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How Long To Cook A Turkey Breast Per Pound

Cooking a turkey breast is a fantastic meal for a special occasion or for a regular dinner. With the right knowledge and tools, it can be a breeze to cook a moist and tender turkey breast that your friends and family will love. One of the most significant factors that determine the success of your turkey breast’s recipe is the cooking time you give it. Here is a comprehensive guide on how long to cook your turkey breast per pound, including answers to the most frequently asked questions about cooking a turkey breast.

Cooking A Turkey Breast

Before we get into the cooking time, it is essential to understand how to prepare your turkey breast before placing it in the oven. Most turkey breasts come boneless or bone-in, which determines how long to cook it ultimately. As a general rule, boneless turkey breasts cook faster than bone-in. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your turkey breast:

1. Remove your turkey breast from the packaging and rinse it under cold water.

2. Pat the turkey thoroughly with paper towels to dry it.

3. Season the turkey breast with your preferred dry rub or herb blend.

Cooking Time For A Boneless Turkey Breast

The cooking time for a boneless turkey breast should be approximately 20 minutes per pound. Therefore, if your turkey breast weighs two pounds, it should take approximately 40 minutes to cook. However, many factors determine the precise time a turkey will take to cook through fully. These include the oven’s temperature, whether the turkey is stuffed or not, and the desired level of doneness.

When cooking a boneless turkey breast, it’s essential to choose the right temperature to cook it on. The ideal temperature to cook a boneless turkey breast in the oven is 350°F (180°C). This temperature allows the turkey breast to cook evenly while ensuring it is moist and not dry.

Cooking Time For A Bone-In Turkey Breast

The cooking time for bone-in turkey breasts, on the other hand, depends on the size of the bone, which affects the cooking time. A general rule of thumb is to cook bone-in turkey breasts for about 25 minutes per pound at 350°F (180°C) and an extra 20-30 minutes if the turkey is stuffed.

To ensure your turkey is cooked through, use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. When the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for about ten minutes. This resting time allows the turkey to reabsorb the juices and retain its moisture.

Cooking Time For Turkey Breasts In A Slow Cooker

Another way to cook a turkey breast is in a slow cooker. Cooking your turkey breast in a slow cooker yields a moist, juicy turkey that is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. To cook a boneless turkey breast in a slow cooker, place the breast in the slow cooker, and season it with your preferred seasonings. Add stock, water, or other liquid and set the slow cooker to low heat. Cook for approximately 4-6 hours or 6-8 hours on low until the turkey is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cooking Time For Turkey Breasts On A Grill

Cooking your turkey breast on a grill is an excellent option for those who want to impart a smoky flavor to the turkey while achieving crispy skin. Begin by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Season the turkey breast with your desired seasonings and place it on the grill, cooking it for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. Once the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the grill and allow it to rest before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I cook my turkey breast?

The ideal temperature to cook a turkey breast is 350°F (180°C). This temperature ensures that your turkey breast cooks evenly, retains its moisture, and is not overcooked or undercooked.

How do I know when my turkey breast is cooked?

To ensure that your turkey breast is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. You can also check if your turkey breast is cooked by wiggling its leg. If the leg moves freely in its socket, it is a sign that the turkey is cooked through.

How long should I let my turkey breast rest?

It is recommended to let your turkey breast rest for approximately ten minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the turkey to reabsorb the juices, ensuring it is moist and tender.

Should I brine my turkey breast before cooking?

Brining your turkey breast before cooking is an excellent way to ensure that your turkey is moist and tender. To brine your turkey breast, soak it in a mixture of saltwater and any herbs or spices you prefer for at least 8 hours before cooking.

Can you cook a frozen turkey breast?

It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast as it will not cook evenly, and there is a risk of bacterial growth. Thawing your turkey breast in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking is the best way to ensure that your turkey is cooked entirely and safely.

What can I do with turkey breast leftovers?

Turkey breast leftovers can be used for a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, salads, casseroles or added to soups and stews. Turkey breast is also an excellent ingredient for quesadillas, wraps, and omelets.

Conclusion

Cooking a turkey breast is not rocket science. With the right knowledge and tools, it can be easy to cook a moist and juicy turkey breast. The cooking time for a turkey breast depends on a variety of factors such as the size, bone-in or boneless, and the cooking method. However, a general rule of thumb for boneless turkey breasts is to cook them for 20 minutes per pound and for bone-in turkey breasts, 25 minutes per pound at 350°F (180°C). Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey breast is cooked internally and to let it rest before slicing and serving. With these tips, you can cook a delicious turkey breast that your friends and family will love.