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}
Cooking a boneless turkey breast can seem daunting, but with the right techniques, it can turn out incredibly moist, flavorful and tender. A 3 pound boneless turkey breast is the perfect size for feeding a smaller gathering or when you’re craving turkey but don’t want to deal with a whole bird.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a perfect 3 pound boneless turkey breast. We’ll cover
- Recommended cooking times and temperatures
- Brining vs marinating
- Prepping and seasoning tips
- Step-by-step roasting instructions
- Determining doneness
- Letting it rest before slicing
- Time-saving shortcuts
Follow these simple steps for foolproof results every time!
How Long to Cook a 3 Pound Boneless Turkey Breast
For a 3 pound boneless skin-on turkey breast. the cooking time can vary from
- 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2 hours at 350°F
- 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours at 325°F
We recommend roasting at a lower 325°F temperature, which allows the breast to cook gently for the most tender and juicy meat.
Always use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying on time alone. Cook the breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part before removing from the oven.
After roasting, let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
Should You Brine or Marinate?
For the juiciest, most flavorful turkey breast, we highly recommend brining or marinating before cooking.
Brining involves soaking the raw turkey in a saltwater solution, which seasons the meat and makes it incredibly moist. A basic brine can be made with 1 gallon of water, 1/2 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar and any desired herbs or spices.
Marinating the breast in an oil-acid mixture also keeps it tender and infuses tons of flavor. Try marinating for 2-12 hours in a mixture of 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup citrus juice or vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, and pepper.
Turkey Breast Prep
Proper seasoning and prep is key for delicious results:
- Thaw breast completely if frozen
- Pat turkey dry with paper towels
- Gently loosen the skin from the meat and rub seasoning directly onto meat
- Coat the skin with oil or butter and season with salt, pepper and herbs
- Stuff aromatics like lemon, garlic and herbs into the cavity for extra flavor
Step-By-Step Roasting Method
Follow these simple tips for roasting turkey breast:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a rack placed in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Place turkey breast skin-side up on the rack. Pour 1 cup broth, wine or water in the bottom of the pan.
- Tent breast loosely with foil and roast for 45 min to prevent over-browning.
- Remove foil, baste with pan juices. Roast until 165°F, basting every 30 minutes.
- Transfer turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
The hot roasting pan underneath creates steam for moist meat. Basting as it cooks prevents drying out. And resting allows the juices to reabsorb before carving.
Is the Turkey Breast Done?
Check for doneness by:
- Inserting instant read thermometer into thickest part – it should read 165°F
- Juices running clear when pierced with tip of knife
- Meat near bone may be slightly pink when fully cooked
- Breast feels firm to touch, not squishy
Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures any bacteria is killed and the turkey breast is safe to eat.
Time Saving Shortcuts
For an even quicker turkey dinner, try these shortcuts:
- Purchase a pre-brined or pre-seasoned turkey breast
- Skip brining and simply rub with poultry seasoning before roasting
- Roast at 350°F to reduce cooking time slightly
- Use an Instant Pot or slow cooker to cook in only 1 hour
- Finish cooking on the grill for crispy skin and smoky flavor
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftover roasted turkey breast is extremely versatile. Get creative with these delicious options:
- Slice for sandwiches, subs or wraps
- Dice and use in casseroles, soup, chili, turkey salad
- Pair with veggies, hummus, cheese or crackers for easy snacking
- Make turkey skewers, stir fry with soba noodles
- Use in hearty dishes like turkey pot pie or tetrazzini
With the right seasoning, temperature, roasting method and resting time, you can enjoy incredibly moist, flavorful turkey breast any night of the week. Follow this guide for foolproof results. Let us know your favorite way to use up leftover turkey breast!
What is a Boneless Turkey Roast?
Boneless turkey roast is a turkey roast that has had the bones removed either mechanically or by a butcher. As a result, it is easier to prepare, requires less cooking time, and is a breeze to slice.
How to Make A Boneless Turkey Breast in Slow Cooker
- Cut the netting off the turkey roast with scissors, and pat down the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Place broth, onion, carrots, smashed garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, thyme and sage sprigs across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Boneless Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 3lb Butterball boneless turkey breast?
| Turkey breast weight | Cooking time |
|---|---|
| 3 pounds | 90 minutes or 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 4 pounds | 120 minutes or 2 hours |
| 5 pounds | 150 minutes or 2 hours 30 minutes |
| 6 pounds | 180 minutes or 3 hours |
Do you cook a boneless turkey breast at 325 or 350?
The best oven temperature to cook a turkey breast is 350°. An oven temp of 325° can be used, but it will take longer, and the skin will not be as crisp. 375° is too high–you will cook the skin rapidly and need to tent it with aluminum foil near the end of cooking to prevent over-browning.
How long do you cook a 3lb boneless turkey breast in a Reynolds oven bag?
PLACE turkey breasts in oven bag on top of vegetables, separating for heat circulation. CLOSE oven bag with nylon tie; cut six 1/2-inch slits in top. Tuck ends of bag in pan. BAKE 12 to 2 hours or until meat thermometer reads 165°F in each breast, not touching the bone.
How long to cook boneless skinless turkey breast in the oven?
Cover and bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in turkey reads 165°, basting occasionally with butter mixture.Aug 17, 2023
How long do you cook a 3 lb turkey breast?
As a general guideline, it is recommended to roast the turkey breast at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Therefore, a 3 lb boneless turkey breast would require approximately 60 minutes of cooking time. Should I brine the turkey breast before cooking?
How do you cook a boneless turkey breast?
Roast a boneless turkey breast with this boneless turkey breast recipe, flavored with a deliciously savory marinade. Perfect for Thanksgiving! Preheat the oven to 325 F and prepare a roasting pan with a rack. Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup if desired.
How long does it take to cook a 3 pound breast?
The general rule of thumb is 15-20 minutes per pound. For a 3 pound boneless, stuffed breast, roasted uncovered at 350°F, total cook time will be: So expect approximately 1 hour in the oven until the internal temp reaches 160°F. This last step is crucial! Once cooked, tent the breast with foil and let rest 15 minutes.
How do you cook a 3 lb Butterball turkey breast?
To cook a Butterball 3 lb turkey breast in the oven, you will need: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey breast with melted butter. Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil.
How long do you fry a 3 pound turkey breast?
Frying Turkey Breast To fry a 3-pound turkey breast, heat 3 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the turkey breast in the skillet. Cook the turkey breast for 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook a turkey breast in a slow cooker?
Roast the turkey breast for 2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To cook the turkey breast in a slow cooker, place the turkey breast in a slow cooker and add 1 cup of water. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.