How long to cook 8 lb turkey breast in oven

This oven-roasted turkey breast recipe is tender and moist on the inside, with a deliciously seasoned coating on the outside.

The Easiest Oven-Baked Turkey Breasts

Turkey is a mainstay in our household. The whole family loves it, and it is not only healthy but budget-friendly as well. You can also use the drippings to make the best turkey gravy.

This is my Best Baked Turkey Breast recipe and always a hit with my family! It’s easy to make and versatile enough to serve with whatever you fancy. Plus it takes only 10 minutes of prep time, and the rest is just the waiting time for it to cook. You will also get some browning on the bottom of the pan to make really good gravy.

One of the things I love about this recipe is the crispy skin and moist meat it produces. The initial 425F is to ensure crispy skin so remember to turn the oven temperature from 425F down to 350F after 20 minutes so that the turkey breasts will not end up drying out leaving you with a stringy tough turkey breast.

How to make perfect Juicy Oven-Roasted Turkey Breasts

Nothing is worse than cutting into a nice piece of Turkey breast and finding that you’ve overcooked and it’s dry, flavorless, and tough. However, when given a little love and the right treatment to have everybody licking their lips. 

If you are looking for a simple, juicy, and delicious meal idea, look no further. All you need to do is massage the seasoning blend mix, place in a deep baking dish and cook as is or cook over a bed of herbs in a hot oven to ensure a beautifully bronzed and crispy skin and melt in the mouth meat.

It is easy enough to cook up for an evening meal but special enough to serve as an exciting centerpiece on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Bone-in, skin-on Turkey Breast

This recipe calls for bone-in skin-on turkey breast but you can use the ones without bone. However, bear in mind that the cooking time will be shorter if you choose to go for boneless turkey breast. A good thermometer will help to guide when the internal temperature reaches 160F

How long do turkey breasts take to roast?

This recipe is based on large, 6lb-8lb turkey breasts. For the ultimate juicy oven-roasted turkey breasts with crispy skin, I cook for 20 minutes at 425°F, then turn the temperature down to 375°F and bake for another 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

The total time depends on the size and thickness of the breasts you are using. Likewise, if you use breasts without the bone in, they will, of course, cook more quickly. 

The best way to know if the Turkey breast is done is to check the internal temperature of the thickest parts of your turkey breast using a meat thermometer. 160°F is the sweet spot.

Are turkey breasts healthy?

Turkey breast is lean, white meat, making it a low-fat but still delicious alternative to other meats. It is also naturally high in protein and will fill you up for a long time without leaving that heavy feeling in your stomach afterward.

Do the turkey breasts need to rest after cooking?

Yes, this is an essential step to achieving perfectly juicy oven-roasted turkey breasts. I recommend letting them rest for at least 15 to 30 minutes, covered loosely with foil, to allow the flesh to relax and the tasty juices to seep back in.

What should I serve with the juicy oven-roasted turkey breasts?

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can pair these turkey breasts with anything that matches the occasion you are aiming for, be that a cozy family evening meal, vibrant African dinner party, or memorable holiday.

Here are some suggestions;

• Garlic mashed potatoes.
• Turkey gravy with drippings
• Quick and easy oven-roasted sweet potatoes.
• Smooth, sweet, and savory mashed sweet potatoes.
• Foolproof homemade gravy without drippings.
• Easy sauteed skillet green beans with bacon.
• Gomen Wat, Ethiopian collard greens.

 Here are some more of our favorite turkey recipes

• Crispy oven-roasted turkey wings.
• Smothered turkey wings, oven-baked.
• Turkey stew, African style.
• Air Fryer Crispy Turkey Wings
• Oven Roasted Turkey Thighs
• Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Recipe Notes.

1. Keep in mind that small turkey breasts will roast faster, and big ones will take a little longer. Likewise, boneless breasts will cook more quickly than the ones with a bone.
2. Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before slicing through. This will allow the hot juices from the meat to settle back.
3. If the skin is browning faster than necessary, cover the breast loosely with aluminum foil to reduce the browning rate.
4. The cooking time will vary with the size of your turkey breast, so using an instant read meat thermometer is vital.
5. After resting, spoon the pan juices over the turkey or drizzle some gravy over it and enjoy.

• 6 to 8 lb. Turkey breast
• 1/2 Tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 Tsp Black pepper
• 2 Tsp Salt
• 1 Tsp Oregano
• 1 Tsp Garlic powder
• 2 Tsp Paprika
• 1 Tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 Tsp Bouillon powder optional
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 sprigs Thyme
• 3 sprigs Rosemary

• Preheat the oven to 425°F

• In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, bouillon powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Pat the turkey breasts dry with a paper towel and massage with olive oil followed by the mixed spices. Try to use your fingers to gently loosen the skin from the meat and reach inside the skin to massage the oil and spices.

• Place the turkey breast, skin side up, inside a deep baking dish, and spread the rosemary and thyme inside the baking dish.

• Roast the turkey breast for 20 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 350F and bake 14 to 16 minutes per pound or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest and meatiest areas of the Turkey breast reaches 160°F.

1. Keep in mind that small turkey breasts will roast faster, and big ones will take a little longer. Likewise, boneless breasts will cook more quickly than the ones with a bone.
2. Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before slicing through. This will allow the hot juices from the meat to settle back.
3. If the skin is browning faster than necessary, cover the breast loosely with aluminum foil to reduce the browning rate.
4. After resting, spoon the pan juices over the turkey or drizzle some gravy over it and enjoy.

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 1077mg | Potassium: 684mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg

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