Can you cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time?

  • By: Emma
  • Date: May 19, 2022
  • Time to read: 7 min.

Table of Contents

Can you cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time?

Yes, you can cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time. One turkey breast equals 4-9 pounds on average which means that two turkey breasts will weigh double. The amount of meat in a pair of turkey breasts will be the same as a whole turkey.

There are a lot of things you can cook at the same time in the oven. This blog post will teach you how to cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time so that your holiday meal goes off without a hitch.

Let’s get started!

What is turkey breast and how much does it weigh?

Turkey breast is a cut of meat from the turkey, and it usually weighs between four and nine pounds. It is a leaner cut of meat than other parts of the turkey, and it is a popular choice for holiday meals.

Turkey breast is widely eaten roasted, grilled, or smoked. They can also be used in soups and stews. These are mostly consumed in America, Canada, and Hungary.

A brief guide on cooking two turkey breasts in the oven simultaneously

Choosing the meat

Turkey’s breast comes from the flesh of the turkey. This is a leaner cut, and it has almost no fat or skin.

This cut of meat may be sold with or without bones. It is often sold as two joined pieces that are about six inches wide and four to five inches thick. If your turkey breast comes with bones, then you will have to remove them before cooking.

Wash the meat

The best way to cook turkey breast is to rinse it with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

This will help remove any contaminants on the surface of the meat. It will also help the seasoning stick to the meat better.

Mix the ingredients

In a bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Seasoning the meat

After you have rinsed and dried the turkey breast, season it liberally with your favorite poultry seasoning.

You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you like. Just be sure to get the seasoning on all sides of the meat.

Apply to the skin as well

If you’re cooking turkey breasts with skin, loosen them with fingers and add some seasoning to the underside.

Setting the oven

The oven should be pre-heated to 350°F. The best way to achieve this is with an oven thermometer, or by using an instant-read meat thermometer.

Preparing the roasting pan

The easiest way to cook two turkey breasts at the same time is to use a roasting pan that is specifically designed for that purpose.

If you don’t have a roasting pan that is large enough, then you can use two baking dishes. Just be sure that they are both the same size.

Go for an oven bag

If you are cooking 2 turkey breasts together and want to lock moisture in the turkey breasts, then you can use an oven bag.

Just place the turkey breasts in the bag, tie off the top, and cut several slits in the top of the bag. This will allow the heat and steam to circulate around the meat.

Cook it!

So, how long to cook two turkey breast in oven? The answer is to cook the turkey breasts for about an hour and a half.

To check if it is done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of each breast. It should read 165°F when you are finished cooking it.

Devour!

When you remove the turkey breasts from the oven, let them sit on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing.

This will ensure that the juices don’t run out while you are carving and that the meat stays moist.

That’s it! You have successfully cooked two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time.

Precautions while cooking turkey breasts in an oven

While cooking two turkey breasts in the oven is fairly easy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Avoid overcrowding

The roasting pan or baking dish should not be crowded. If it is too small and the meat is tightly packed, then there won’t be enough room for heat circulation around all of it. This can lead to undercooked meat.

To prevent this from happening, you should use a larger roasting pan or baking dish if possible. If you’re cooking more than two turkey breasts, then it is best to sear them first and finish them off in the oven.

You can read the following table regarding the oven size and compatible weight of turkey.

Oven sizeWeight of turkey
30 inch freestanding range24 to 26 pound
30 inch wall Oven35 pound
24 inch wall oven22 to 23 pound
27 inch wall oven25 pound
Table 1: Different sizes of ovens and compatible weights of turkey

Don’t pierce the meat!

Pricking or puncturing the surface of the meat will allow the juices to escape.

This will cause the meat to dry out and it will not be as moist when you are finished cooking it.

If you need to baste the meat, then use a spoon or basting brush instead of poking it with a fork.

Monitor the temperature

One of the most important things to remember when cooking turkey breasts is to monitor the temperature.

If you let the meat cook for too long, it will become dry and tough. If the temperature gets too high, then the skin will burn and the meat will be overcooked.

An oven thermometer or instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to make sure that your turkey breasts come out perfectly cooked.

Avoid overcooking

The other thing to keep in mind is that turkey breasts can dry out quite easily. Thus, overcooking them will result in tough, dry meat.

It’s best to remove them from the oven when they are still a little pink in the center. They will continue to cook as they sit on the cutting board.

That’s it! You have successfully cooked two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time. Just be sure to follow these precautions while cooking them: avoid overcrowding, don’t pierce the meat, and monitor the temperature. By following these simple tips, you will ensure that your turkey breasts come out as tasty as you want them.

Is turkey breast healthy to eat?

Yes, the white meat that comes from turkey (which is commonly used as a replacement for chicken) is very healthy. It contains high levels of selenium and potassium but is low in fat and cholesterol compared to other types of meat such as beef, pork, and lamb.

Does drumstick come from a turkey?

Drumsticks are the lower part of a chicken or turkey’s leg. They are usually covered with skin and cooked on a grill.

What if I start eating turkey breast every day?

It depends on how much you eat. Turkey breast is a rich source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids that our body needs. In fact, turkey contains more protein than chicken, but less fat and calories.

However, eating too much red meat may lead to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in the oven?

It depends on the size of the turkey breast. A large, whole turkey breast can take up to four hours to cook in a 350°F oven.

However, smaller turkey breasts will usually only need to cook for about an hour and a half. If you are cooking more than two turkey breasts simultaneously, you should start by searing them first. You can see the following table for more details about the cooking time.

ProductWeightStuffed timingUnstuffed timing
Breast, Half2 to 3 poundsnot applicable50 to 60 minutes
Breast, Whole4 to 6 poundsnot applicable1.5 to 2.5 hours
Breast, Whole6 to 8 pounds3 to 3.5 hours2.25 to 3.25 hours
Whole Turkey8 to 12 pounds3 – 3.5 hours2.75 to 3 hours
Whole Turkey12 to 14 pounds3.5 – 4 hours3 to 3.75 hours
Whole Turkey14 to 18 pounds4 – 4.25 hours3.75 to 4.25 hours
Whole Turkey18 to 20 pounds4.25 – 5 hours4.25 to 4.5 hours
Whole Turkey20 to 24 pounds4.75 – 5.25 hours4.5 to 5 hours
Drumsticks0.75 to 1 poundsnot applicable2 to 2.25 hours
Thighs0.75 to 1 poundsnot applicable4.75 to 2 hours
Wings6 to 8 ounces eachnot applicable1.75 to 2.25 hours
Table 2: Time taken to roast turkey in the oven

Is it safe to reheat cooked turkey?

Yes, it is safe to reheat cooked turkey. In fact, most people prefer the taste of reheated turkey compared to when it is first cooked. However, you should avoid reheating it more than once, as this can lead to bacteria growth. Additionally, make sure that the turkey is reheated to a temperature of 165°F or higher before serving.

For how long can I store cooked turkey?

Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container before freezing.

When you are ready to reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or microwave it until it is hot all the way through.

What is the nutritional value of turkey breast?

The nutritional value of turkey breast will vary depending on the cut of meat that you choose. However, most cuts of turkey breast are a good source of protein, selenium, and potassium. They are also low in fat and cholesterol when compared to other types of meat.

Final Thoughts

In summary, it’s definitely possible to cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time. In fact, it saves a lot of time and cost, especially if you’re cooking it for a large number of people.

So next time you cook turkey breasts for your lunch, give the above-mentioned method a try.

Happy Cooking!

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