We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Oven Roasting a Turkey Breast?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,104
Share

When oven roasting a turkey breast, the right temperature is crucial. The turkey itself must reach a certain internal temperature, and the oven must be the right temperature to prevent the meat from drying out. Adding aromatic vegetables, such as onions and carrots, helps improve the flavor of the meat. For best results, a cook should use a roasting pan with low sides. Most people cannot taste the difference between a turkey that is fresh or one that is frozen, though the age of the turkey affects the flavor.

The ideal temperature for oven roasting a turkey breast is 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). A colder temperature won't cook the bird through in a timely manner, and a hotter temperature may take too long or dry out the meat. The turkey can be roasted from a frozen state. Oven roasting a turkey breast that is still frozen takes 50 percent longer than oven roasting a thawed turkey breast.

Fresh turkey should be roasted no more than a day or two after it is purchased. A frozen turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. It will begin to decline in quality and taste after a year, though. A cook should avoid thawing a frozen turkey too early or thawing and then re-freezing it.

Cooking times depend on the weight of the turkey. The smaller the turkey, the less time it needs to cook. A thawed, 6-pound (2.7-kg) bird may take up to three and a quarter hours to cook through. A 20-pound (9-kg) turkey can take up to five hours to roast. Adding stuffing to the inside of the bird adds to the cooking time.

Usually, stuffing the bird when oven roasting a turkey breast is not recommended. To be safe, the turkey breast needs to heat to an inside temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius). By the time the stuffing inside the bird reaches that temperature, the meat is likely to be dry and over-cooked.

The turkey breast should be placed in a shallow roasting pan. A small amount of water should be added to the pan before it is placed in the oven. If a person isn't stuffing the bird, she can increase its flavor by placing some chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the water in the pan. To prevent the bird from becoming too dark or overly browned in the early stages of cooking, she should cover the turkey breast, either with a lid or a tent of aluminum foil.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By rburow — On Jan 12, 2014

SpecialBug, I have had success at brining whole chicken and chicken pieces before roasting in the oven or even frying on top of the stove. Before frying, however, drain thoroughly to avoid having hot oil interact with the water. Yum!

By SpecialBug — On Jan 11, 2014

If you want a tasty turkey breast, brine it before roasting. I used to roast turkey without brining and it was good, but brining made all the difference. Brining is the process of soaking the turkey or turkey breast in salt water before roasting in the oven. The turkey comes out golden and moist. I never looked back after the first time I brined a turkey.

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-oven-roasting-a-turkey-breast.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.