Roasting Times
Roasting a whole bird? You can follow your own recipe but, sometimes you just want simple roasting instructions. We’ve got you covered. Use the following charts to plan a cooking schedule. Remember, cooking times can vary depending on factors like oven capacity and the size of the bird. Always use a meat thermometer to assure the meat is fully cooked.
Timetable for Roasting Turkey UNSTUFFED (Slow Oven: Uncovered – 325° Fahrenheit)
Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit. Cook until the bird reaches the correct internal temperature.
| Ready to Cook Weight |
Estimated Cook Time |
Internal Temperature |
| 8 – 12 lbs. | 2¾ – 3 Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 12 – 14 lbs. | 3 – 3¾ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 14 – 18 lbs. | 3¾ – 4¼ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 18 – 20 lbs. | 4¼ – 4½ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 20 – 24 lbs. | 4½ – 5 Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 24 – 28 lbs. | 5 – 5½ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 28 – 32 lbs. | 5½ – 6 Hours | 180 – 185° F |
Timetable for Roasting Turkey STUFFED (Slow Oven: Uncovered – 325° Fahrenheit)
Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit. Cook until the bird reaches the correct internal temperature.
| Ready to Cook Weight (Before Stuffing) |
Estimated Cook Time |
Internal Temperature |
| 8 – 12 lbs. | 3 – 3½ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 12 – 14 lbs. | 3½ – 4 Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 14 – 18 lbs. | 4 – 4¼ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 18 – 20 lbs. | 4¼ – 4¾ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 20 – 24 lbs. | 4¾ – 5¼ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 24 – 28 lbs. | 5¼ – 5¾ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 28 – 32 lbs. | 5¾ – 6½ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
Timetable for Roasting Turkey STUFFED (Fast Oven: Covered – 450° Fahrenheit)
Preheat oven to 450° Fahrenheit. Cook until the bird reaches the correct internal temperature.
Cover bird with aluminum foil before cooking. Remove cover during the last 30 minutes to allow skin to brown.
| Ready to Cook Weight (Before Stuffing) |
Estimated Cook Time |
Internal Temperature |
| 10 – 13 lbs. | 2½ – 3 Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 14 – 17 lbs. | 3 – 3¼ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 18 – 21 lbs. | 3½ – 4 Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 22 – 25 lbs. | 3½ – 3¾ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 26 – 29 lbs. | 3¾ – 4¼ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 30 – 33 lbs. | 4¼ – 4¾ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
| 34 – 37 lbs. | 5¼ – 5¾ Hours | 180 – 185° F |
Turkey Breast: 16 minutes per lb @350° F. Use a meat thermometer to get breast temperature to 180 F° before serving.
Other Poultry Roasting Timetable (Unstuffed)
Add 15 to 30 minutes for Stuffed Birds
Stuffing should reach at least 165° Fahrenheit
| Ready to Cook Weight | Oven Temperature | Estimated Cook Time (Stuffed) | Internal Temperature |
| Chicken (3 – 5 lbs.) | 350° F | 1¼ – 1¾ Hours | 180° F |
| Chicken (6 – 8 lbs) | 350° F | 1¾- 2½ Hours | 180° F |
| Capon (4 – 8 lbs.) | 375° F | 20 – 30 minutes per lb. | 180° F |
| Rock Cornish Hen (1¼ – 2 lbs) | 350° F | 50 – 60 minutes | 180° F |
| Cornish Hen (2¼ – 2½ lbs) | 350° F | 1 – 1¼ Hours | 180° F |
| Pekin Duck | 375° F | 20 minutes per lb. | 180° F |
| Goose | 325° F | 20 – 25 minutes per lb. | 180° F |
| Pheasant | 350° F | 30 minutes per lb. | 165° F |
| Guinea Hen | 350° F | 1¼ – 1¾ Hours | 165° F |
| Quail | 425° F | ~20 minutes | 165° F |