What is a Split Turkey Breast?

A split turkey breast is a great option for cooking turkey that’s easy and delicious! If you’ve seen this cut at the store but aren’t quite sure what it is or how to cook it, this guide will explain everything you need to know

What Exactly is a Split Turkey Breast?

A split turkey breast is one half of the whole breast from a turkey. Turkeys have two sides to their breast area just like chickens.

When you buy a whole turkey breast it includes both sides intact. But a split breast is only one side that’s been separated from the other.

So if you visualize a whole turkey, a split breast is basically taking just one side of the front breast portion. It’s an especially convenient size for smaller gatherings rather than cooking a huge whole turkey.

These bone-in turkey breast halves typically weigh 2-5 pounds. They contain the breast meat, wing, and part of the backbone. The skin is left on to help keep the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks.

Benefits of Cooking a Split Breast

There are a few advantages to choosing split turkey breasts over a whole turkey:

• Smaller size – Perfect for feeding 4-8 people vs. a 15 lb whole turkey. Takes up less oven space too.

• Quicker cooking – A 2-3 lb breast may cook in only 1-1.5 hours. Whole turkeys can take 3-4+ hours.

• Easier to cook evenly – The thinner breast cooks through more evenly than a whole bulky turkey. No worrying about underdone meat.

• More white meat – You get 100% breast meat vs. a whole turkey with leg and wing meat too.

• Less waste – With just breast meat, there’s no carcass or backbone to discard after cooking.

So if you want juicy turkey breast without the work of roasting a whole bird, split turkey breasts are the way to go!

How Long to Cook a Split Turkey Breast

Cooking times for bone-in split breasts vary based on size, but here are general guidelines:

• 2 pounds – bake at 375°F for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes-1 hour 30 minutes

• 3 pounds – bake at 375°F for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes-1 hour 45 minutes

• 4 pounds – bake at 375°F for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes-2 hours

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.

For boneless breasts, reduce cook times by about 15 minutes since there are no bones to heat through. And for stuffed breasts, add 15-20 minutes.

How to Prepare Split Turkey Breast for Cooking

Here are some tips for preparing a split turkey breast before roasting:

• Thaw completely if frozen – Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. Never cook frozen.

• Remove giblets – Check the cavities and remove any organs, neck, etc. Rinse well.

• Trim excess fat – Use a knife to cut away any large hunks of fat which can cause flare ups.

• Loosen skin – Gently loosen skin from meat with fingers. Helps seasonings penetrate.

• Apply herbs/seasonings – For flavor, rub the meat under skin with butter/oil mixed with herbs.

• Preheat oven – Preheat to 375°F. No need to go above 400°F. Higher temp = drier meat.

How to Cook a Juicy Split Turkey Breast

To get the perfect juicy split turkey breast, follow these simple steps:

• Roast at 375°F on a rack in a roasting pan so air circulates.

• Tent with foil after the first hour to prevent over browning.

• Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes to keep moist.

• Cook to 165°F internal temperature (use a meat thermometer).

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to absorb.

• Carve across the grain for tender slices.

• Serve with pan gravy for extra moisture and flavor!

Flavoring Ideas

Beyond just salt and pepper, consider these easy flavor options:

• Coat with herb butter or oil under the skin and on top.

• Rub with a poultry seasoning blend before roasting.

• Brine the breast in saltwater and spices 1-2 days before cooking.

• Inject with a broth marinade using an injection syringe.

• Stuff underneath the skin with herb butter and lemon.

• Top with sage leaves and bacon for delicious flavor.

• For a crispy skin, coat with baking powder before roasting.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors!

What to Serve with Split Turkey Breast

A split turkey breast makes a perfect smaller holiday meal. Pair it with classic Thanksgiving favorites like:

• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Stuffing or dressing
• Gravy – pour the pan juices into gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans
• Dinner rolls
• Pumpkin pie or pecan pie for dessert

You’ll have a delicious meal everyone will love, without leftovers taking over your fridge!

Purchasing and Storing Tips

When buying and storing split turkey breasts, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for breasts that are shiny, pink, and moist – avoid dry, dull, or bruised meat.

• Opt for fresh never frozen if possible, or make sure frozen is thoroughly thawed before cooking.

• Store fresh breast for just 1-2 days max in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage.

• Place on a plate or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak during fridge storage.

• If pre-brined or injected, cook within 1-3 days for food safety.

Proper storage preserves freshness and prevents the need to discard spoiled turkey.

Common Turkey Breast Questions

Can I grill a split turkey breast?

Absolutely! Grill over indirect heat at 375°F until 165°F internal temp. Baste to prevent drying.

Can I roast a whole turkey breast instead?

Yes, adjust roast time up slightly for a 4-6 lb whole breast. Cook to 165°F.

Should I brine a split turkey breast?

Brining keeps it extra moist and full of flavor. See our simple turkey brine recipe.

Can I stuff a split turkey breast?

You can carefully loosen skin and stuff under skin. Add 15-20 minutes to roast time.

Can I cook boneless turkey breasts using this method?

Boneless cooks faster, so reduce time by 15 minutes and cook to 165°F.

Enjoy Delicious Turkey All Year Long

A split turkey breast is an excellent way to enjoy turkey beyond just Thanksgiving. Keep a few in your freezer and you can whip up tasty turkey meals any time of year with minimal effort.

Next holiday season when you’re hosting a smaller crowd, give split turkey breasts a try. You’ll be amazed how simple it is to roast up the juiciest most flavorful turkey ever!