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I’ve purchased two fresh turkey breasts (all natural, no “stuff” injected into them) and four turkey legs. My plan was to cook them in cooking bags. Since they are in parts, as opposed to a whole turkey, is there something I should know about cooking time?
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5 Responses for "Cooking turkey parts - Any difference?"
Great question!
Your cooking time for turkey breasts and your legs will be an average of 20 or so minutes per pound. A large breast will take 18 or so minutes, a small breast can take up to 30 minutes per pound, and your legs will cook more quickly. Be sure that your turkey parts have room in your bag - they should not overlap. Or better even, separate the legs and the breasts so you can control your cooking more. Breasts will cook faster than thighs and legs. Make sure you use a thermometer and cook until the temperature of the breast reaches 165 degrees F and the leg reaches 175 degrees F.
Thanks so much for these hints! I’m so glad I asked!!!
ok, just thought of of one more question about cooking my turkey parts. What oven temperature will I cook them at, and if the breasts are going to cook faster than the legs and thighs, when should I put the legs and thighs into the oven (I understand I will put them in a separate bag for cooking). thanks so much for the help!
please help; re my most recent question. Since the breast parts will cook faster than the legs (no thighs are included), but they both cook at 12 minutes per pound, what temperature do I cook them at, and if the legs go into the oven before the breasts, how many minutes/hours apart from the legs do I put the breasts into the oven to cook? Thanks for the help
Turkey should be cooked at 325 f. Make sure you pre-heat the oven, never stick a raw turkey in a cold oven. When cooking a whole turkey the rule of thumb is 12 minute per pound.
Our test kitchen here at Chefsline, conducted two different tests to determine exactly how long boneless breast take to cook. Approximately, 18-30 minutes (please see amendment above) depending on how large the breast is, It is extremely important to check with a meat thermometer. Remember when you are testing with a meat thermometer, you want to insert the thermometer in several places. Turkey breast should be cooked to 165f and your legs at 175f
The legs can be placed in the oven 1/2 hour after the breast have been started.
If you have any more questions please let us know, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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