How to Cut Up a Raw Turkey for Faster, More Even Cooking

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:

  • 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.

  • More oven space Turkey parts can be arranged in a baking dish freeing up oven racks.

  • Easier to manipulate: It’s less awkward to move and turn pieces than wrestling a bulky whole turkey.

  • 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!

how to cut up a raw turkey

How to Cut Up a Whole Turkey (Easily)

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