Does a Turkey Breast Have Giblets?

As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks have a common question when preparing a turkey breast for holiday meals – does a turkey breast come with giblets? The answer depends on a few factors. In this article, we’ll dive into what exactly turkey giblets are, when they’re typically included with a turkey breast, and how to use them if you get them with your turkey.

What Are Turkey Giblets?

Turkey giblets refer to the internal organs of a turkey that are considered edible, The most common giblets found inside a whole turkey or just a turkey breast include

• Neck – Often used to make broth or stock. Frequency: 2

• Heart – Adds texture and flavor to gravy or stuffing. Frequency: 2

• Liver – Provides a rich, irony taste for gravy. Frequency 2

• Gizzard – Has a chewy texture and bold flavor. Used in soups or gravy. Frequency: 2

These organs add a depth of flavor when making gravy, broth, or stock from scratch. While some people enjoy eating the giblets as well, they are more commonly used to enhance the flavor of other dishes.

Why Some Turkey Breasts Include Giblets

There are a few main reasons why some turkey breasts are sold with the giblets included:

• Tradition – Including giblets with a turkey breast upholds the long-standing tradition of using them to make richly flavored gravy, stock and other dishes for holiday meals. Frequency: 1

• Added Value – For budget-conscious customers, getting giblets included provides added ingredients for the same price as just turkey alone. Frequency: 1

• Flavor Enhancement – The giblets infuse dishes like gravy and broth with more turkey flavor. Frequency: 1

• Specialty Turkeys – Higher-end, specialty turkey breasts often come with giblets which helps justify their higher price and provides more cooking options. Frequency: 1

• Cook’s Preference – Many butchers will include giblets with a turkey breast upon request by customers planning to use them. Frequency: 1

Why Some Turkey Breasts Don’t Contain Giblets

On the flip side, here are some top reasons why some turkey breasts are sold without including the giblets:

• Reduced Cost – Turkey breasts without giblets are typically a bit more affordable. Frequency: 1

• Mass Production – In large processing plants, giblets are often removed and reserved for other uses so turkey breasts are packaged without them. Frequency: 1

• Limited Demand – If a supplier sells far more turkey breasts versus whole turkeys, there is lower demand for giblets so they leave them out. Frequency: 1

• Food Safety – Some suppliers opt to remove giblets at the processing plant for food safety reasons. Frequency: 1

• Customer Preference – Many customers buying a turkey breast don’t want or plan to use the giblets, so prefer to buy turkey without them included. Frequency: 1

Checking Your Turkey Breast for Giblets

The best way to find out if your turkey breast includes giblets is to carefully read the packaging label. Giblets are perishable, so if they are included, it will always be clearly stated on the label. If the label doesn’t mention giblets at all, then they most likely are not included.

You can also visually inspect the turkey breast cavity once unwrapped. Whole giblets are easy to identify. If you just find small pieces or remnants of giblets, it likely means some processing was done to the bird after the giblets were removed by the supplier.

Using Turkey Giblets

If your turkey breast does come with giblets, here are some delicious ways you can put them to use:

• Make homemade turkey broth by simmering the neck, gizzard and heart in water with vegetables. This adds rich flavor and nutrients.

• Sauté the liver and heart in butter or oil to finely chop and add to stuffing, dressing or gravy.

• Cook the neck and giblets in a slow cooker on low for 10-12 hours to make turkey stock for soups.

• Roast the gizzard, heart and neck alongside the turkey to enhance pan drippings for gravy.

• Fry or sauté the heart and liver with onions for an easy giblet side dish.

Cooking Your Turkey Breast

Whether your turkey breast includes giblets or not, it will still cook up delicious. A bone-in turkey breast is a great alternative to roasting a whole bird. The bone helps the breast meat stay juicy.

A fool-proof roasting method is to spread an herb butter mix under the skin and over the breast before cooking to keep it moist. Cook at 350°F until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Happy Thanksgiving cooking! With this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect and do with turkey giblets if you get them with your holiday bird.