Quick Answer
It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to rotisserie a 3 to 5 pound turkey breast at 350°F. The exact cooking time depends on the size and shape of the turkey breast, as well as your oven’s rotisserie setup. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 15-20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to rotisserie a turkey breast:
Turkey Breast Size
– Smaller turkey breasts (3-4 lbs) take 1-1.25 hours
– Larger turkey breasts (5-7 lbs) take 1.25-1.75 hours
As a general guideline, plan for 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound.
So a 3 pound breast takes 45-60 minutes.
A 5 pound breast takes 75-100 minutes.
Shape
– Uniform shape cooks most evenly
– Irregular shapes or thick ends take longer
Turkey breasts that are evenly shaped all around will cook the most evenly. If one end of the breast is thicker or meatier, it will likely take a bit longer to fully cook through.
Bone-In vs Boneless
– Bone-in cooks slower than boneless
– The bones partially shield the meat and slow cooking
Bone-in turkey breasts can take 15-30 minutes longer than boneless. The bones partially shield the meat from the heat source, slowing down the cooking time.
Brined vs Unbrined
– Brined turkey cooks faster than unbrined
– Brining keeps the meat moist and accelerates cooking
Soaking the turkey breast in a saltwater brine before cooking can reduce the cooking time by up to 30 minutes. Brining keeps the meat moist and helps it cook faster.
Step-by-Step Rotisserie Cooking Method
Follow these steps for perfectly juicy rotisserie turkey breast:
1. Prepare the Turkey Breast
– Trim off any loose skin or fat
– Make shallow cuts to open up the thickest sections
– Brine if desired for added moisture and speed
2. Preheat the Oven and Rotisserie
– Preheat oven to 350°F
– Insert the rotisserie rod and turn on
3. Truss the Turkey Breast
– Tie legs together with butcher’s twine
– Loop twine around breast to secure shape
This helps the turkey breast cook evenly.
4. Attach to the Rotisserie Rod
– Slide rod through the cavity and secure with forks
– Center over the drip pan
Be sure it’s balanced and centered for even rotating.
5. Cook the Turkey
– Cook at 350°F for 15-20 minutes per pound
– Use a meat thermometer to check temp
6. Let Rest and Carve
– Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes
– Carve into slices and serve
The resting time allows the juices to reabsorb for maximum moisture.
How to Tell When It’s Done
Here are ways to test if your rotisserie turkey breast is fully cooked:
Use a Meat Thermometer
– Insert into the thickest part of the breast
– Turkey is done at 165°F
This is the best way to ensure the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature.
Check the Color
– Turkey is done when no longer pink inside
– Should be white throughout when pierced or sliced
Do a Cut Test
– Use a knife to cut into the thickest area
– Turkey is done if juices run clear
Pink juices means it needs more time. Clear juices indicate doneness.
Observe the Rotisserie Motion
– Turkey will become more compact as it cooks
– Less loose wobbling indicates it is shrinking and firming up
Check for Browning
– Look for golden brown skin all over
– Especially check thinner sections like wings and legs
Even browning indicates the turkey is fully cooked.
Common Rotisserie Turkey Cooking Mistakes
Avoid these common turkey rotisserie mistakes for best results:
Not Trussing Properly
– can lead to uneven cooking
Overstuffing the Cavity
– inhibits heat circulation
Forgetting to Baste
– leads to dry meat
Cooking at Too High a Temperature
– can burn the outside before inside is done
Not Letting It Rest
– juices will leak out if carved immediately
Tips for Moist and Tender Turkey
Here are some tips to keep your rotisserie turkey breast juicy and tender:
Brine the Turkey
– Soaking in a saltwater brine infuses moisture
Rub Butter Under the Skin
– Creates a barrier to lock in moisture
Spritz with Broth While Cooking
– Replaces moisture lost from heat
Baste Frequently
– Use pan drippings or glaze to keep moist
Allow Adequate Resting Time
– Gives juices time to redistribute evenly
Complementary Side Dishes
Here are some delicious side dishes that pair well with rotisserie turkey breast:
Classic Side Dishes
– Stuffing
– Mashed potatoes
– Gravy
– Cranberry sauce
– Vegetable medley
– Dinner rolls
Fresh Fall Sides
– Roasted Brussels sprouts
– Maple glazed carrots
– Butternut squash
– Wild rice pilaf
– Green bean casserole
Lighter Options
– Tossed salad
– Quinoa salad
– Roasted vegetables
– Fruit salad
Fun Twists
– Macaroni and cheese
– Honey glazed parsnips
– Hasselback potatoes
– Rice pilaf
– Cornbread
Leftover Turkey Ideas
Get creative with leftover rotisserie turkey breast by using it in:
Sandwiches
– Turkey club
– Turkey wraps
– Turkey paninis
Soups
– Turkey noodle soup
– Turkey and rice soup
– Turkey pot pie soup
Salads
– Turkey Cobb salad
– Turkey chef salad
– Turkey and quinoa salad
Casseroles
– Turkey tetrazzini
– Turkey and dressing casserole
– Turkey enchiladas
Other Ideas
– Turkey tacos
– Turkey fried rice
– Turkey sliders
– Turkey hash
Time Chart by Turkey Breast Size
| Turkey Breast Weight | Cooking Time (at 350°F) |
|---|---|
| 3 pounds | 45-60 minutes |
| 4 pounds | 60-75 minutes |
| 5 pounds | 75-100 minutes |
| 6 pounds | 90-120 minutes |
| 7 pounds | 105-140 minutes |
Conclusion
Rotisserie cooking is a great hands-off method for juicy, flavorful turkey breast. Plan on about 15-20 minutes per pound, and use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing and pairing it with complementary sides completes an amazing meal. Get creative with leftovers too by using the turkey in sandwiches, soups, salads and more. With the proper technique, your rotisserie turkey breast will turn out perfectly moist and delicious.