© 2024 National Turkey Federation
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1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
There are so many options available when it comes to turkey cuts! Plus, turkey’s versatility in the kitchen makes this lean protein fit for just as many cooking methods. This quick guide will help you prepare tasty turkey dishes every time.
Refer to the chart below on the different parts of the turkey along with the cooking method they are best used for.
| Meat Cut | Fried | Grilled | Oven Roasted | Sautéed | Slow Cooker | Smoked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone-In Breast | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Bone-In Thigh | x | x | x | x | ||
| Boneless Breast | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Boneless Thigh | x | x | x | |||
| Ground Turkey | x | x | x | |||
| Leg/Drumstick | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Sausage/Frank | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Tenderloin | x | x | x | x | ||
| Turkey Burger | x | |||||
| Turkey Chop | x | x | x | x | ||
| Turkey Cutlet | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Wing/Drumette | x | x | x | x | x |
Cook until temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking times are for planning purposes only – always use a meat thermometer to determine if the turkey is done. Use the time chart below to see how long to roast a turkey in an oven at 325°F.
| Weight | Cooking Time (Unstuffed) | Cooking Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 hours to 5 hours | 4 3 /4 to 5 1/4 hours |
| 24 to 30 pounds. | 5 to 5 1/4 hours | 5 1/4 to 6 1/4 hours |
Indirect heat is ideal for cooking whole turkeys, which need slower cooking. With indirect heat, the lid is closed and the meat is placed in a tray or on the unlit portion of the grill. Grill the turkey for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound, according to the grill manufacturer’s instructions. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Turkey on the grill may seem a little daunting, especially if you are not used to grilling a whole bird all at once or unsure whether you can prepare a perfectly juicy and tender turkey breast outdoors. With a good attitude, willingness to learn and the proper grilling tools, you can become the boss of the barbecue in no-time.
Here are a few resources to help you get started:
Deep-fried turkey, a concept that started in the South, has risen in popularity nationwide. It’s a perfect twist for holiday feasts, barbecues and block parties. Learn more about how to fry a turkey and find a few tasty recipes as part of “The How-To on Deep Frying Turkey.”