How to Heat Up a Fully Cooked Smoked Turkey Breast Perfectly Every Time

Smoked turkey breast offers incredible convenience – it’s fully cooked and packed with delicious smoky flavor. But properly reheating pre-cooked smoked turkey can be tricky. With the wrong method you risk dry overcooked meat.

Follow this simple guide to learn foolproof techniques for heating fully cooked smoked turkey breast in the oven, on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. You’ll have moist, tender turkey with wonderful smoky aroma ready to slice and serve

Why Reheat Smoked Turkey Breast?

Fully cooked smoked turkey breast is sold vacuum sealed or loosely wrapped. It’s safe to eat straight from the package, but for best texture and flavor, take a few minutes to reheat it before serving.

Benefits of reheating smoked turkey breast

• Improves moisture content – Heating allows juices to redistribute.

• Intensifies smoky flavor – Warming helps bring out the lovely smoky taste.

• Makes it easier to slice – Warm turkey slices neatly, unlike cold meat.

• Allows for quick meal prep – Turn leftovers into sandwiches, salads, etc.

Oven Method for Reheating Smoked Turkey Breast

The oven does a great job gently and evenly reheating large whole smoked turkey breasts:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Place turkey breast in a baking dish or shallow roasting pan.

• Cover tightly with aluminum foil. This steams the turkey as it warms.

• Roast about 15-20 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

• Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.

The foil cover is key for preventing the delicate white meat from drying out. For extra moisture, add 1/2 cup broth or water to the baking pan before reheating.

Quick Stovetop Technique

For reheating smaller slices or portions of smoked turkey breast, the stovetop offers quick results:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil if needed.

• Place turkey pieces in the pan. Cook about 3-5 minutes per side, turning once.

• Check internal temperature, it should reach 140°F when done.

• Let rest a few minutes before serving.

The direct stovetop heat evenly warms the turkey slices without overcooking them.

Slow Cooker Method

A slow cooker makes easy work of reheating sliced or shredded smoked turkey breast:

• Place turkey in slow cooker insert. Add 1/2 cup broth or water.

• Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours.

• Use forks to shred turkey or slice and serve.

The gentle low heat prevents the turkey breast from drying out. Infuse with extra flavor by mixing in barbecue sauce or other wet rub before cooking.

Handy Serving Ideas

Reheated smoked turkey breast is endlessly versatile. Here are tasty ways to serve it:

• Pile slices on bread or rolls for smoked turkey sandwiches. Top with cheese, lettuce, cranberry sauce.

• Dice and add to soups, chili, pasta, omelets, stuffing, and casseroles.

• Shred then mix with BBQ sauce and serve on buns for pulled turkey sliders.

• Make turkey tacos with salsa, lettuce, pepper jack cheese.

• Toss shredded turkey with buffalo sauce. Stuff in pitas with blue cheese dressing.

• Add sliced turkey to salads for a protein punch.

Storage and Food Safety Tips

Follow these guidelines to safely store and reheat smoked turkey:

• Refrigerate smoked turkey breast for up to 7 days after opening.

• Slice only the amount needed, keep the rest whole for longer shelf life.

• Freeze for up to 3 months if not using right away. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

• Reheat fully cooked smoked turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any bacteria.

• Do not re-freeze smoked turkey once reheated or after thawing. Cook within 1-2 days.

Moist and Delicious Reheated Turkey

With these simple reheating methods, you can enjoy incredibly juicy, smoky sliced turkey breast any night of the week. Whir up the leftovers for easy smoked turkey salads, sandwiches, soups and more.

Experiment with the oven, stovetop and slow cooker to find your favorite way to heat fully cooked smoked turkey breast. In no time, you’ll be serving up tender, hot turkey with awesome flavor.