Turkey Cooking Time Guide

Turkey Cooking Time Guide
By: Sydny Carter

Don't dry out the bird! Use this chart to determine cook times for turkeys.

Here's a handy chart that will help you estimate the amount of time required to cook a whole turkey in the oven. These times are based on placing the bird on a rack in a roasting pan, and into a preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven.

Weight of Bird Roasting Time (Unstuffed) Roasting Time
(Stuffed)


10 to 18 pounds 3 to 3-1/2 hours 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 hours

15 to 22 pounds 3-1/2 to 4 hours 4-1/2 to 5 hours

22 to 24 pounds 4 to 4-1/2 hours 5 to 5-1/2 hours

24 to 29 pounds 4-1/2 to 5 hours 5-1/2 to 6-1/4 hours

Bake until the skin is a light golden color, and then cover loosely with a foil tent. During the last 45 minutes of baking, remove the foil tent to brown the skin. Basting is not necessary, but will promote even browning.

The best test for doneness is the temperature of the meat, not the color of the skin.

* The turkey is done when the thigh meat reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees F, and when the breast meat reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.
* If your turkey has been stuffed, it is important to check the temperature of the dressing; it should be 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
* When the turkey is done, remove from the oven and allow to stand for 20-30 minutes before carving.