Planning a turkey this year? Let us help you find the perfect bird for your table.
Buying the right turkey can mean the difference between a good Thanksgiving and a legendary Thanksgiving. And while you can’t go wrong with any of our birds, shopping for a specific size or certification can be tricky. Rest assured, we’re here to help simplify the process. Below, learn more about our birds, plus get expert buying and storing tips.
Order online and schedule a time for pickup in store. Menu and location availability may vary. While supplies last.
For many home cooks, preparing an entire turkey is more work than needed for smaller gatherings. The good news is you can easily purchase individual turkey breasts. Read on to learn where to buy turkey breast meat and how to choose the right cut.
Why Buy Just the Breast?
There are several advantages to buying only a turkey breast:
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Less waste – A whole bird yields lots of leftovers A single breast provides a reasonable portion
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More affordable – Turkey breasts cost less per pound than a whole turkey You save money while enjoying premium white meat.
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Quick cooking – A breast cooks much faster than a whole bird, which can take hours. Great for weeknight meals.
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Lean protein – The breast meat is lower in fat and calories than dark meat An excellent healthy choice
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Versatility – Turkey breast works great in all kinds of dishes from sandwiches to salads, casseroles, soups and more.
For small households or meals other than large gatherings, a turkey breast is ideal.
Where to Buy Turkey Breast
You have several options for purchasing turkey breast meat:
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Grocery store meat department – Fresh and frozen breasts are commonly available. Check sell-by dates for freshness.
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Butcher shop – Ask the butcher for breast cuts. They may even custom slice for you.
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Online stores – Turkey breast can be ordered online from grocers like FreshDirect or sites like Amazon.
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Direct from turkey farms – Some local farms sell individual breast meat. Check their website or call.
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Turkey processors – Major brands like Butterball sell turkey breast products online and in most supermarkets.
Shop around to find the best selection and prices on turkey breast in your area.
Cuts of Turkey Breast
Turkey breast is sold in a few different forms:
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Whole bone-in breast – This cut has the bones and ribcage intact. It looks like a miniature whole turkey.
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Boneless breast roast – The breast meat is removed from the bone and kept whole. Sometimes tied into a log shape.
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Boneless cutlets – Sliced cross-sections of breast, perfect for quick cooking.
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Ground turkey breast – Breast meat that is minced or ground for recipes calling for ground meat.
Consider what you’ll be using it for when deciding which cut to purchase. Roasts work well for roasting or slow cooking. Cutlets allow for quick sautéing or grilling. Ground turkey breast substitutes easily for ground beef or chicken.
How Much Per Person?
Turkey breast sizes range from 1-3 pounds or more. Here are some guidelines per person:
- Bone-in whole breast – 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 pound per person
- Boneless roast – 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person
- Cutlets – Around 3-4 ounces per person
- Ground turkey – 3-4 ounces per person in recipes
For a family of four, a 2 pound roast or packet of cutlets usually provides enough for a meal. Adjust amounts based on your recipe and number of servings needed.
Preparing and Cooking Turkey Breast
Preparing turkey breast is simple. Rinse, pat dry, trim excess fat if desired, and coat with oil
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- Thanksgiving
- How to Buy Turkey: Types, Sizes and Storage
Planning a turkey this year? Let us help you find the perfect bird for your table.
Buying the right turkey can mean the difference between a good Thanksgiving and a legendary Thanksgiving. And while you can’t go wrong with any of our birds, shopping for a specific size or certification can be tricky. Rest assured, we’re here to help simplify the process. Below, learn more about our birds, plus get expert buying and storing tips.
Order online and schedule a time for pickup in store. Menu and location availability may vary. While supplies last.
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
If you do choose one of our frozen birds, make sure to leave plenty of time for thawing. Use this handy chart to plan ahead.
|
Turkey Size |
Days in Fridge |
Hours in Cold Water |
|---|---|---|
|
14 pounds |
3 |
7 |
|
20 pounds |
4 |
10 |
We recommend thawing your turkey one of two ways:
Most Reliable Way: Put a tray or pan underneath the bird (in its packaging) to catch drips and place it in the refrigerator on the lowest shelf for 1 full day for every 5 pounds of turkey.
Fastest Way: Short on time or fridge space? This is your best option. Make sure the turkey is sealed in a leakproof wrapper and place it in a vessel large enough to completely contain it. Add cold water to cover. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.
Need to stock up on turkey essentials like spices, fresh herbs and more? You can shop holiday groceries for pickup or delivery opens in a new tab with Prime.**
For plenty of inspiration, check out our Turkey Recipe Collection for menu ideas and our Essential Turkey Cooking Tips for expert pointers.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
Can you buy a turkey breast only?
Yes you can buy just a Turkey breast and different stores have different prices for the breast.
Does Butterball sell just turkey breast?
Fresh & Frozen Whole Turkey Breasts
When you don’t need a large whole turkey, choose Butterball fresh and frozen turkey breasts. Enjoy the delicious taste of juicy white meat turkey without an excess of leftovers.
Can you buy already cooked turkey breast?
Butterball oven-baked turkey breasts are a fully cooked, hassle-free turkey option that offers easy preparation, less mess, rich flavor and a shorter cooking time.
How much is a breast of turkey?
At those prices, 6 lb whole breast is $21, while a 16 lb whole turkey will run you $4. Seems like an easy choice. With the extra meat and bones you can make turkey stock for gravy, dressing or soup.
Where to buy fresh turkey breast?
Here are some of the best options for where to buy fresh high-quality turkey breast Most major grocery store chains will carry fresh turkey breast in the poultry section, often both boneless and bone-in varieties. While not the most exciting purchase, grocery stores provide a convenient option for basic turkey breast.
How much does a turkey breast cost?
D’Artagnan sells fresh broad-breasted turkey breast for around $64.99 for a 6-7 lb breast, which comes out to about $9-10 per lb. More than grocery stores, but cheaper than what my local butcher sells. Ordering online gives me access to premium turkey regardless of where I live. The downside is having to pay shipping costs.
Should you buy turkey breast at a warehouse store?
Opt for turkey breasts within the sell-by date that show no signs of frost or freezer burn. The only potential warehouse store downside is having to buy a large package, which requires freezer space. However, the savings often make it worthwhile. Warehouse store pros: Potential cons:
How do I choose a healthy turkey breast?
Raising Practices – Look for organic, free-range, pasture-raised, or non-GMO labels to indicate healthier turkeys. Opt against antibiotics. Price – Turkey breast ranges from $2 on the low end to over $9 per pound for premium products. Set a budget before shopping. Freshness – Only buy turkey breast that is cold, firm, and without odor.
Should Turkey Breast be refrigerated?
Keep refrigerated. Fresh whole turkey breast should be refrigerated at 35°F to 40°F. The lower temperature is preferred. Cook as soon as possible to ensure maximum freshness. If you are not confident about the temperature of your refrigerator, cook or freeze the breast within 4 days of purchase.
Is turkey breast available year-round?
A juicy, tender turkey breast makes for an impressive centerpiece, whether you choose to roast it whole or slice it for sandwiches. The good news is that fresh turkey breast is available year-round from a variety of retailers.