Turkey Breast Cooking Time (USDA Guide at 325 °F)
At 325 °F, roast a 4–8 lb unstuffed turkey breast for about 1½ to 3¼ hours. A 6–8 lb stuffed breast takes about 2½ to 3½ hours. These are USDA planning ranges, not a doneness test: use a food thermometer and cook the thickest part of the breast and the center of the stuffing, if used, to 165 °F.
USDA turkey breast roasting ranges
| Preparation | Weight covered | Oven temperature | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unstuffed | 4–8 lb | 325 °F | 1½–3¼ hours |
| Stuffed | 6–8 lb | 325 °F | 2½–3½ hours |
The ranges are broad because breast shape and ovens vary. The calculator returns the source range for the selected group; it does not estimate a more precise time from an individual weight. Keep the oven at 325 °F or higher.
Check the temperature
Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The breast is safe at 165 °F. If stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165 °F. Start checking before the low end of the time range; continue roasting if either reading is below 165 °F.
Thawing a turkey
FSIS's thawing guidance is written for whole turkeys. In the refrigerator, keep the turkey in its original wrapper on a tray or pan to catch juices. For cold-water thawing, wrap it securely so water cannot leak in, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook it immediately after it thaws. For the microwave, check your owner's manual for the size that fits, cook immediately, and do not refreeze or refrigerate it after microwave thawing. FSIS gives no separate thawing instructions for a turkey breast.
For a whole bird, see the turkey cooking time chart. For thawing and a dated cooking schedule, use the turkey planner.
Source
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Let's Talk Turkey: A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey.