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Cooking split bone turkey, or split turkey breast, as it's more commonly known, lets you cook up a protein-rich main dish that's low in fat and cholesterol in a fraction of the time that it takes to cook a whole turkey. Since the breasts are split, it makes the meat more manageable; leaving the bone in helps retain more moisture and flavor. With either grilling them or roasting them, successfully cooking moist split turkey breasts depends on watching the clock and monitoring the meat’s internal temperature.
Grilling
Set your grill up for indirect grilling by turning only one burner on for a two-burner gas grill or turning the front and rear burners on for a grill with three or more burners. If you're using a charcoal grill, rake the coals on either side of the center, placing a drip pan in the center to catch any drips.
Preheat your grill on medium or medium-high to reach a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the grill is hot, brush the grates to remove any debris and lightly oil them or spray them with cooking spray.
Pat the turkey dry and season it with your favorite dry rub, herbs or seasonings.
Place the turkey on the hot grill with the skin side facing up. Grill the split turkey breasts for 75 to 90 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the meatiest part reads 165 F.
Remove the turkey from the grill and transfer it to a platter or cutting board.
Roasting
Preheat your oven to 425 F. While the oven is heating up, create a spice paste by mashing garlic with salt, pepper and any other seasonings that you prefer, such as fresh herbs or citrus zest.
Place the turkey on a baking sheet lined with foil or in a roasting pan that's been sprayed with cooking spray, with the rib side facing down. Roast the split breasts for about 50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165 F.
Take the turkey breasts out of the oven and place them on a carving board or platter.
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References
- Almost Meatless: Recipes That Are Better for Your Health and the Planet; Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond
- BBQ USA: 425 Fiery Recipes from All Across America; Steven Raichlen
- Handy Mom's Guide: Grilling, the Fast, Easy Way to Smokin' Meals; Catherine Mayhew
- Food Porn Daily: The Cookbook; Amanda Simpson
- Sarah's Cucina Bella: Roasted Lemon Rosemary Split Turkey Breast
- Chicago Tribune Lifestyles: All-American Dish
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays
- Real Simple: How to Set Up Direct and Indirect Heat
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures
Writer Bio
Caryn Anderson combines extensive behind-the-scenes writing experience with her passion for all things food, fashion, garden and travel. Bitten by the travel bug at the age of 15 after a trip to Europe, Anderson fostered her love of style and fashion while living in New York City and earning her degree at New York University.
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