The turkey is already fully cooked because it was slow-roasted. All that’s left to do is reheat and brown the bird.
In the oven – 1. Preheat oven to 350° 2. Pour a layer of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan. Cover turkey with foil and roast for 12 mintues per lb (10-12-Roasted 2-2. 5 hours/12-14-Smoked 2. 5-3 hours). Take off the lid and baste the bird with pan juices or butter. Roast for another half hour, or until the temperature inside the breasts reaches 165°F. (Using a leave in thermometer is best for reheating your turkey. Because every oven works a little differently, this will help you avoid a turkey that is either too cold in the middle or too cooked through. ) 3. Remove bird from oven and let rest 20-30 minutes before serving.
Reheating a fully cooked turkey can seem intimidating. After all, turkey tends to dry out quickly when reheated. With the right techniques though, you can easily reheat turkey and keep it moist and delicious.
Why Reheating a Turkey is Tricky
Turkey has very little fat compared to meats like beef or pork. This makes it prone to drying out, especially when exposed to heat twice through initial cooking and reheating. Even a fully cooked turkey that was perfectly moist right out of the oven can end up dry and stringy after reheating.
To avoid this, you need to focus on retaining and adding moisture when reheating. It’s also crucial to use the right reheating method for the size and shape of your cooked turkey. A whole roasted turkey requires a different approach than sliced turkey breast or turkey parts.
Follow these tips and you’ll have succulent, flavorful leftover turkey just like it came fresh from the oven.
Tips for Reheating Moist Turkey
Reheat at a low temperature. High heat will rapidly dry out the turkey’s exterior before the interior is warmed through. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F to gently warm the turkey.
Wrap in foil. Covering the turkey in foil helps trap moisture and steam to keep the meat tender. Make sure the foil forms a tight seal.
Use a roasting pan. A shallow roasting pan gives more surface area contact to transfer heat gently and evenly into the turkey.
Add liquid. Pouring a bit of broth, wine or even water into the pan provides moisture. Baste the turkey as it reheats.
Reheat fully. The turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F throughout to eliminate any bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Let it rest. Allow the reheated turkey to sit for 10-15 minutes before carving to let juices redistribute.
How to Reheat a Whole Turkey
For reheating a full roasted turkey:
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Let the cooked turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before heating to take the chill off.
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey in a roasting pan and brush or pour a little olive oil, chicken stock or liquid over it.
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Cover the entire turkey very tightly with aluminum foil.
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Calculate reheating time at 15 minutes per pound, or until the thickest part of breast and thighs reaches 165°F internally.
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Remove foil, baste with pan juices, and let rest 15-30 minutes before carving.
This retains moisture so even the white meat stays juicy and tender when reheated.
How to Reheat Turkey Breast
For cooked turkey breast:
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Choose an oven-safe dish just large enough to hold the turkey breast.
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Add a few tablespoons of liquid like broth or wine to the dish.
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Place turkey breast in the dish and cover tightly with foil.
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Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through to 165°F.
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Remove from oven, tent foil and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Reheat Turkey Wings or Legs
To reheat turkey pieces like wings or legs:
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Arrange pieces in a single layer in a baking dish or foil-lined sheet pan.
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Pour a bit of broth, wine or water in the bottom of the pan.
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Seal tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-25 minutes until 165°F.
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Remove foil and turn oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.
How to Reheat Sliced or Diced Turkey
For reheating sliced or diced turkey meat:
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Place turkey pieces in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil. Add a splash of broth or water.
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Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until warmed through, about 8-10 minutes.
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Add any sauces or gravies, stir to coat turkey and heat through.
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Alternatively, place turkey in a baking dish, moisten with broth, cover and bake at 350° until hot, about 15 minutes.
How to Reheat Turkey Gravy or Sauce
To reheat turkey gravy, soup or sauce:
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Pour into a saucepan and add a splash of milk, broth or water.
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Heat over medium-low, stirring often, until steaming and thickened again.
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Or transfer to a microwave-safe container, add liquid, and microwave in 30 second bursts until heated through.
Storing Leftover Turkey Safely
Be sure to store leftover turkey properly to maximize freshness and safety:
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Allow turkey to cool completely at room temperature within 2 hours of cooking.
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Carve turkey off the bone and refrigerate in shallow containers to cool quickly.
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Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for optimum quality.
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Freeze turkey in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for longer storage, up to 3 months.
Reheating and enjoying your holiday turkey doesn’t have to be difficult or result in dry meat. Follow these moist turkey reheating tips and you can savor every last morsel with pleasure.
How to Reheat a Fully Roasted Turkey | Step by Step
FAQ
How do you reheat a precooked turkey without drying it out?
How long to reheat whole food cooked turkey?
How long does it take to thaw a precooked turkey?
How do you reheat a Turkey?
Preheat the oven Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. Let the turkey come to room temperature Leave your turkey leftovers out on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating. This will return the meat to room temperature and help it reheat more evenly. 3. Carve and place in a baking tray
Can You reheat turkey breast in the oven?
The oven is a great option for reheating turkey breast because it allows you to evenly cook the meat without drying it out. To reheat turkey breast in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the turkey breast in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
How do you reheat a frozen turkey breast?
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). If the turkey breast is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Place the turkey breast on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Can You reheat a frozen turkey?
If your fully cooked turkey is frozen, it’s essential to thaw it properly before reheating. The best method is to transfer the frozen turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator at least one day in advance. Allow approximately 24 hours of defrosting time per five pounds of meat. The Oven Method: Slow & Steady Wins the Race!
How do you reheat turkey stuffing?
Turkey is not the only part of your holiday meal that you’ll want to revive. Here are tips for reheating other common leftovers: Reheat stuffing in a 350°F oven until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Place it in a baking dish and cover with foil to stop it drying out.
Should leftover Turkey be reheated?
As a rule of thumb, leftovers should be heated the same way that they were cooked. A long, slow roast got your turkey onto the Thanksgiving table, so into the oven leftovers should go for the best reheating. Follow these few rules for success.