How to cook a turkey breast in a cooking bag

Q: Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or not?

Bottom line: If youre looking to cook the turkey faster and keep its meat moist throughout, the bags for you. If you want to skip scrubbing the roasting pan, the bags for you. If you want the turkeys skin to be evenly browned and crisped, it might not be for you.

Hey, y’all! Why deal with roasting an entire turkey when you can make my foolproof oven-roasted turkey breast? I’m telling you: it doesn’t get easier – or more delicious – than this recipe. Even if you are preparing for a large meal, such as Thanksgiving, hear me out: just make multiple turkey breasts and you’ll be good to go. I know y’all are going to love this recipe!

Table of Contents Show

Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast
How long do you cook a turkey breast in a Reynolds bag?
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Reynolds bag?
Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or not?
How long does it take to cook turkey in a bag?

Jump to Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook my turkey?

It is most commonly said that you will cook turkey 20 minutes per pound. If you have a 3 lb turkey, for example, it would cook for an hour. You need to cook turkey until it has an internal temperature of 165F. This recipe is written for a three pound turkey breast — adjust accordingly.

Should I roast in an oven bag?

Oven bags are often preferred, as they lock-in moisture. That said, I personally roast my turkey without a bag. If you choose to re-baste the turkey during the cooking process, remember that you are letting heat out of the oven each time you open the door. Because of this, you will likely need to cook the turkey for a little longer than originally planned.

Should I keep the skin on the turkey?

100%. If your turkey breast comes with skin, I implore that you leave it on — poultry skin is immensely flavorful and delicious.

Boneless or bone-in turkey breast?

I like to buy boneless, as they are usually smaller (which leads to a shorter cook time). However, buy as available to you in your local supermarket (and what is most economical).

Should I save the drippings?

Absolutely! As mentioned above, save them and make turkey gravy!

Ingredients, Shopping List: Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast

Turkey Breast: I prefer a smaller turkey breast and look for one that is roughly 3 lbs.
Butter: You’ll use a total of 1 stick for this recipe.
Paprika, Rosemary, Thyme, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: 2 tsp. each, minus parsley — you’ll use 3 tsp. of it. You can use fresh or dried herbs — I personally really like dried parsley, but love fresh rosemary. Use your own discretion.

The Recipe

Love the recipe for my oven-roasted turkey breast? Check out the rest of my recipes here!

Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast

Intimated to make a whole turkey? Don't fret, y'all – try this oven-roasted turkey breast and be amazed at how delicious it is!

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Resting Time 15 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 190 kcal

3 lb. turkey breast A turkey cooks for roughly 20 minutes/lb. Adjust cook time accordingly depending on size of turkey breast. Turkey must reach, at minimum, an internal temperature of 165F.
1 stick butter unsalted
3 tsp. parsley
2 tsp. rosemary
2 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. onion powder

Thaw your turkey breast. Preheat oven to 375F.
Melt 3/4 stick of butter; to the butter, add 2 tsp of rosemary, thyme, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
Place turkey breast in roasting pan skin-side up. Spread seasoned butter over the top of the turkey breast + under the skin. If your turkey breast is skinless, just baste the seasoned butter on top of the turkey breast.
Cook in a 375F oven for roughly one hour. Please note that this is for a three pound turkey. Cook time will very. The general rule of thumb is roughly 20 minutes/lb. That said, you will want to cook your turkey until it has reached an internal temperature of 165F.
Remove turkey breast from oven. Once removed, melt 1/4 stick of butter and add 1 tsp. of parsley. Mix and spread over the freshly-cooked turkey breast. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Allow turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes prior to cutting. Serve and enjoy!

Cook time varies. That said, the important consideration is that your turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165F. Adjust cook time accordingly.

Sodium: 832mgCalcium: 59mgVitamin C: 7mgVitamin A: 332IUSugar: 1gFiber: 1gPotassium: 487mgCholesterol: 92mgCalories: 190kcalTrans Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gFat: 3gProtein: 37gCarbohydrates: 4gIron: 2mg

Keyword oven-roasted turkey breast, thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipes, thanksgiving turkey, turkey breast

What Is The Best Topping For This Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast?

Best Turkey Gravy

Save those drippings and make the best turkey gravy you’ve ever tasted. Get my recipe here.

Cranberry Relish

My personal favorite topping for turkey is this flavorful cranberry relish. Try it once and you’ll be hooked! Get my recipe here.

This is the absolute best oven-roasted turkey breast, y’all!

My best,

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Love the recipe for my oven-roasted turkey breast? Check out the rest of my recipes here!

How long do you cook a turkey breast in a Reynolds bag?

PLACE turkey breasts in oven bag on top of vegetables, separating for heat circulation. CLOSE oven bag with nylon tie; cut six 1/2-inch slits in top. Tuck ends of bag in pan. BAKE 1½ to 2 hours or until meat thermometer reads 165°F in each breast, not touching the bone.

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Reynolds bag?

For whole, unstuffed turkeys in oven cooking bags, cook at 350 °F for the following approximate times:.

8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours;.

12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours;.

16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours;.

20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours..

Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or not?

Bottom line: If you're looking to cook the turkey faster and keep its meat moist throughout, the bag's for you. If you want to skip scrubbing the roasting pan, the bag's for you. If you want the turkey's skin to be evenly browned and crisped, it might not be for you.