How to Carve a Turkey

If you are new to cooking a whole turkey then when it is time to carve the turkey can seem overwhelming. We are here to show you step-by-step instructions so you lock in the juices and keep the turkey tender.

All you need is a sharp knife and a large cutting board to carve the turkey to impress your family and friends this holiday. Make sure to check out these 57 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes as there is many ways to prepare a turkey.

Is There a Wrong Way to Carve a Turkey?

Yes, there is a wrong way to carve a turkey. Not following these steps could result in your turkey to be dry. Make sure to let your turkey rest after removing from the oven.

Always make sure to start with a sharp knife so the turkey easily slices so you do not tear the meat. You want to also make sure to slice the turkey against the grain.

Ingredients

• Roasted Whole Turkey – Choose the size that you need to feed your family. We usually plan on 1 lb of turkey per person. This ensures that you have leftovers.
• Sharp Large Knife or Electric Knife – We like using a carving knife to easily cut the turkey in long strokes.

How to Carve a Turkey

Step 1 – Let the turkey rest at room temperature before cutting for approximately 20-30 minutes after removing from the oven. This will make sure that the turkey is juicy and to cool off slightly so that you can easily cut it (don’t skip this step). 

Step 2 – Pull the legs of the turkey back and away from the body of the turkey and pull until you hear the thigh bones pop on the turkey. Cut the legs (thighs and drumsticks) off of the turkey at the point in which they connect to the turkey breasts.  Place them on a platter. 

Step 3 – Cut down both sides of the breast bones on the turkey to remove each of the turkey breasts off of the turkey.  Place the turkey breast meat on the platter. 

Step 4 – Remove the wing tips off of the turkey by pudding them away from the center and use your knife to cut them off at the joint.  There is not a ton of meat on the wings so set aside. 

• Step 5 – Remove the turkey carcass off of the cutting board.  You can save it for later or place it back in the roasting pan for now. You can use the carcass and make turkey broth.

Step 6 – Place each of the thighs and drumsticks set back onto the cutter board. Pull them each apart at the joint so that you have 2 pieces, the thigh and drumsticks. 

Step 7 – Slice the turkey off around the thigh meat by cutting around the thigh bone and slice the remaining turkey.  Return the sliced turkey back to the platter.  Leave the drumsticks whole and return them back to the serving platter as well. 

Step 8 – Place the turkey breasts on your cutting board with the skin up and slice against the grain, cut the turkey into approximately ¼ inch thick slices.  Return this sliced turkey breast back to the serving platter. 

Step 9 – Then your turkey is ready to serve and enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Preparing to Carve Turkey – We like to place our cooked turkey on a carving board. Have your carving fork and a Sharp Chef’s Knife close by so you are ready to carve the turkey after it has rested.
• Butcher’s Twine – Use the tip of the knife to remove the twine to release the legs and face them towards you to prepare to begin carving the turkey.
• Paper Towels – We like to have paper towels nearby to clean up any spills after carving the turkey.
• Plating the Carved Turkey – You can arrange the carved turkey pieces however you prefer on a serving platter. We recommend placing the sliced breast white meat and the drumsticks in the center of the platter. The surround the platter with the remaining meat. We like to add in fresh herbs, slice lemons and berries just make an impressive platter.

Serving Suggestions

This Thanksgiving Turkey is delicious served immediately with your favorite 51 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes. These are some of our favorites.

• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken
• 30 Minute Dinner Rolls

Frequently Asked Questions