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How Long Does it Take to Roast a Turkey Breast?

Just how long does it take to roast a turkey breast? Find out here – and learn the best way to flavor the breast too!

Roasting a whole turkey is great for Thanksgiving, or on Christmas Day. But for most of the rest of the year, let’s face it – it’s a pain! 

Turkeys are big – they take up a load of room in the fridge, then a load of room in the oven! They also take a LONG time to cook.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Photo
(Katie Jasiewicz)

But if you want to enjoy the flavor of roast turkey all year round, there’s a way to do so without the hassle – and that’s to roast just the turkey breast instead.

Due to their size – on average around 5 lb or so – the average turkey breast is more than big enough to make a decent meal for the whole family. What’s more, it’s a rich source of protein and low in fat – especially if you remove the skin. 

One of our favorite things about roasting a turkey breast is how easy it is to carve! Compared to trying to neatly carve a whole bird, it’s an absolute breeze!

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Picture
(Katie Jasiewicz)

It’s also really easy to add loads of flavor by brining.

If you’ve ever tried brining a whole turkey, you’ll know what a hassle it is – and how hard it is to find a container to use, let alone fit it in the fridge. Brining a turkey breast is MUCH more manageable – and it results in a tender, flavorful bird.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Image
(Katie Jasiewicz)

So how long does it take to roast a turkey breast?

As a rule of thumb, a bone-in turkey breast takes around 15 minutes per pound to cook at 400°F. Boneless turkey breast will take around 12 minues per pound.

To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature of the turkey should be 150-155°F.

If the skin is getting too brown at any point, just tent some foil over it.

Serve your cooked turkey breast with homemade mashed potato, turkey neck gravy and green beans. Yum!

Did you know — you can also sous vide a turkey breast!

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Pic
(Katie Jasiewicz)

 

More ideas with turkey breast

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

One Pan Honey Roasted Turkey and Vegetables

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Carrots and Homemade Gravy Photo

How Long Does it Take to Roast a Turkey Breast?

Amber Bracegirdle
Just how long does it take to roast a turkey breast? Find out here – and learn the best way to flavor the breast too!
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
resting 15 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings 8 1 serving
Calories 281 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Coarse Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon White Pepper
  • 2 1/2 pounds Turkey Breast (1/2 breast) – bone in and skin on

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Combine the oil, salt, and white pepper and brush them over the turkey.
  • Roast the turkey on a rimmed baking sheet for around 30 mins until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 140 degrees and climbing.
  • Allow the turkey to rest for at least 15 minutes.
  • Slice turkey and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 50gFat: 3gSodium: 2340mg
Keyword Dinners, Meat, Roasted, Turkey
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating