Letting a turkey breast rest after cooking and before slicing is an important step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. The general guideline is to allow a minimum of 15 minutes of resting time. However, longer rest times up to 30-45 minutes can yield even better results.
Why Should You Let a Turkey Breast Rest Before Slicing?
There are a few key reasons why letting your turkey breast rest before slicing is recommended:
- Allows juices to redistribute – During cooking, the juices get forced towards the center of the meat. Resting gives time for the juices to then redistribute evenly throughout the breast.
- Makes carving easier – The proteins relax during resting, which makes slicing the turkey much easier and neater.
- Maximizes juiciness – If you slice too soon, the juices end up running out onto the cutting board rather than staying locked into the meat.
- Prevents overcooking – The inner temperature of the meat will continue rising 5-10 degrees during resting. Letting it rest prevents overcooking.
Overall, resting helps ensure your sliced turkey breast is flavorful, moist, and sliceable. Failing to let it rest can lead to dry meat and a lot of lost juices.
How Long Should You Let a Turkey Breast Rest?
The minimum recommended rest time for a turkey breast is 15 minutes. However, 30-45 minutes is ideal if you have the time. Here are some more specific guidelines based on the size and method of cooking:
- Boneless turkey breast – Let rest 15-20 minutes
- Bone-in turkey breast – Let rest 20-30 minutes
- Smaller turkey breast (3-4 lbs) – Let rest 15-20 minutes
- Larger turkey breast (6-8 lbs) – Let rest 30-45 minutes
- Oven roasted – Let rest 15-30 minutes
- Grilled or smoked – Let rest 30-45 minutes
The larger and more dense the turkey breast, the longer the rest time should be. Cooking methods that use higher heat, like grilling or smoking, also warrant a longer rest.
General Guidelines for Turkey Breast Rest Times
- Boneless breast = 15-20 minutes
- Bone-in breast = 20-30 minutes
- Smaller breast (3-4 lbs) = 15-20 minutes
- Larger breast (6-8 lbs) = 30-45 minutes
- Oven roasted = 15-30 minutes
- Grilled/smoked = 30-45 minutes
Steps for Letting a Turkey Breast Rest Properly
Follow these steps for letting your cooked turkey breast rest properly before carving:
- When the turkey breast reaches the target internal temperature (165°F), remove it from the heat source.
- Transfer the turkey breast to a clean cutting board or platter.
- Lightly tent the breast with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Let rest for the recommended time based on size and cooking method.
- Optionally, make turkey jus or gravy while the breast rests.
- After resting, remove foil and slice the turkey against the grain into even slices.
- Serve the carved turkey breast immediately for highest quality results.
Resist the urge to cut into the rested turkey breast as soon as it comes off the grill or out of the oven. Be patient and allow the full resting time for best texture and moisture.
Common Resting Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes people make when resting turkey breasts and how to prevent them:
- Slicing too soon – Avoid impatience and slice only after the full recommended rest time.
- No tenting with foil – Loosely tenting keeps heat in without steaming the meat.
- Resting without a platter – Use a clean platter or board to allow air circulation underneath.
- Crowded platter – Don’t crowd, keep some space between breasts to allow air flow.
- Forgetting to make gravy/jus – Use resting time to make gravy from the juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cover the turkey breast while resting?
It’s best to loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil while resting. This helps retain heat but still allows air circulation. Tenting too tightly with foil can cause moisture to build up and lead to steaming.
Can I rest the turkey breast for too long?
It is possible to rest the turkey for too long. After about 45-60 minutes, the turkey breast will start to cool off significantly and lose its heat. The texture can also start to become too firm. Stick within the recommended rest times for best quality.
Should I make the gravy before or after resting?
It’s best to make gravy and turkey jus while the turkey breast is resting. This allows you to incorporate the flavorful juices that run out after cooking. Let the breast rest first, then collect the juices and make gravy in the remaining resting time.
Can I rest turkey breasts at room temperature?
You should not rest cooked turkey breasts at room temperature. Pathogenic bacteria can begin growing in the danger zone of 40-140°F. Rest turkey breasts loosely tented with foil to maintain a safe temperature.
Is resting time included in the cooking time?
No, resting time is additional time after cooking that should not be included in the estimated cooking time. A typical 15-20 lb whole turkey needs about 13-15 minutes per pound to fully cook through to 165°F. Resting time comes after it reaches the target temp.
Key Takeaways
- Letting turkey breasts rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute evenly.
- The minimum rest time is 15 minutes but 30-45 minutes is ideal.
- Larger, bone-in breasts should rest for longer times.
- Always tent loosely with foil and use a clean platter.
- Avoid common mistakes like slicing too soon or crowding breasts.
- Make gravy, jus or giblet stock while the turkey breast rests.
Conclusion
Allowing ample resting time is crucial for turkey breast to end up juicy and flavorful. Follow the guidelines of resting for at least 15 minutes, up to 30-45 minutes for larger bone-in breasts. Tent loosely with foil during the resting period and avoid common mistakes. Letting your turkey breast rest properly will ensure perfect slices and the best possible eating experience.