do turkey breasts have giblets

Do Turkey Breasts Have Giblets? What You Need To Know

As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks start planning their holiday meals. For smaller gatherings, turkey breast is a convenient alternative to cooking a whole bird. But when you buy a turkey breast, one common question arises: do turkey breasts come with giblets? Let’s find out.

What Are Giblets?

Giblets refer to the internal organs of poultry, typically included inside the cavity of a whole turkey or chicken. A giblet package usually contains the liver, heart gizzard and neck. The liver imparts a mild, irony flavor while the heart has a slightly stronger taste. The gizzard acts as a natural meat tenderizer when slow-cooked, and the neck provides extra collagen for making stock.

Why Do Turkeys Have Giblets?

Including giblets inside poultry enables the use of the entire bird, reducing waste. The organs add richness and concentrated flavor to gravies, soups, and stuffings. Cooks have valued these extra parts for enhancing dishes since ancient times. Leaving the neck and giblets in the cavity during roasting further bastes the meat from the inside.

Do All Turkey Breasts Contain Giblets?

While whole turkeys typically contain giblets, not all turkey breasts come with these extras. Boneless, skinless turkey breasts almost never include them. However, bone-in turkey breasts may feature giblets, depending on the specific brand and packaging.

It varies whether the giblets are placed loosely inside the cavity or wrapped together in a bag. If planning to roast a bone-in breast, carefully check the packaging to confirm if giblets are present. You can also ask the butcher when buying one from a local market.

How To Cook Turkey Breast With Giblets

If your turkey breast includes giblets, here are some tips for roasting:

• Carefully remove the giblet packet before cooking. Reserve for making gravy or stock.

• Truss the breast cavity shut with kitchen string to maintain shape.

• Rub the skin with butter or oil and season all over with salt, pepper, and herbs.

• Place the breast on a roasting rack in a pan, add 1 cup broth or water to the bottom.

• Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes to brown the skin, then reduce heat to 325°F.

• Cook until the internal temp reaches 157°F, about 1 hour more.

• Allow the breast to rest for 20 minutes before carving.

The giblets can simmer in broth or water while the turkey roasts. Then dice or puree them to blend into your gravy. For extra flavor, also use the drippings from the roasted breast.

Making Gravy With Turkey Giblets

Giblets impart rich, concentrated turkey essence to gravies and sauces. Here’s a simple method:

• In a small pot, combine giblets with chicken or turkey broth and aromatics.

• Simmer until giblets are tender, 30-60 minutes.

• Strain and reserve the giblet broth, dice or puree the cooked giblets.

• Make a roux with the turkey drippings and flour. Cook briefly.

• Whisk in the giblet broth and diced organs. Simmer until thickened.

• Finish with herbs and season with salt and pepper.

The diced heart and gizzard provide texture, while the liver thickens and enriches the gravy. For smooth gravy, puree the organs before adding to the roux.

Storing Leftover Turkey Giblets

Cooked giblets can be stored along with turkey meat leftovers. Allow all parts to cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers. Use within 3-4 days. The giblets also freeze well for longer storage.

For uncooked giblets, rinse under cold water and pat dry. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Frozen, they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Get Creative With Giblets

Beyond gravy, don’t limit your giblet usage to just the holidays. Consider these ideas for year-round enjoyment:

• Use in place of chicken livers for dirty rice, pasta sauces, or pâté.

• Make giblet soup stock with vegetables and beans or grains.

• Sauté with onion and mushrooms for breakfast hash or stuffing.

• Braise in wine or broth with carrots and pearl onions for appetizers.

• Grind with cooked chicken meat for unique burgers or meatballs.

• Simmer in curry spices and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired dish.

With their mild, iron-rich taste, turkey giblets can be used in diverse recipes. Explore new ways to cook these flavorful and nutritious organs.