How Long to Cook a Bone-In Turkey Breast for Juicy, Tender Meat

Cooking a juicy and delicious bone-in turkey breast seems challenging, but with some simple preparation and the right cooking technique, you can have tasty turkey breast on your table in no time. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a bone-in turkey breast perfectly.

Overview of Cooking a Bone-In Turkey Breast

Bone-in turkey breast can be roasted or cooked using various methods. It has more flavor and moisture compared to boneless turkey breast. The bone insulates the meat and prevents it from drying out.

Most recipes recommend roasting bone-in turkey breast at 325°F but you can go up to 350°F to reduce the cooking time. Always rely on a meat thermometer, not just cooking time, to check for proper doneness. The breast is fully cooked once it reaches 165°F at the thickest part.

How Long to Cook Bone-In Turkey Breast Per Pound

The general guideline is to cook bone-in turkey breast for 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F At 350°F, you can decrease the time to 12-15 minutes per pound.

Here are estimated cooking times based on the weight:

• 3 lb breast: 36-45 minutes
• 4 lb breast: 48-60 minutes
• 5 lb breast: 60-75 minutes
• 6 lb breast: 72-90 minutes
• 7 lb breast: 84-105 minutes

Boneless breasts and those without skin cook faster. Check the temperature early and allow the cooked breast to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Proper Seasoning and Preparation

Proper seasoning and prep is key for flavorful, juicy turkey breast:

• Brine the breast for 12-24 hours before cooking. This seasons the meat and locks in moisture.
• Coat the breast in oil and seasonings like herbs, salt, pepper. The oil helps crisp the skin.
• Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, garlic, onions, fresh herbs to impart flavor.
• Roast skin-side up on a rack in a pan so the skin crisps and fat drips away.
• Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part to ensure proper doneness.
• Loosely tent the breast with foil if over-browning during roasting.
• Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Bone-In Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy oven roasted bone-in turkey breast:

1. Remove breast from packaging and pat dry. Discard bag with giblets/neck.
2. Make a brine if desired (1 cup salt to 1 gallon water) and soak breast 12-24 hours.
3. Remove breast from brine, pat dry, let air dry in fridge 1-2 hours before seasoning.
4. Coat with oil and seasonings. Stuff cavity with aromatics.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place breast skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for calculated time based on weight, 12-15 minutes per pound.
7. Once 165°F is reached, remove from oven. Loosely tent with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes.
8. Carve and serve! Enjoy as sandwiches, in salads, and more.

With this simple method, you’ll have delicious oven-roasted bone-in turkey breast every time. A 2-3 lb breast works great for fast weeknight meals. A 6 lb or larger breast feeds a crowd.

Always use an instant-read thermometer for doneness and let it rest before slicing. Once you get the roasting time down for your oven, bone-in turkey breast will be an easy and impressive meal.

Other Ways to Cook Bone-In Turkey Breast

While roasting is most common, you can also cook bone-in turkey breast using these methods:

• Smoking: For incredible smoked flavor, smoke the breast for 15-20 minutes per lb.

• Grilling: Get delicious char-grilled turkey breast by indirect grilling with medium heat for about 15-20 minutes per lb.

• Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours until reaching 165°F. Very convenient.

• Air Fryer: Preheating to 400°F and cooking for roughly 30 minutes per lb gives you moist, air fried turkey breast.

• Deep Frying: For crispy fried turkey flavor, deep fry at 350°F for around 3-4 minutes per lb.

Handy FAQs for Cooking Bone-In Turkey Breast

Got questions about cooking up the perfect bone-in turkey breast? Here are some helpful answers:

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast with bone at 350°F?

The general rule is around 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. So a 5 lb breast takes 60-75 minutes. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.

Does bone-in or boneless turkey breast take longer to cook?

Bone-in will take longer since the bone partially insulates the meat. Boneless cooks faster so check temperature sooner and take care not to overcook.

Should I cook stuffing inside a bone-in turkey breast?

Yes you can, but it will extend the cooking time. Figure about 30 minutes extra per pound to ensure the stuffing gets hot enough.

What temperature do I cook bone-in turkey breast to?

Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This minimum temperature kills any potential bacteria and ensures it’s safe to eat.

Can I roast a frozen bone-in turkey breast?

It’s not recommended. Thaw it first for more even cooking. The extended time needed for a frozen breast risks drying out the meat.

What seasoning goes well with roasted bone-in turkey breast?

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage work perfectly. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of olive oil or melted butter adds great flavor too.

How long does cooked bone-in turkey breast last in the fridge?

It will keep for 3-4 days properly stored in the fridge. Make sure to wrap or cover it to preserve moisture and freshness.

With the handy tips in this article, you can master cooking tender and juicy bone-in turkey breast. Just be sure to factor in the weight, use a meat thermometer, and let it rest before slicing. Soon your family will be asking for seconds of your delicious oven-roasted turkey!