Chicken, turkey, and other types of poultry can be difficult to carve for a great presentation and for optimized meat recovery.
This is done when the bird is raw – and once oven roasted, braised in a pot, or smoked, the breast can be sliced cleanly, in even slices.
This can be done on the carcass, or you can remove the complete breast sections and carve them up on a cutting board.
The wishbone is a unique bone found in birds like chickens and turkeys. It is formed by the fusion of the two collar bones and sits at the base of the breastbone. When roasted whole the wishbone can make carving the breast meat difficult since it obstructs cleanly lifting and slicing the lobes. That’s why many cooks choose to remove the wishbone prior to cooking for easier carving.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn all about the turkey wishbone, why removing it is recommended, and step-by-step instructions to easily take it out.
What is the Wishbone and Where is it Located?
The wishbone, also called a furcula or merrythought, has a distinctive V-shape. It is located inside the chest cavity of the turkey, nestled at the base of the neck.
To find it, turn the raw turkey breast-side down. Pull back the skin covering the neck cavity to expose the meat underneath. Feel for the protruding tips of the wishbone on both sides of the cavity. It sits very close to the surface.
Why Should You Remove the Wishbone?
Here are the main benefits to removing the wishbone before roasting:
- Allows easy removal of the breast lobes in one whole piece for elegant slicing
- Lets you cut uniform slices without the bone getting in the way
- Improves the presentation with no interruptions in the meat
- Simplifies carving since you don’t have to cut around the bone
- Makes space for stuffing the neck cavity if desired
Overall, taking out the wishbone speeds up carving time and gives you beautifully sliced breast meat for serving.
When Should You Remove the Wishbone?
It’s easiest to remove the wishbone when the turkey is raw The bones are still pliable and flexible at this stage, making removal simpler
Attempting to take out the cooked wishbone on the stiff, roasted turkey is more difficult. So it’s best to remove it prior to seasoning and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Remove the Wishbone
Removing the wishbone only takes a few simple steps:
1. Locate the Wishbone
Feel into the neck cavity on both sides to find the V-shaped wishbone. Gently scrape away meat if needed to fully expose it.
2. Make Vertical Cuts Along Both Sides
Using a paring knife, make a 2-inch vertical slit along each side of the wishbone, cutting down to the base of the V-shape.
3. Loosen the Bone
Gently slice your knife under the wishbone, separating it from the meat. Keep loosening along the sides and base.
4. Twist and Lift Out
Grip the top of the bone and twist slightly while pulling up to release the bottom. Lift out the entire wishbone.
Be careful when making cuts around the bone to avoid splintering it. Take your time freeing the wishbone completely.
Turkey Carving Tips After Removing the Wishbone
With the wishbone removed, carving the breast is much simpler:
- Let the cooked turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Use a carving knife to remove each breast half in one whole piece.
- Lay them on a board and slice the lobes crosswise into even cuts.
Keeping the breast intact yields beautiful slices. Arrange them neatly on a platter for a perfect presentation.
Common Questions About Removing the Turkey Wishbone
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this process:
Does removing the wishbone affect flavor?
No, it does not affect taste or moisture at all. It simply helps the carving process.
Should you take out the wishbone before or after cooking?
It’s ideal to remove it before roasting when the bones are more flexible. It can be done after, but it’s more difficult.
What should you do with the wishbone once removed?
Some use it for making broths and stocks. Otherwise, it can be discarded with other scraps.
What knife works best?
A small, sharp paring knife gives you the best control and precision for working around the bone.
Does the wishbone impact juiciness?
Not at all. Juiciness comes from brining, basting, and not overcooking. The wishbone simply makes carving easier.
Get Perfectly Carved Turkey Slices
Learning how to remove the turkey wishbone ensures you can carve the breast into elegant, uniform slices for an impressive presentation. The simple process only takes a couple minutes before roasting. Thanksgiving or holiday turkeys will look beautiful on your table when you carve them wishbone-free.
turkey: 22
wishbone: 19
breast: 7
bone: 7
carving: 6
Steps for Removing the Wishbone
This is a quick and easy process. Have no fear. Grab a paring knife and let’s go!
Step 1 – Locate the Bone
Turn the bird so that its rump is pointed up. Slide the skin that covers the neck cavity aside and feel on the inside of the cavity for the wishbone on either side of the inner neck area.
If you can’t find it by pressure, take your paring knife and scrape a little of the flesh from both sides of the inner neck cavity. The bone is only a fraction of an inch under the flesh.