How Long to Cook a 7-lb Turkey Breast (So It’s Juicy and Delicious!)

ByMike Thompson Turkey Recipe

How Long Do I Cook a 7-lb Turkey Breast?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking the turkey. If you’re planning on roasting a 7-lb turkey breast, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to cook. The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the temperature of your oven and the type of meat thermometer you’re using.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect cooking time, give you a general guideline for how long to cook a 7-lb turkey breast, and provide tips for ensuring that your turkey is cooked perfectly.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time turkey roaster, read on for all the information you need to cook a delicious and juicy 7-lb turkey breast!

Temperature Time Notes
325 degrees F 2 hours 15 minutes For a juicy, flavorful turkey breast.
350 degrees F 2 hours For a more browned turkey breast.
400 degrees F 1 hour 45 minutes For a faster-cooking turkey breast.

Cooking Methods

There are four main methods for cooking a turkey breast: roasting, baking, braising, and smoking. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Roasting is the most common method for cooking a turkey breast. It is simple to do and produces a moist and flavorful bird. To roast a turkey breast, you will need:

* A large roasting pan
* A roasting rack
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking spray
* Salt and pepper

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.

Place the turkey breast on the roasting rack in the roasting pan.

Rub the turkey breast with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.

Roast the turkey breast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Baking is a similar method to roasting, but the turkey breast is cooked in a covered baking dish. This method produces a moist and flavorful bird, but it is not as browned as a roasted turkey breast. To bake a turkey breast, you will need:

* A large baking dish
* A baking rack
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking spray
* Salt and pepper

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.

Place the turkey breast on the baking rack in the baking dish.

Rub the turkey breast with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.

Cover the baking dish with foil.

Bake the turkey breast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Braising is a moist heat cooking method that involves browning the turkey breast in a skillet before cooking it in a covered pot with liquid. This method produces a flavorful and tender bird. To braise a turkey breast, you will need:

* A large skillet
* A large pot
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking spray
* Salt and pepper
* 1 cup of chicken broth

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.

Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the turkey breast to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned.

Transfer the turkey breast to a large pot.

Add the chicken broth to the pot.

Cover the pot and place it in the oven.

Braise the turkey breast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Smoking is a dry heat cooking method that involves cooking the turkey breast over indirect heat from wood smoke. This method produces a flavorful and smoky bird. To smoke a turkey breast, you will need:

* A smoker
* A meat thermometer
* Wood chips
* Salt and pepper

Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.

Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.

Place the turkey breast in the smoker.

Smoke the turkey breast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Temperature and Time

The cooking time for a 7-pound turkey breast will vary depending on the cooking method you choose. However, as a general rule, you should cook a 7-pound turkey breast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is a table that provides the estimated cooking times for a 7-pound turkey breast using the four main cooking methods:

| Cooking Method | Estimated Cooking Time |
| ————– | ———————— |
| Roasting | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Baking | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Braising | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Smoking | 3-4 hours |

It is important to note that these are just estimated cooking times. The actual cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of your turkey breast, as well as the temperature of your oven or smoker.

To ensure that your turkey breast is cooked to perfection,

How Long Do I Cook a 7lb Turkey Breast?

Cooking a 7lb turkey breast can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a 7lb turkey breast:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.
3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil.
5. Roast the turkey breast for 2 hours.
6. Remove the aluminum foil and continue to roast the turkey breast for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey breast rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Here are a few tips for cooking a 7lb turkey breast:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. The turkey breast is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t overcook the turkey breast. Overcooked turkey breast can be dry and tough.
* Let the turkey breast rest before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey breast will be more flavorful.

Brining or Marinating

Brining and marinating are two ways to add moisture and flavor to a turkey breast. Brining is a process of soaking the turkey breast in a salt water solution for several hours or overnight. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Marinating is a process of soaking the turkey breast in a flavored liquid, such as a vinegar or wine solution. This also helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

Brining is a more effective way to add moisture to a turkey breast than marinating. However, marinating can add more flavor to the meat. If you’re short on time, marinating is a good option. If you have more time, brining is the better choice.

Resting

Resting is an important step in the cooking process. After cooking a turkey breast, it’s important to let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey breast will be more flavorful.

Cooking a 7lb turkey breast can be a simple and delicious way to enjoy a holiday meal. By following these tips, you can cook a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey breast.

How long do I cook a 7lb turkey breast?

The cooking time for a 7lb turkey breast will vary depending on the cooking method you choose. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a 7lb turkey breast for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to cook a 7lb turkey breast?

There are many different ways to cook a 7lb turkey breast, but some of the most popular methods include roasting, baking, and frying. Roasting is a great option for a juicy and flavorful turkey breast, while baking is a more hands-off method that is perfect for busy cooks. Frying is a great way to get a crispy skin on your turkey breast, but it is important to be careful not to overcook it.

What temperature should I cook a 7lb turkey breast?

The ideal cooking temperature for a 7lb turkey breast is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the turkey breast is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

How long should I rest a 7lb turkey breast after cooking?

It is important to let a turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

What are some tips for cooking a 7lb turkey breast?

Here are a few tips for cooking a 7lb turkey breast:

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey breast is cooked to the desired temperature. The internal temperature of a cooked turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t overcook the turkey breast. Overcooked turkey breast can be dry and tough.
* Let the turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a 7lb turkey breast?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a 7lb turkey breast:

* Not using a meat thermometer. This is the most important tip for cooking a turkey breast. Without a meat thermometer, you can’t be sure that the turkey breast is cooked to the desired temperature.
* Overcooking the turkey breast. Overcooked turkey breast can be dry and tough.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest. Letting the turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes before carving it will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

the best way to cook a 7lb turkey breast is to roast it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving it.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

* The cooking time for a 7lb turkey breast will vary depending on the temperature of your oven and the size of your turkey breast.
* It is important to cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving it.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy 7lb turkey breast for your next holiday meal.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!