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Turkey Roasting Time Chart
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It’s the holidays and time to roast the turkey. Here’s a quick guide and helpful Turkey Roasting Times Chart.
What Temperature Should a Turkey Be Roasted At?
Begin by preheating the oven to 325 degrees F.
FoodSafety.gov recommends roasting a turkey until its internal temperature is 165 degrees F. A good thermometer is necessary to be sure the turkey reaches temperature.
See 15 Thanksgiving Kitchen Essential Tools for recommendations on everything from thermometers to fuss-free basting bags, basters and more.
How to Take the Temperature of a Turkey
Turkey Roasting Time Chart
| Turkey | Unstuffed Roasting Time |
| 4 to 6 pounds (breast) | 1½ to 2¼ hours |
| 6 to 8 pounds (breast) | 2¼ to 3¼ hours |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2¾ to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3¾ hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3¾ to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4½ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 hours |
Quick Steps to Roasting a Turkey
- Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 °F.
- Be sure the turkey is completely thawed.
- Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2½ inches deep.
- For safety and doneness, the internal temperature should be checked with a food thermometer. The temperature of the turkey and the center of the stuffing must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. Check the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
- Let the bird stand 20 minutes before carving.
