Where to Buy a Boneless Turkey Breast: Your Guide to Finding the Best Deals

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be looking for the perfect boneless turkey breast to serve your family. A boneless turkey breast is an excellent option for smaller gatherings and those who don’t want to deal with carving a whole bird. They cook quicker than a whole turkey and provide plenty of delicious white meat without any fuss. But where exactly can you find the best boneless turkey breast to buy? This guide will walk you through the different places you can buy a boneless turkey breast and help you find the best options for your needs and budget.

Grocery Stores

Your local grocery store is always a safe bet for finding a boneless turkey breast. Most major grocery chains like Kroger Safeway, Publix, etc. will carry boneless turkey breasts in the weeks leading up to the holidays. You can usually find turkey breasts in the frozen meat section, though some stores may also have fresh options in the refrigerated poultry area.

Grocery store turkey breasts are convenient since you can buy them during your normal shopping trip. The selection may be more limited compared to warehouse clubs or specialty stores, but you’ll find all the major brands like Butterball, Honeysuckle, Shady Brook Farms, and Norbest Grocery stores often run specials on turkey breasts during the holidays, so keep an eye out for sales and promotions.

The average price for a boneless turkey breast at the grocery store runs $2.99 to $4.99 per pound. The exact price will vary depending on the size, brand, and whether the turkey is basted or not. Going with a store brand vs. name brand can save you a little money at the grocery store.

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse stores like Costco Sam’s Club and BJ’s are great options for buying turkey breasts at bulk pricing. These stores carry large pack sizes, often 4-6 pounds or more per breast, that are perfect for feeding a crowd. The warehouses’ buying power means you’ll pay less per pound compared to other retailers.

You can expect to pay around $2.49 to $3.49 per pound for a boneless turkey breast at a warehouse club. They stock well-known national brands as well as their own Kirkland, Member’s Mark, and Wellsley store brands. Sales and instant savings around the holidays can bring costs down even more.

The one downside to warehouse turkey breasts is you may have to buy a larger size breast than you need. If you’re only cooking for a few people, consider splitting a breast with a friend or carving and freezing the extra meat.

Specialty Grocers

If you’re looking for premium or organic turkey breasts, check your local specialty grocer like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Earth Fare. These stores offer higher-end turkey breast options from brands committed to sustainability, humane raising practices, and avoidance of antibiotics or hormones.

Expect to pay more for the specialty turkey breasts – $4.99 to $7.99 per pound is common. But you’re getting a high-quality product from humanely-raised turkeys. This is a smart route if you don’t mind spending extra for premium meat.

Butcher Shops & Local Farms

For the freshest turkey breast available, look to your local butcher shop or meat market. Many butcher shops source their turkeys from nearby farms and provide custom cutting options. Or check to see if any farms in your area sell direct-to-consumer turkey breasts.

You’ll pay a premium price at the butcher or farm, often $5.99 to $9.99 per pound. However, you’re getting expert service and the freshest, most local turkey possible. This is great if you want to know exactly where your turkey came from.

Online Mail Order

Several online retailers sell uncooked turkey breasts and ship them frozen directly to your door. This includes online grocery services like FreshDirect and subscription meat purveyors like ButcherBox.

Online mail order turkey allows you to buy only what you need and skip the grocery store, but prices are higher. Expect to spend $7.99 to $11.99 per pound after you factor in shipping costs. Order early to ensure delivery by your desired date.

Prepared Turkey Breasts

If you want fully-cooked turkey for quick heating and serving, look for prepared boneless turkey breast entrees sold chilled or frozen. Brands like Butterball, Maple Leaf Farms, and Plainville offer ready-to-eat sliced turkey breasts, turkey roasts, and turkey fillets.

Prepared turkey breast products provide convenience at a cost – $4.99 to $9.99 per pound is standard. They’re great time-savers for a no-fuss holiday meal, but expect to pay a little more. Check the fridge or freezer aisles at grocery and warehouse stores to find these.

How Much Boneless Turkey Breast to Buy

A good rule of thumb when buying boneless turkey breasts is 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. For a group of 8 people, plan on purchasing an 8-pound boneless turkey breast. If you want leftovers, add 1-2 extra pounds.

The exact amount needed also depends on if you’ll serve the turkey breast whole or slice it up. Sliced or cube turkey breast can stretch further as part of sandwiches, salads, and other leftovers.

Make sure to account for any weight loss that occurs during cooking. Boneless turkey breasts shrink by 25-30%, so an 8-pound raw breast yields only 5-6 pounds cooked.

Choosing the Best Boneless Turkey Breast

Follow these tips when selecting the perfect boneless turkey breast:

• Check the size – Make sure to pick a breast large enough to feed your group with some extras. Erring on the larger side is better than having too little.

• Look for even color – The breast should be pale pink to white in color without dark bruising or blood spots.

• Observe the skin – The skin should be creamy white and intact, not torn or blemished.

• Feel the firmness – Opt for a firmer breast that still feels flexible versus completely hard.

• Watch the sell-by date – Pick a turkey breast with a sell-by date that allows 3-5 days to cook and serve it.

• Read the label – Check ingredients for basting solutions, enhancers, etc. if you want a plain turkey flavor.

• Consider certified brands – USDA Organic, American Humane Certified, and other certifications indicate responsible raising practices.

Storing Your Boneless Turkey Breast

Proper storage preserves freshness and prevents spoilage of your turkey breast:

• Store turkey breast in original packaging until ready to thaw or cook. This maintains quality and prevents freezer burn.

• Keep raw turkey breast refrigerated at 40° F or below and use within 1-2 days of thawing. Cook or refreeze within this timeframe.

• Freeze extra turkey breast in an airtight freezer bag or wrapped in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep 6-12 months in the freezer (0° F).

• Refrigerate cooked turkey breast tightly wrapped and use within 3-4 days. Slice turkey makes the best leftovers.

• Divide turkey into smaller portions before freezing cooked turkey for longer storage. Defrost only what you plan to eat.

Following safe handling and storage methods ensures your turkey breast stays fresh and ready to enjoy.

Recipes to Make with Leftover Turkey

Leftover boneless turkey breast provides the building blocks for all kinds of amazing recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover turkey meat:

• Turkey sandwiches – Sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and mayo on bread. Add cranberry sauce or stuffing for extra flavor.

• Turkey salad – Shredded turkey mixed with mayo, celery, dried cranberries, and nuts makes a tasty lunch.

• Turkey noodle soup – Pull apart turkey and simmer with veggies, broth, pasta or rice noodles.

• Turkey tetrazzini – A casserole with spaghetti, turkey, mushrooms, peas, Parmesan, and a creamy sauce.

• Turkey enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with diced turkey, beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce.

• Turkey breakfast casserole – Combine turkey, eggs, cheese, veggies, and potatoes for a hearty morning meal.

• Turkey pot pie – Make a creamy filling with veggies, turkey, and gravy topped with pie crust.

• Turkey chili – Swap ground beef for ground turkey in your favorite chili recipe.

Get creative with leftover turkey to avoid wasting any of that delicious meat!

Get the Best Boneless Turkey Breast for Your Holiday

From grocery stores to specialty shops, you have lots of options when looking where to buy a boneless turkey breast. Consider how many people you need to serve, your budget, and preferences like organic or locally-raised to decide the best source. Proper thawing, handling, and storage will ensure your turkey breast is the star attraction at your holiday table. With a little planning, you’ll serve the perfect boneless turkey breast this season!