How to Carve a Turkey (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Learning how to carve a turkey is easier than you think! My step-by-step tutorial is here to help you along the way. Impress your guests with your beautifully carved turkey.

What to Know Before Carving a Turkey

Before you start carving your turkey, there are a few things you need to know! Follow my tips below so you’re prepped and ready to go before you cut into your beautiful bird.

• Let it Rest: It’s important to let your turkey rest before carving! Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making it super juicy and easier to carve.
• Gather the Tools: You’ll need a sharp carving knife, a carving fork, a large cutting board with grooves to help catch juices, and a platter for serving.
• Position the Turkey Breast Side Up: Place the turkey breast side up on the cutting board. If it’s large, you might want to stabilize it by placing a kitchen towel underneath.
• Locate the Turkey Parts: I labeled the turkey and where to locate the pieces you will be cutting, carving, and removing. It’s super helpful if you’ve never carved a turkey before!
• Remove the Twine: Use a pair of kitchen shears to snip the twine holding the legs together!

Let’s Get Carving!

Carving a turkey can be intimidating, but I promise you it’s easier than it looks! Once you locate the pieces on the turkey, it’s easy to see where to carve. Follow my tutorial below to help you along the way.

Remove the Legs

1. Locate the Leg: The leg contains two parts: the drumstick and the thigh. Start by cutting through the skin between the leg and the body. Bend the leg away from the body to find the joint, then cut through it to remove the leg. Repeat on the other side.
2. Separate the Thigh from the Drumstick: Identify the joint between the thigh and the drumstick. Cut through the joint to separate them.

Carve and Slice the Breasts

3. Cut Down the Center: Make a long, even cut down one side of the center of the breastbone.
4. Follow the Curve of the Bone: Slice down to the rib cage, then follow the curve of the bone.
5. Remove the Breast: Cut through and remove the breast completely from the bone. Repeat on the other side.
6. Slice the Breast Meat: Slice the breast meat into even pieces against the grain. Aim for about ½ inch thick.

Remove the Wings

7. Cut Off the Wings: Hold the wing with one hand, and cut off the wings on both sides of the turkey using your knife.

Ready to Plate and Serve

Now that you have your turkey pieces separated and removed from the turkey carcass, it’s time to arrange it on a platter and serve!

Recipes Using Leftover Turkey

There are SO many ways to use up your leftover turkey! It’s like the meal that keeps on giving. Use your leftover turkey in these tasty recipes that your family will enjoy all week long!