Choosing the best cooking temperature for turkey breast depends on a number of factors. Individual recipes vary, with preparation, cooking methods, the amount of meat being cooked, and cooking time all having an impact on the ideal temperature. Typical recipes call for roasting temperatures of about 325º Fahrenheit (160º Celsius). Regardless of the oven temperature or cooking method selected, turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 170º F (77º C) before serving.
One of the most common methods of cooking turkey breast is roasting, typically in an oven preheated to 325º F (160º C). Higher temperatures will overcook the outside before the center is fully cooked. Lower temperatures do not seal the juices quickly, and may allow the meat to dry while taking considerably longer to cook.
While roasting temperature for turkey breast remains constant, cooking times vary depending on the breast’s weight. Many cook books and recipe websites include charts for cooking times for both full birds and turkey breasts. Instructions may vary for cooking a turkey breast that has been frozen and thawed, but it is essential that the meat is completely thawed before cooking.
A turkey.Internal temperature of a turkey breast is the best indicator that the turkey is done. Use of a meat thermometer is the easiest way to gauge the internal temperature. The cook should stick the probe into the center of the breast to get an accurate reading.
If no meat thermometer is available, the cook can still check to see if the breast is ready by piercing it. The turkey is not fully cooked until its juices run completely clear, with no trace of pink. This is a less precise method of cooking, and is considered less reliable than the use of a thermometer.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to know the internal temperature of a cooking turkey.Optimum temperature for turkey breast not only improves the taste of a meal, but is important for safety as well. Turkey meat must be thoroughly cooked to kill bacteria and prevent the risk of food poisoning. Even slightly pink meat is not considered safe to eat, and should not be served.
Many cooks warn that a turkey breast cooked to an internal temperature of 170º F (77º C) will become too dry. They recommend 160º F (70º C) as a target internal temperature for turkey breast before removing it from the oven. The breast should then be allowed to rest under loose foil for half an hour before serving. As it rests, the internal temperature continues to rise to the target 170º F (77º C).
Serving up a perfect holiday bird is as easy as knowing at what internal temperature the turkey is done.
Updated on October 28, 2022
Whether it's your first year in charge of roasting the turkey for Thanksgiving, or you want to know how to avoid overcooking, you're in the right place. Knowing the proper internal temperature of cooked turkey is key to ensuring the main course doesn't turn out super-dry from too long a stay in the oven, or undercooked (and unsafe to eat). Follow our method, and you can feel certain you're cooking your turkey correctly. We'll provide the details for accurately reading the internal temperature, including in which part of the bird to check. Rest assured, you'll know when your roasted turkey is safe and ready to carve at the holiday table.
Jason DonnellyAt What Temperature Is Turkey Done?
Regardless of the size of your turkey, it's safe to eat once the its internal temperature reaches 165°F, which you can gauge using a meat thermometer. When roasting turkey, here are the temperatures to follow:
- Whole turkey: On your meat thermometer, a whole cooked turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast, and 175°F in the thigh.
- Whole turkey, stuffed: The center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.
- Turkey breast, boneless: The thickest portion of the breast should reach 165°F.
- Turkey breast, bone-in: The thickest portion of the breast should register 170°F.
Where to Check Turkey Temperature
Checking the internal temperature in the right spot on the bird is essential for a safe meal. You can use an oven-going thermometer by inserting it into the center of an inside thigh muscle, being careful not to touch the bone. If you use an instant-read thermometer, insert it, as well, into the center of the inside thigh muscle, checking the temperature in several places.
Timing is important when roasting a turkey. Use our guide for how long to roast turkey so that the timing matches the size of your bird. Oh, and if it's frozen, don't forget to thaw your turkey in time to be roasted for the feast. If you're unsure where to start when it comes to choosing a turkey, use this in-depth guide to learn how to navigate all the grocery store labels with ease.