How to Cook Turkey That Falls Off the Bone – The Secret to Moist, Tender Meat

Cooking a turkey with moist, tender meat that falls off the bone may seem intimidating, especially for holiday meals like Thanksgiving. But it’s actually quite simple with the right technique! In this article, I’ll explain how to roast a turkey so it turns out juicy and flavorful every time.

Why You Want Fall Off the Bone Turkey

Turkey that falls off the bone results in a few key benefits:

• Moist, juicy meat – Cooked correctly the meat stays succulent and does not dry out.

• Tender texture – Long slow roasting times break down fibers for a meltingly tender bite.

• Flavorful – Juices are retained, infusing the meat with savory flavor. Crispy seasoned skin provides added taste.

• Impressive presentation – Carving beautiful, plump slices of turkey that gracefully slide off the bone captivates your guests.

So if you want the best texture and taste, aim for poultry that falls off the bone. Let’s look at how to achieve this.

The Secret To Tender, Fall Off the Bone Turkey

Cooking method and temperature are key. High dry oven heat can make turkey meat tough and dry. The trick is to use lower heat while retaining moisture.

There are two surefire methods to get fall off the bone results:

Method 1 – Roast Uncovered at Low Temp

• Roast turkey uncovered at 300°F to 325°F.

• Cook for 8-10 hours for a 10-15 lb turkey. Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe 165°F temperature internally.

• Baste turkey every 30 minutes with broth or pan juices to prevent drying out.

Method 2 – Braise Turkey Covered

• Brown turkey pieces first in broth, then cover and braise at 300°F.

• For bone-in pieces, braise approximately 1-2 hours until tender.

• Keeping the turkey covered retains moisture for juicy meat.

Both methods use relatively low heat while keeping the turkey moist. This allows connective tissue to break down slowly over time, resulting in super tender, fall off the bone meat.

Tricks and Tips

• Brine the turkey – Soaking it overnight in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned, moist meat.

• Spatchcock turkey – Removing the backbone and flattening the bird promotes even cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer – This avoids overcooking and ensures the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Let turkey rest before carving – Allowing it to sit after roasting allows juices to redistribute for moister meat. Slice after resting.

• Use low heat if reheating – High heat makes leftover turkey dry. Reheat gently with broth or gravy to keep it tender.

Common Turkey Roasting Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey to fall off the bone perfection:

What size turkey is best?

12-15 pounds is ideal. Larger birds cook unevenly. Calculate 1 pound per person, plus extra.

How long should I roast it?

Whole turkeys take roughly 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F oven temperature. So a 12 lb turkey roasts about 3 hours.

What is the minimum internal temperature?

Cook until the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F minimum for food safety.

Should I brine the turkey?

Brining is highly recommended! It ensures seasoned, moist meat that retains juices.

What’s the best roasting pan setup?

Use a rack inside a deep pan with low sides. Add broth/wine to generate moisture. Tent foil over it.

Recap – How to Cook Turkey That Falls Off the Bone

Here’s a quick summary of the tips for juicy, tender turkey with meat that falls off the bone:

• Prep turkey by thawing, trimming, brining, and drying skin
• Roast uncovered at 300°F – 325°F for 15-20 minutes per pound
• Or braise bone-in pieces low and slow at 300°F until tender
• Keep turkey moist by basting, braising, or tenting foil
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F breast and 175°F thighs
• Let turkey rest at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices

Follow these simple guidelines for mouthwateringly moist turkey with a tender bite you can sink your teeth into. The minimal hands-on time frees you up to focus on side dishes and entertaining your guests. I hope you’ll give this easy method a try for your next holiday meal or romantic dinner!