When it comes to cooking a bone-in turkey breast in the oven, timing is everything. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and weight of the turkey breast, as well as the temperature of the oven. It’s important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure a moist and flavorful turkey breast.

To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature will help to ensure that the turkey breast cooks evenly and remains tender. It’s a good idea to use a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the turkey breast and allow the heat to circulate evenly.

As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to cook a bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes per pound. However, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

If you want to achieve a crispy golden skin, you can start by roasting the turkey breast uncovered for the first 30 minutes, and then cover it with foil for the remainder of the cooking time. This will help to prevent the skin from becoming too dark and dry.

Once the turkey breast is done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful meat.

How Long to Cook Bone-In Turkey Breast in Oven

When it comes to cooking a bone-in turkey breast in the oven, it’s important to know the cooking times to ensure a juicy and flavorful meal. With the right temperature and cooking time, your turkey breast will come out tender and delicious.

Recommended Cooking Time

The cooking time for a bone-in turkey breast can vary depending on the size of the breast and the oven temperature. As a general rule, you should cook a bone-in turkey breast at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes per pound. This means that a 5-pound turkey breast would take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook.

Internal Temperature

It’s important to cook the turkey breast to the correct internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and ensure it is cooked through.

Preparation

Before cooking the bone-in turkey breast, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by removing the turkey breast from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. Next, season the breast with your desired spices and herbs. You can choose to use a dry rub or a marinade to add flavor to the turkey. Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Instructions

To cook the bone-in turkey breast, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breast on a rack in a roasting pan, with the skin-side up. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch the bone. Roast the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with pan juices to keep it moist. Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.

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Weight of Turkey Breast Cooking Time
3 to 5 pounds 1 hour to 1 hour 40 minutes
5 to 7 pounds 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
7 to 9 pounds 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours

Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure that the turkey breast is fully cooked. By following these cooking instructions and times, you’ll be able to serve a perfectly cooked bone-in turkey breast that is juicy and flavorful.

Recipe and Cooking Instructions

Preparing a delicious bone-in turkey breast in the oven requires some simple steps and a bit of patience. Follow this recipe and cooking instructions for a delectable turkey breast that will be the highlight of your meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bone-in turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place the bone-in turkey breast on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to cover it evenly.
  5. Place the turkey breast in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
  6. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  7. Slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your homemade bone-in turkey breast cooked to perfection in the oven! It’s a delicious and impressive dish that will surely be enjoyed by your family and guests.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

1. Size of the Turkey Breast

The size of the bone-in turkey breast is a significant factor that affects cooking time. The larger the size of the turkey breast, the longer it will take to cook. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Oven Temperature

The oven temperature plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. It is recommended to preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) before placing the turkey breast inside. The cooking time may increase if the oven temperature is lower than the recommended temperature. Conversely, if the oven temperature is higher, the turkey may cook faster but it may result in a less juicy and tender meat.

3. Cooking Method

The cooking method can also affect the cooking time of a bone-in turkey breast. Roasting is the most common method for cooking turkey breast in the oven. Other methods such as grilling or smoking may require different cooking times and techniques. It is important to follow the specific cooking instructions for the chosen method to ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly and safely.

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4. Placement in the Oven

Where the turkey breast is placed in the oven can also impact the cooking time. It is recommended to place the turkey breast on a roasting rack, breast-side up, in the center of the oven. This allows for even cooking and browning of the turkey. Placing it on the lower rack may result in longer cooking time, while placing it on the higher rack may cause faster cooking but uneven browning.

5. Use of a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is essential in determining the doneness of the bone-in turkey breast. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the turkey breast is considered safe to eat. It is important not to rely solely on cooking time as a measure of doneness.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that your bone-in turkey breast is cooked to perfection, tender, and juicy every time.

Internal Temperature Check

Once you have cooked the bone-in turkey breast for the recommended time, it is important to check the internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, making sure it does not touch the bone.

The turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). If it has not reached this temperature, continue cooking and check the temperature again after a few minutes.

It is crucial to cook the turkey breast to the correct internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. Consuming undercooked poultry can be a health risk, as it can contain harmful bacteria. The internal temperature check is the most reliable way to determine if the turkey breast is fully cooked.

Once the turkey breast has reached the appropriate internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey breast.

Tips for Juicy and Tender Turkey Breast

Cooking a bone-in turkey breast can yield deliciously juicy and tender meat. Here are some tips to ensure a mouthwatering result:

1. Brine the turkey breast: Brining helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, then submerge the turkey breast in the brine for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat the oven: To ensure even cooking, preheat the oven to the recommended temperature before placing the turkey breast inside.

3. Use a roasting rack: Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the turkey, resulting in even browning and a crispy skin.

4. Baste regularly: Basting the turkey breast with pan juices or melted butter helps to keep it moist. Aim to baste it every 30 minutes during cooking.

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5. Use a food thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

6. Let it rest: After removing the turkey breast from the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.

Following these tips will help you achieve a perfectly juicy and tender bone-in turkey breast that will be a hit at your next gathering.

Q&A

How long should I cook a bone-in turkey breast in the oven?

A bone-in turkey breast should be cooked in the oven for about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This means that a 6-pound turkey breast would take approximately 2 hours to cook.

What temperature should I set the oven to cook a bone-in turkey breast?

The oven should be set to 350°F (175°C) when cooking a bone-in turkey breast. This temperature ensures that the turkey breast cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Do I need to cover the bone-in turkey breast while cooking it in the oven?

It is recommended to cover the bone-in turkey breast with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time (approximately 1 hour). This helps to keep the turkey breast moist and prevents it from drying out. After the first hour, you can remove the foil to allow the skin to brown.

How can I tell if the bone-in turkey breast is cooked properly?

The best way to determine if the bone-in turkey breast is cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast without touching the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure that the turkey is safe to eat and not undercooked.

Can I use a convection oven to cook a bone-in turkey breast?

Yes, you can use a convection oven to cook a bone-in turkey breast. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly. Convection ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens, so you may need to reduce the cooking time by about 25% and lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C).

How long should I cook a bone-in turkey breast in the oven?

A bone-in turkey breast should be cooked in the oven for about 20-25 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). So, if you have a 5-pound turkey breast, it would take approximately 1 hour and 40-50 minutes to cook.

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

The oven should be set to 350°F (175°C) to cook a bone-in turkey breast. This temperature allows for even cooking and helps to maintain the moisture in the meat. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.