Cooking a whole turkey can be intimidating. Getting the white and dark meat to cook evenly is tricky. Overcooking the breast while undercooking the legs is a common problem. 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 perfectly. But how long should you cook turkey parts in the oven?
Cutting up a turkey and cooking the parts has several advantages:
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The breast and legs cook more evenly since they are separated. When attached to the carcass, the breast overcooks while the legs undercook.
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It frees up oven space. Roasting parts instead of a whole bird takes about half the time. You’ll have room for more side dishes.
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It simplifies carving. Carving a cooked whole turkey can be challenging. With parts, just slice the breast and serve the legs and wings whole.
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You can maximize flavor. Seasoning all the skin is easier when roasting parts. Coat with herbs, spices or rubs.
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The meat stays juicier. Exposed areas brown beautifully yet retain moisture when basted.
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It allows better monitoring. Checking the temperature of separate pieces is much easier.
Oven Roasting Times for Turkey Parts
To guarantee success, follow these approximate roasting times for turkey parts at 350°F
- Turkey breast: Bake for about 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 hours
- Turkey thighs: Bake for about 1 hour
- Turkey drumsticks: Bake for about 1 hour
- Turkey wings: Bake 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 above to fully cook through.
If roasting multiple parts, stagger the start times so everything finishes together. Put the largest breast in first since it takes the 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 roasted turkey parts with incredibly moist meat and crispy, browned skin:
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Dry brine the turkey. Coating the pieces in salt, herbs and spices a day ahead improves moisture and flavor. The salt helps the meat retain moisture.
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Use a rack. Placing 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, melted butter or pan juices every 20 minutes keeps the meat nice and juicy.
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Let rest before carving. Allowing the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes after roasting enables the juices to reabsorb for tender, moist meat.
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Make turkey stock. Simmer the backbone, neck and giblets in water while roasting the parts. Use this to build delicious gravy.
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Monitor 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 with turkey drippings for flavor.
Step-by-Step Roast Turkey Part Recipes
Follow these simple recipes for foolproof turkey breast, legs, thighs and wings:
Dry Brined Turkey Breast
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Mix 1⁄4 cup salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp dried sage and 1 tsp dried thyme.
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Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast. Refrigerate overnight.
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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
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Whisk 1⁄2 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp chili powder and 1⁄2 tsp cumin.
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Marinate turkey legs in maple mixture overnight.
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Roast at 350°F for 1 hour until 165°F, basting with glaze every 20 minutes.
Crispy Herb Turkey Thighs
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Coat turkey thighs with olive oil. Season with paprika, brown sugar and pepper.
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Roast skin side up at 350°F for 1 hour until 165°F.
Easy Roast Turkey Wings
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Toss turkey wings in olive oil. Roast at 350°F for 45 minutes until 165°F.
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Toss hot wings in your favorite sauce like barbecue or buffalo.
Moist and Tender Results
Cooking your turkey in parts allows you to roast the breast, legs, thighs and wings to juicy, tender perfection. Follow the guidelines shared here for approximate cook times. Use a thermometer to confirm doneness. Employ brining, basting and resting techniques for the very best results. In around 1 1⁄2 hours, you’ll have delicious turkey ready for an easy holiday meal the whole family will love. Forget the whole bird and try parts this year for moist, flavorful turkey everyone will enjoy!
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Roast Turkey In Parts
FAQ
How long does a cut-up turkey take to cook?
Place turkey on top of rack on top of vegetables, trying to leave a little space between the turkey pieces. Roast turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a breast piece registers 150°F (66°C), 2 to 3 hours total.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.Nov 6, 2024
How long to heat up sliced turkey?
For turkey, stock and butter are ideal, but use what you’ve got! Reheat low and slow: This method isn’t the fastest, but we want to avoid driving moisture away from the already-cooked meat, so 30 minutes in a 350°F is best.
How long do you cook a serious eats turkey?
Roast until turkey is golden brown and deepest part of breast registers 150°F (66°C) on an instant-read thermometer and legs register at least 165°F (74°C), 3 to 4 hours total. (Check on turkey after 2 hours.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in the oven?
Shorter cook times. Turkey parts require far less time in the oven than a whole turkey. Breasts may take only an hour or two while legs and thighs need up to 2 1/2 hours. Wings cook quickly in just 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
How long do you cook a cut-up turkey breast?
When cooking a cut-up turkey breast, the general rule is to cook it for about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F. However, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches 165°F before serving. 2. Can I cook the turkey pieces in a slow cooker? Yes, you can definitely cook cut-up turkey in a slow cooker.
How long do you cook turkey thighs in the oven?
Add the turkey legs after the breast has been in the oven for 30 minutes, then after another 30 minutes add the thighs so they’re done at about the same time. Be sure to leave enough room around each piece (about an inch) so the parts roast evenly. Put 1 and 1/2 cups of turkey or chicken broth in the bottom of the pan.
How long do you cook a 20 lb Turkey?
For turkeys over 20lbs allow 3 – 3 ½ hours cooking time. When the turkey comes out of the oven set it aside to rest for 30 minutes, then carefully pick it up with 2 kitchen towels and drain the juices from the cavity into the roasting pan and set the turkey aside on a rimmed carving board.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey in the oven?
For a stuffed whole turkey in an oven cooking bag, cook at 350 °F for approximately 3 1/2 hours. For an unstuffed whole turkey, cook for 3 hours. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time for a stuffed turkey.
How long do you cook a Turkey in an oven bag?
For whole, unstuffed turkeys in oven cooking bags, cook at 350 °F for approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Oven cooking bags are made from nylon and can speed the cooking of a turkey. Refer to the directions on the oven bag package for the manufacturer’s recommended cooking times.