gauge doneness rather than relying solely on time.
Always cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part. Check the temperature in a couple spots to account for uneven cooking. If it’s under 165°F, continue roasting and checking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until it’s done.
Handy Roast Turkey Breast Cooking Times
Here are some general time estimates for roasting a 6lb turkey breast at 325°F:
- Brined for 12-24 hours
- Seasoned under and over the skin
- Roasted on a rack in a roasting pan
- Basted every 30 minutes after 1 hour
- Cooked to 165°F internal temperature
- Rested 15-20 minutes before carving
Total roasting time: Approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours
For reference, here are USDA recommended cooking times for whole boneless and bone-in turkey breasts:
- 4 to 6lb bone-in breast: 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours
- 6 to 8lb bone-in breast: 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours
The USDA times confirm that a 6lb turkey breast should roast for right around 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours at 325°F. Always rely on the thermometer for perfectly cooked results.
Tips for Achieving Maximum Juiciness
Follow these tips for roasting a moist, flavorful 6lb turkey breast:
1. Brine the Turkey Breast
Soaking the turkey breast in a saltwater brine before cooking helps ensure a juicy interior. The salt in the brine seasons the meat and also helps it retain moisture. For a 6lb breast, brine for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.
Make your brine with 1 gallon of water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and aromatics like peppercorns, garlic cloves, and herbs. Submerge the breast, cover, and chill until ready to roast.
2. Season Under the Skin
Slide your fingers gently under the skin to loosen it without fully detaching. Rub an herb paste or dry rub directly onto the meat. This helps infuse it with lots of flavor. Garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano are all tasty options.
3. Baste While Roasting
Basting the turkey breast as it cooks moistens the surface and promotes beautiful browning. Use a baster or brush to coat it with pan drippings, chicken or turkey broth, melted butter, or herbed oil every 30 minutes starting after the first hour.
4. Roast at a Low Temperature
Cooking the breast at a lower oven temperature (325°F) allows the inside to gently cook through without drying out the exterior. High heat can cause the skin and outer layers to overcook before the inside is done.
5. Let It Rest
Allowing the cooked turkey breast to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing is extremely important for juiciness. This gives the juices time to redistribute through the meat after the turkey comes out of the oven.
Tent loosely with foil and don’t skip this step! The internal temperature will continue rising about 5-10 degrees as well.
Step-By-Step Guide for Roasting a Juicy Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey breast results:
- Brine: Soak turkey breast in brine for 12-24 hours
- Remove from Brine: Rinse and pat the breast dry
- Season Under Skin: Loosen skin and rub herb paste directly onto meat
- Season Skin: Rub skin with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with herbs
- Prepare Aromatics: Toss onions, carrots, celery and garlic into the baking pan
- Roast at 325°F: Place breast on rack over aromatics and roast approximately 2 hours
- Baste: Brush with broth or oil every 30 minutes after the first hour
- Check Temperature: Roast until 165°F internally in thickest part
- Rest: Allow to rest 15-20 minutes tented in foil before slicing
- Carve and Serve: Slice against the grain for tender, juicy meat
Follow these simple steps, and your 6lb turkey breast will turn out tender and juicy every time. Be sure to use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness. Resting is also critical.
Then you can carve up beautiful, warm slices to serve as the star of your holiday feast. Enjoy your perfectly cooked 6lb turkey breast!
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 6lb turkey breast?
Should a turkey breast be cooked, covered or uncovered?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How many people will a 6 lb turkey breast feed?
How long do you cook a turkey breast at 450?
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the seasoned breast on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 450°F for 60-90 minutes, until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F on a meat thermometer. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 15 minutes to keep the meat moist and promote even browning
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
How Long To Roast Turkey Breast – General Rule: The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an un-stuffed turkey, or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Or 15 minutes per pound at 325 unstuffed and 17 minutes per pound at 325 for a stuffed turkey.
How to cook a turkey breast in a crock pot?
STEP 1. Place the turkey breast onto the roasting pan with the breast side down. Remove bag of items inside the breast cavity. Paint the skin with the melted butter, garlic and herbs. Salt the bird inside and out. STEP 2. Put your turkey into the preheat oven and roast the turkey. The cooking time will vary based on weight.
How do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat dry. Place the meat on a flat, lightly greased roasting rack-lined pan. For the best appearance and flavor, brush lightly with vegetable oil, cooking oil, or melted butter.
How long does it take to cook a frozen turkey breast?
Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes and continue at 325 until internal temp is 160. You REALLY need a thermometer if the breast is partially frozen. The turkey will probably take an extra hour to come to temperature this way. You’ll want to get a good thermometer because that is what REALLY will tell you that your turkey is done.
How long do you cook a turkey breast in a pressure cooker?
Lock the lid and heat the pressure cooker turkey breast on high pressure for 25 minutes for two 2-pound bone-in or 20 minutes for two 1½-pound boneless turkey breasts. Quickly release pressure, then use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat has reached 165°F. Broil the meat 5 inches from the oven heat for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp and brown the skin.