Boneless turkey breast is a popular choice for meals and gatherings of all sizes. But with turkey breast sizes varying widely, how do you know how much to buy? Here, I’ll explore the typical weight range of boneless turkey breasts and key factors that affect weight. I’ll also provide turkey breast weight per person guidelines and tips for selecting storing and cooking boneless turkey breast.
The Typical Weight Range of Boneless Turkey Breasts
On average, boneless turkey breasts weigh between 2 to 6 pounds. However, weight can vary significantly:
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Smaller young turkey breasts may only be 1 to 2 pounds
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Extra large tom turkey breasts can reach 8 pounds boneless.
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Heritage breed turkey breasts tend to be lighter than commercial broad-breasted turkeys.
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Organic, free-range and pasture-raised turkey breasts are usually lighter due to exercise and diverse diets.
So while 4 to 5 pounds is common, boneless turkey breast weights range widely from 1 pound up to 8 pounds. Always check the packaging for exact weight.
What Impacts the Weight of Boneless Turkey Breasts
Several key factors influence the final weight of a boneless turkey breast:
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Breed – Heritage breeds have smaller breasts than commercial turkeys.
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Sex – Toms have heavier breasts than hens.
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Age – Young “fryer” turkeys under 16 weeks have lighter breasts.
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Diet – Pasture-raised turkeys are lighter than conventionally raised.
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Enhancements – Some turkey breasts are enhanced with a salt solution, increasing weight.
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Time of Year – Turkeys are largest right before the winter holidays.
How Much Boneless Turkey Breast Per Person?
Here are some general serving size guidelines for boneless turkey breast:
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For average appetites, allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.
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For heartier appetites, plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person.
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For smaller appetites like kids, reduce to 1/4 pound per person.
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Add an extra 1/2 pound per person for leftovers.
These serving sizes provide a starting point. Adjust up or down based on your guests.
Selecting, Storing and Cooking Boneless Turkey Breast
When buying boneless turkey breast:
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Select breasts that are uniformly shaped with no irregularities.
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Opt for enhanced or brined turkey breasts for extra moisture and flavor.
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Check the USDA inspection seal and confirm the use-by date is current.
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Store raw turkey breast in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 1 year.
To cook, thaw completely in the refrigerator before roasting at 350°F for about 15 minutes per pound until 165°F internal temperature. Boneless cooks faster than bone-in.
The Takeaway: Varying Weights Are Typical
Boneless turkey breast weights vary substantially based on breed, sex, age, diet and enhancements. While 4 to 5 pounds is common, sizes range from 1 pound up to 8 pounds. Plan on 1/3 to 3/4 pound per person depending on appetites. With proper selection, storage, thawing and cooking, boneless turkey breast of any size can turn out juicy, tender and delicious.
Boneless Turkey Breast
FAQ
How many pounds is a boneless turkey breast?
How many does a 3lb boneless turkey breast serve?
How many people will a 5 lb boneless turkey breast feed?
Is it better to buy a turkey breast with bone or boneless?
How much does a turkey breast weigh?
You can expect to find turkey breasts weighing between 4 and 8 pounds when you buy them at the supermarket, although there may also be larger specimens available. On average, the breast portion of a turkey will weigh in between 4 and 8 pounds. You might be able to procure larger ones, but they’re unlikely to come much smaller.
How much boneless turkey breast should a person eat?
On average, a recommended serving size is around 6-8 ounces (170-225 grams) per person. 2. Estimate the number of guests attending your meal. 3. Multiply the portion size (in ounces or grams) by the number of guests to calculate the total amount of boneless turkey breast you need. Let’s say you are hosting a dinner for 10 guests.
How much turkey breast do I Need?
For example, if you have 16 guests (including yourself) coming to dinner you will now need a 16 pound turkey breast. Boneless: a boneless breast doesn’t have the added weight of bones so it is very straightforward. The calculation is still 0.5 pounds of boneless turkey breast.
How much boneless turkey breast should I buy for Thanksgiving?
1. How much boneless turkey breast should I buy for Thanksgiving dinner? For Thanksgiving dinner, plan on purchasing 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.45 to 0.68 kilograms) of boneless turkey breast per person. 2. What if I’m also serving a whole turkey?
How much bone-in Turkey Breast should I buy?
As a general rule, you should plan on purchasing 1-1/4 pounds of bone-in turkey breast for each person you’ll be serving. That may sound like a lot, but remember that the bones will account for some of that weight. The overall mass will also decrease as the meat cooks.
How long does a boneless turkey breast take to cook?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size and desired doneness, but as a general guideline, budget around 20 minutes per pound (450 grams) of boneless turkey breast. 10. How can I season the boneless turkey breast?