Cooking a whole turkey can take a long time, leaving the breast meat overcooked and dried out by the time the legs and thighs are fully cooked. Cutting up a raw turkey before cooking allows the pieces to roast more quickly and evenly. With just a few simple cuts you can have tender, juicy turkey on your table in almost half the time.
Benefits of Cutting Up a Raw Turkey
There are several advantages to sectioning a whole raw turkey rather than roasting it intact:
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Faster more even cooking Smaller pieces will cook through in a fraction of the time needed for a whole bird. The breast won’t dry out while the legs finish cooking.
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More oven space Turkey parts can be arranged in a baking dish freeing up oven racks.
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Easier to manipulate: It’s less awkward to move and turn pieces than wrestling a bulky whole turkey.
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Quicker thawing: A turkey breast thaws far faster than a 15 lb frozen bird. This tactic can rescue a Thanksgiving turkey that’s still frozen.
Tools You’ll Need
Cutting up a whole turkey is easy with just a few basic tools:
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Kitchen shears
- Cutting board
- Bowl or pan to hold pieces
A serrated bread knife also works well for slicing through joints. Avoid using knives that easily dull, like paring knives. You’ll need a sturdy blade.
How to Cut Up a Whole Raw Turkey
With the right technique, breaking down a turkey takes only about 15 minutes. Here are step-by-step instructions:
1. Remove the wings
- Pull a wing away from the body. Wiggle it to locate the shoulder joint.
- Cut through the joint with a knife to detach the wing.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Set wings aside in a bowl.
2. Remove the legs
- Grasp a leg and bend it away from the body to pop the hip joint out of its socket.
- Slice between the hip and breast meat to separate.
- Cut through the hip joint to detach the whole leg.
- Repeat with the other leg.
- Place legs in the bowl with the wings.
3. Separate leg joints
- Flip legs skin-side down. Cut through the knee joint to separate the drumstick from the thigh.
- Add drumsticks and thighs to the bowl.
4. Cut out the backbone
- With kitchen shears, cut down either side of the backbone to remove it.
- Reserve the backbone for making stock.
- Press the breast to flatten it.
5. Halve the breast
- Turn the turkey over and cut down the center to divide the breast in half completely.
- Use a firm pressing motion to cut through the cartilage.
- Add breast halves to the other turkey pieces.
Once the turkey is cut up, you can cook it right away, or store the pieces in the fridge for 1-2 days. For optimal flavor and moisture, brine the turkey parts before roasting.
Roasting Times for Turkey Pieces
| Piece | Weight | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey breast | 5-7 lbs | 1 1⁄2 – 2 hrs |
| Turkey thighs | 1⁄2 – 3⁄4 lbs each | 45 mins – 1 hr |
| Turkey drumsticks | 3⁄4 – 1 lb each | 45 mins – 1 hr |
| Wings | 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 lb each | 30-45 mins |
These times are based on roasting at 325°F. Turkey should reach 165°F internally. Allow pieces to rest 10-15 mins before carving.
Handling Raw Turkey Safely
Raw poultry can harbor bacteria like salmonella. Take care when handling and prepping raw turkey:
- Wash hands and surfaces after contact.
- Don’t rinse or wash turkey; this can spread germs.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey.
- Cook to 165°F internally.
Also refrigerate promptly and cook within 1-2 days for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you rinse a turkey before cooking?
According to the USDA, do not rinse or wash raw turkey. It’s ineffective at removing bacteria and leads to cross-contamination. Just cook thoroughly.
Can you leave turkey uncovered in the fridge?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw in original wrapping. Uncovered turkey can dry out. Cook within 1-2 days.
Is it better to cook a whole turkey or cut-up?
This depends on preference. Many like the presentation of a whole bird. But for faster, more even cooking, cut-up turkey works very well.
How long does it take to thaw turkey parts vs. a whole turkey?
A turkey breast may thaw in 1-2 days vs. 4-5 days for a whole bird. Cutting up a frozen turkey can accelerate thawing.
Should stuffing be cooked inside or outside the turkey?
For safety, cook stuffing in a baking dish, not inside the turkey. It takes longer for stuffing to reach a safe temperature when cooked inside.
Can you freeze cooked turkey pieces?
Yes, freeze roasted turkey parts in an airtight container for 2-4 months. Slice breast and legs before freezing for easy reheating later.
Get the Most from Your Turkey
Breaking down a whole turkey may seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. But with a sharp knife, some confidence, and our step-by-step instructions, you’ll find it’s easy. Sectioning the turkey before roasting allows you to cook it faster and free up oven space for other sides. Give this technique a try for your next holiday or family meal. With tender, delicious turkey in less time, you’ll be glad you did!
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