The U.S. government recommends the oven temperature be set at at least 352 oF and the inner temperature in the deepest part of the thigh of the whole turkey or the thickest part of the turkey breast should be at least 165 oF when the cooking is finished.
Turkey when its inner temperature reaches such a temperature is considered safe to eat. At that temperature, bacteria and foodborne pathogens in the turkey get killed.
Turkey Cooking Time
Now the turkey cooking time of a whole turkey is determined by a variety of variables including, but not limited to oven temperature and configuration, the size of the turkey, whether the bird is frozen or stuffed.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture,
A partially or completely frozen turkey requires longer cooking.
A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed turkey.
The oven may heat food unevenly.
Dark roasting pans cook faster than shiny metals.
The depth and size of the pan can reduce heat circulation to all areas of the turkey.
The use of a foil tent for the entire time can slow cooking.
Use of the roasting pan's lid speeds cooking.
An oven cooking bag can accelerate cooking time.
The rack position can have an affect on even cooking and heat circulation.
A turkey or its pan may be too large for the oven, thus blocking heat circulation.
Turkey Cooking Times and Temperatures
How long to cook a turkey depends on a number variables including the size of turkey, pan size and configuration, oven temperature among other things.
Here is a turkey cooking time table for cooking an unstuffed turkey at the condition given below.
Size of turkey - Cooking time for unstuffed turkey - cooking time for stuffed turkey
4 to 6 pounds (breast) - 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours - Not usually applicable
6 to 8 pounds (breast) - 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours - 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
8 to 12 pounds - 2 3/4 to 3 hours - 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds - 3 to 3 3/4 hours - 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds - 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours - 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds - 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours - 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds - 4 1/2 to 5 hours - 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
For Details: The USA News
