How Big Are Turkey Breasts? A Complete Guide to Turkey Breast Sizes

Turkey breast is a delicious and versatile meat that is popular year-round, but especially during the holidays. If you are cooking turkey breast for your family or guests, it’s important to know what size to buy to ensure you have enough meat without tons of leftovers. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about turkey breast sizes.

Average Turkey Breast Weights

Turkey breasts are sold either bone-in or boneless

• Boneless turkey breasts range from 2-4 pounds on average

• Bone-in turkey breasts generally range from 4-8 pounds, but can be even larger depending on the size of the bird. The bones and cartilage add extra weight.

On average, the breast portion of a whole turkey weighs between 4-6 pounds. Of course, turkeys come in all different sizes, so turkey breast weights can vary quite a bit.

How Much Turkey Per Person?

Figuring out how much turkey breast to buy per person requires some simple math. Here are some general guidelines for boneless and bone-in turkey breast:

Boneless Turkey Breast

• 0.5 pound per average adult
• 0.25 pound per child
• 1 pound per extra hungry adult

Bone-in Turkey Breast

• Double the estimates for boneless since the bones add weight.

For example for 10 average adults and 5 kids you’d need

• Adults: 10 x 0.5 lbs = 5 lbs boneless turkey breast
• Kids: 5 x 0.25 lbs = 1.25 lbs boneless turkey breast
• Total: 6.25 lbs boneless turkey breast

For a bone-in breast, double that to about 12.5 lbs.

To have leftovers, increase the per person estimates. For bone-in breasts, plan for 1-1.5 lbs per person.

Common Turkey Breast Sizes

While turkey breasts come in many sizes, here are some typical weights you’ll see for boneless and bone-in varieties:

Boneless Turkey Breasts

• 2-3 pounds: feeds 4-6
• 3-4 pounds: feeds 6-8
• 5-6 pounds: feeds 10-12

Bone-In Turkey Breasts

• 5-7 pounds: feeds 6-10
• 8-10 pounds: feeds 12-16
• 10-12 pounds: feeds 16-20

These are just general guidelines. The actual amount depends on the number and appetites of your guests.

Ordering Larger Turkey Breasts

Many grocery stores sell smaller bone-in turkey breasts from 3-5 pounds. But you can order larger turkey breast sizes directly from turkey farms and specialty retailers.

For example, popular brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, and Perdue offer:

• Boneless turkey breasts up to 7 pounds
• Bone-in turkey breasts up to 16 pounds

So if you are feeding a crowd, you have plenty of large turkey breast options!

Tips for Buying the Right Size

Follow these tips to buy the perfect turkey breast size for your holiday meal or gathering:

• Count your guests and think about appetites.
• Check your recipe for boneless vs. bone-in and weight.
• Decide if you want lots of leftovers or just a bit extra.
• Look at the turkey breast size options available.
• Order larger speciality turkey breasts ahead of time if needed.
• Remember bone-in breasts weigh more than boneless.

Can I Use Turkey Breast Instead of a Whole Turkey?

Absolutely! Many home cooks prefer using just a turkey breast over a whole bird. Here are some of the benefits:

• Easier to cook – Shorter roast time since turkey breasts are smaller and quicker to thaw. Fits easily in most pans.

• Easier to carve – Turkey breast has the white and dark meat neatly in one cut, unlike whole turkeys.

• Less waste – No need to deal with excess wings, legs, etc.

• Feeds fewer people – Ideal if you have a smaller gathering. A whole turkey is overkill for just 4-6 guests.

• Moist and tender – The breast meat roasts up juicy, especially if brined first.

So turkey breast is a great choice if you don’t want to wrestle a 15 lb bird into the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the average turkey breast?

On average, turkey breasts weigh between 4-6 lbs bone-in and 2-4 lbs boneless. But sizes can range from 3 lbs up to 16 lbs depending on the turkey.

How many people will a 5 lb turkey breast feed?

As a general guideline:

• 4 people = 2 lb turkey breast
• 8 people = 4 lb turkey breast
• 10 people = 5 lb turkey breast
• 16 people = 8 lb turkey breast

Portion sizes depend on appetite as well!

What size turkey breast do I need for 12 adults?

For 12 average adults with minimal leftovers, we recommend a 16-18 lb bone-in turkey breast. To have ample leftovers, get two 10-12 lb bone-in breasts.

Is a turkey breast as good as a whole turkey?

Many cooks think turkey breast is even better! The breast meat is the most prized part – big, juicy, and perfect for carving. It’s easier to cook than a whole bird too.