Perhaps the most important decision any Thanksgiving host has to make is what size bird to get. That answer relies on how much turkey per person you need. It’s true that some uncles bogart more turkey than is fair or that there are vegetarians who only eat vegetable side dishes, but overall, it’s best to estimate generously so that your guests will be fed and you’ll have enough leftover turkey for later. Check out our best turkey sandwich recipes and our guide on how to reheat turkey when you’re ready for round two the following day.
And Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without all the traditional sides. We also tell you how many side dishes to anticipate:
Ah, the age-old question that plagues turkey-lovers everywhere: how much of that frozen bird is actually delicious breast meat? Well, fret no more, my fellow poultry enthusiasts, for I have delved into the depths of the internet to uncover the answer to this burning question.
The Answer: It’s Complicated
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this query. The amount of breast meat on a 12-pound turkey can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The breed of the turkey: Different breeds have different proportions of meat, and some are known for having larger breasts than others.
- The age of the turkey: Younger turkeys tend to have more tender and juicy meat, but they may also have a smaller proportion of breast meat compared to older turkeys.
- How the turkey was raised: Free-range turkeys that have been allowed to roam and forage tend to have more muscle development, which can result in a higher proportion of breast meat.
- How the turkey was processed: Some processors trim more fat and skin off of the turkey, which can affect the overall weight of the bird and the proportion of breast meat.
Averages and Estimates
Despite the variability, there are some general averages and estimates that can give you a rough idea of how much breast meat you can expect from a 12-pound turkey. According to the USDA the average yield for the whole turkey (meat and skin) is 53%, and for the breast is 63%. This means that a 12-pound turkey would have about 6.4 pounds of breast meat.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate. The actual amount of breast meat you get could be higher or lower, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Other Considerations
When estimating the amount of breast meat on a 12-pound turkey, it’s also important to consider the following:
- Do you want the skin on or off? The skin adds weight, so if you remove it, you’ll have less overall meat.
- Do you want to remove the bones? Boneless breast meat is more expensive than bone-in breast meat, but it’s also easier to cook and carve.
The Bottom Line
The amount of breast meat on a 12-pound turkey can vary, but you can expect to get around 6.4 pounds of breast meat on average. When estimating the amount of meat, consider whether you want the skin on or off and whether you want to remove the bones.
Additional Resources
- Ask MetaFilter: How much of a frozen turkey’s weight is in the breast/meat?
- Thanksgiving math: How much to buy, how long to cook, how many it feeds
What if I’m serving a large crowd?
Of course, every rule has an exception. Purchasing a 12- to 14-pound turkey and a breast is a better option if you’re cooking for a crowd larger than 16, as larger turkeys tend to dry out before they’re fully cooked. Prepare and bake the entire turkey on the top rack and the breast on the bottom rack of your oven.
- Two turkeys, one 12- to 14-pound whole and one 6- to 10-pound bone-in breast
- Dry mix stuffing (36 oz)
- Potatoes (10 lbs)
- Sweet potatoes (10 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce (four 14-oz cans)
- Pie (3–4)
- Brussels sprouts (4.5 lbs)
- Green beans (6 lbs)
How much turkey per person do I need?
It is advisable to allocate one pound of turkey per person or ½ pound of boneless turkey breast per person. If youre buying a bone-in turkey breast, figure on 3/4 pound per person.
- Whole turkey (8 lbs)
- Dry mix stuffing (12 oz)
- Potatoes (4 lbs)
- Sweet potatoes (4 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce (two 14-oz cans)
- Pie (1–2)
- Brussels sprouts (1.5 lbs)
- Green beans (2 lbs)
- Whole turkey (16 lbs)
- Dry mix stuffing (24 oz)
- Potatoes (8 lbs)
- Sweet potatoes (8 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce (three 14-oz cans)
- Pie (2–3)
- Brussels sprouts (3 lbs)
- Green beans (4 lbs)
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
How much meat do you get from a 12 pound turkey?
How much breast meat is in a turkey?
What is the yield of a cooked turkey breast?
How big of a turkey breast do I need for 12?
How much Turkey do you need to cook a turkey breast?
Let’s say that your guest list consists of four people. Five pounds of turkey (with the bone still in) would be about right. Therefore, if you’ve got to serve eight people, then you would need 10 pounds. If you don’t have time to break down a whole turkey for the breasts, you can smoke a butteball turkey.
How much cooked turkey meat does a 15 pound turkey eat?
So, you can expect approximately 9.75 pounds of cooked turkey meat from your 15-pound raw turkey. FAQs? Q1. Can I adjust the yield percentage based on my preferences?
How much turkey breast should you buy for a party?
Essentially, if you’ll be serving four people, you should plan on purchasing 5 pounds of bone-in turkey breast. For a party of eight, boost the total yield to 10 pounds. If your party consists of 10 people, purchase 13 pounds of bone-in meat.
How much turkey breast do you need for a Thanksgiving dinner?
So if you have 16 guests (including you) coming to dinner, you will need an 8 pound turkey breast. There are a few other factors that you can take into account when calculating how much turkey breast you should serve per person and whether they like white meat or dark meat, you will want to make sure you have enough food on your Thanksgiving menu.