This is how to make deconstructed sheet pan turkey! It is what everyone is talking about this year. This and our pressure cooker turkey is how to cook a moist turkey in just 1 hour and have it taste amazing. But this one will give you the crispy skin you love.
I will start my explanation of how I made this quick sheet pan turkey with the fact that I have NEVER cooked one in my life before. Crazy right?? This is the quickest way to cook a whole turkey by far. (affiliate links present)
Especially since I am a food blogger and all. Suppose my excuse/reason is that I’ve always had a parent or in laws who have hosted Thanksgiving or Christmas so it wasn’t my job.
Cooking a whole turkey can be intimidating with fears of undercooking the dark meat or overcooking the white meat. Many home cooks have turned to cutting up the turkey and roasting the pieces separately. This technique allows you to cook the breast, legs, thighs, and wings to perfection. But how long should you cook turkey parts in the oven? Read on for timing guidelines tips, and recipes to guarantee moist, flavorful results.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey in Parts
There are several advantages to ditching the whole bird and roasting turkey pieces instead:
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Cooks more evenly When attached to the carcass, the breast cooks quicker than the legs and thighs Separating them allows the white and dark meat to cook properly without drying out.
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Frees up oven space: Roasting parts instead of a whole turkey takes about half the time. You’ll have room for more side dishes in the oven.
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Simplifies carving: Carving a whole cooked turkey can be messy and time-consuming. With parts, just slice the breast and serve the legs and wings whole.
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Maximizes flavor: Seasoning is easier when roasting parts. You can coat the skin completely with a rub or herbs.
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Makes juicier meat: The exposed areas brown beautifully while retaining moisture. Basting helps too.
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Allows better monitoring: Checking the temperature of separate pieces is simpler than wrestling with a large bird.
How Long to Cook Turkey Parts
The oven roasting times will vary somewhat based on the size of the turkey pieces. Here are general guidelines:
- Turkey breast: Bake at 350°F for about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours
- Turkey thighs: Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour
- Turkey drumsticks: Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour
- Turkey wings: Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes
For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Turkey should reach 165°F. The breast may need a little longer than the times listed to get up to temp.
If roasting multiple parts, stagger the start times so everything finishes together. Put the breast in first since it takes longest. After 30 minutes, add the legs and thighs. Then 45 minutes later, throw in the wings to roast the last 45 minutes.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Turkey Parts
Follow these tips for perfect roast turkey every time:
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Dry brine the turkey: Rubbing the pieces all over with salt, herbs, and spices a day ahead improves moisture and flavor.
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Use a rack: Elevating the turkey on a rack over a sheet pan allows air circulation for even cooking and crispy skin.
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Baste frequently: Basting the turkey with broth or pan juices every 20 minutes keeps it nice and juicy.
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Rest before carving: Letting the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after roasting allows the juices to reabsorb for tender meat.
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Make turkey stock: Simmer the backbone, neck, and giblets in water while roasting the parts. This builds flavor for gravy.
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Watch the temperature: Use a probe thermometer and check the pieces often toward the end to prevent overcooking.
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Cook stuffing separately: With no cavity, cook your stuffing in a casserole dish or slow cooker with turkey drippings.
Roast Turkey Part Recipes
These recipes walk through how to cook moist, delicious turkey parts step-by-step:
Dry Brined Turkey Breast
Coat the breast in a flavorful salt and herb mixture. Roast at 350°F for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours until 165°F. Rest, then slice and serve.
Maple Glazed Turkey Legs
Marinate legs in maple syrup, chili powder, and cumin. Roast at 350°F for 1 hour until 165°F. The glaze makes a nice crust.
Crispy Turkey Thighs
Season thighs with paprika, brown sugar, and black pepper. Roast at 350°F skin side up for 1 hour until 165°F.
Easy Roast Turkey Wings
Just coat wings in olive oil and roast at 350°F for 45 minutes until 165°F. Toss in sauce like barbecue or buffalo for extra flavor.
Moist, Delicious Results
By roasting your turkey in parts, you can ensure perfectly cooked breast, legs, thighs, and wings. Follow the approximate cook times listed, use a thermometer to confirm doneness, and employ basting, brining, and resting techniques. In about 1 1/2 hours total time, you’ll have juicy, browned turkey ready for an easy, stress-free holiday meal. Ditch the whole bird and try parts for moist results!
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How to Cut up a Whole Turkey
Cutting Up a Raw Turkey is not much different than a chicken except that it is just bigger. Details are that this was a 10 lb turkey (said young turkey on the package) bought frozen, and defrosted in our refrigerator for a couple of days.
- Cut the thighs off so the leg and thigh remain attached, seen on bottom right of photo below
- Next you will want to remove the lower portion of the chest cavity, look at photo above (the middle photo)
- Cut cavity in half with 2 breasts on top which you will keep
- Discard bottom half, there is no meat here
- When you have the 2 breasts you will want to flatten them as much as possible so it lays flat on your sheet pan (photo above)
- Flip it over and put the palm of your hand in between the 2 turkey breasts, push down so the bone between them breaks so it will lay flat
Arrange pieces of your turkey in a way where they don’t overlap as seen below.
How to Cook a Butterball turkey
You could use these directions for any brand, we just like this sone best. This is the only turkey we’ve baked this way so I don’t have info. on larger sizes. Refer to and you can print this page on how long to thaw and cook a turkey here so it is prepped the night before for baking.
You’ll Never Go Back To Your Old Turkey Method After This
FAQ
How long does a cut-up turkey take to cook?
Is it better to cook turkey at 325 or 350?
How long do you cook a serious eats turkey?
Can you cut a raw turkey in half and cook it?