A turkey breast is safely done at 165°F in the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone. Roast it in an oven no lower than 325°F, on a rack in a shallow pan. The USDA turkey roasting guide lists about 1½ to 3¼ hours for an unstuffed 4- to 8-pound breast; that range is only a guide. For a small Thanksgiving or a mostly white-meat table, a breast is easier to thaw and carve than a whole bird. See the Thanksgiving guide, bone-in vs boneless turkey, and turkey internal temperature.
Thaw, then season
Thaw a frozen breast in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, allowing about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, the same USDA rule used for a whole turkey. Keep it in its wrapper on a pan to catch drips. After thawing, it may stay in the fridge 1 to 2 days before cooking. Pat the skin dry, set the breast on a rack, and season it as you like. If the label says the meat is already enhanced or brined, go easy on salt. Details are in how long to thaw a turkey.
Roast to 165°F
Preheat the oven to at least 325°F. Roast the breast skin-side up. Start checking the temperature before the earliest time on the chart. Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding bone. When it reaches 165°F, take the breast out and let it rest about 20 minutes so the juices settle. Tent it loosely with foil if you like. Related: how long to cook a turkey and how to roast a Thanksgiving turkey.
If the skin browns before the meat is done, tent the top with foil. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use them within 3 to 4 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a turkey breast take to cook?
USDA lists about 1½ to 3¼ hours for an unstuffed 4- to 8-pound breast in a 325°F oven. Always confirm 165°F in the thickest part.
Bone-in or boneless?
Both are done at 165°F. A bone-in breast often looks more like a traditional roast; a boneless roast is easier to slice. Read the package, because some boneless roasts mix white and dark meat.
Can I cook a turkey breast from frozen?
USDA says it is safe to cook turkey from frozen; plan on at least 50 percent more time, and do not stuff it. Remove any packaging as soon as you can do so safely.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Cuisinart Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack and Deluxe Basting Set — A rack and shallow pan work for a breast as well as a whole turkey.
- OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer — Check 165°F in the thickest part, away from bone.
- ThermoPro TP01B Instant Read Meat Thermometer — A long-probe instant-read thermometer with a hold button for quick checks.
- Reynolds Kitchens Turkey Oven Roasting Bags, Holds Up to 24 lbs, 2ct — If you roast a breast in a bag, still confirm 165°F with a thermometer.
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