Yesterday I was at Costco and bought one of their pre-cooked turkey breasts. Its located in the meats/prepared food section. I’ve seen good things said about it on these Q threads over the years, so I’ve decided to give it a try.
It doesnt have heating instructions on the packaging. How would you heat this up, specifically, what temp and for how long? Its just under 4 pounds. Or. Would you cut it up and heat the slices in the microwave? Would you cover it in some way to keep the moisture in?
For Thanksgiving brunch, we’re going out. In the afternoon or evening, we’ll come home and watch football. Additionally, when you go out, you don’t have the chance to eat leftovers later on or in the days to come. I thought that we could heat this up and have available as a way of having leftovers. I will also make a few sides too.
Precooked turkey breast can be a handy shortcut for whipping up an easy yet delicious weeknight dinner or holiday meal. But to get the best results when reheating a precooked turkey breast, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines Here’s what you need to know to reheat a precooked turkey breast so that it turns out juicy, flavorful and delicious every time
Thawing a Frozen Precooked Turkey Breast
Many precooked turkey breasts are sold frozen, so the first step is properly thawing the meat if you purchased a frozen version Here are your options for safely thawing a frozen precooked turkey breast
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Refrigerator thawing The preferred method is thawing the turkey breast gradually in the refrigerator, Allow about 24 hours of thaw time per 4-5 pounds of turkey breast Place the frozen meat on a tray or pan to catch any drips as it thaws
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Cold water thawing: If you’re pressed for time, you can submerge the frozen turkey breast in its airtight packaging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes per pound. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
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Microwave thawing: Only thaw in the microwave if you plan to cook the turkey breast immediately after, as this method can lead to uneven thawing. Check your microwave’s user manual for timing guidelines based on the wattage.
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Cooking frozen: You can cook a frozen turkey breast without thawing first, but it will take at least 50% longer. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator or cold water first.
Seasoning and Preparing the Turkey Breast
Precooked turkey breast may come pre-seasoned, but you can also add your own touch:
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Season the meat: Rub the turkey breast with dried herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, thyme or your own blend.
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Flavor the liquid: If baking the breast, add herbs, spices or citrus to the water in the bottom of the pan.
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Make a glaze: Baste the turkey breast as it cooks with a sweet, savory or tangy glaze.
Most precooked turkey breasts come with a roasting bag. To use:
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Place the seasoned turkey breast in the bag, seal and place on a roasting pan.
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Add 1 cup water to the bottom of the pan.
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For crisper skin, tent foil loosely over the bag instead of sealing it.
Oven Roasting Times for Precooked Turkey Breast
The oven roasting method keeps precooked turkey breast juicy and flavorful. Use these USDA approximate roasting times as a guide:
- 4 to 8 lbs: 1.5 – 3 hours
- 8 to 12 lbs: 2.75 – 3 hours
- 12 to 14 lbs: 3 – 3.75 hours
The turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on roasting times alone. Stuffing can cause uneven cooking, so it’s best to cook stuffing separately if desired.
Reheating Tips
To reheat precooked turkey breast leftovers:
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Slice the turkey breast and reheat slices individually in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warm, about 5-10 minutes.
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Chop or slice the turkey breast and add it to soups, salads, sandwiches and more. The residual heat from the hot ingredients will rewarm the turkey.
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For maximum moisture, reheat sliced turkey breast in turkey gravy, chicken broth or sauce.
Troubleshooting Precooked Turkey Breast
Follow these tips if your reheated precooked turkey breast turns out dry or unevenly cooked:
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness instead of overcooking.
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Let the turkey breast rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Add liquid to the roasting pan and baste the turkey breast frequently.
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Tent foil over the breast while roasting to prevent it from drying out.
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Cook stuffing separately to prevent uneven cooking.
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Thaw larger turkey breasts for longer in the refrigerator to prevent the center from still being frozen.
Serving Ideas for Precooked Turkey Breast
Precooked turkey breast has an amazing versatility. Slice it for sandwiches, dice it for salads and soups, or serve it whole for an impressive entree. Pair it with sides like:
- Hearty bread stuffing or wild rice pilaf
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or sweet potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole
- Fresh cranberry sauce or fruit compote
- Tangy gravy or chimichurri sauce
Get creative with leftovers too. Turkey breast makes fantastic sandwiches, wraps, omelets and more!
The Benefits of Choosing Precooked Turkey Breast
Precooked turkey breast offers several advantages:
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Convenience: It cooks up faster than raw turkey since it’s already fully cooked.
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Less mess: No dealing with raw poultry and splattering grease.
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Portion control: Purchase exactly how much turkey you need.
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Food safety: Precooked turkey just needs to be reheated to safe temperatures.
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Lean protein: Turkey breast is a healthier protein choice with less fat than red meat.
So next time you need an easy, flavorful and protein-packed entree, turn to convenient precooked turkey breast. Follow this guide for thawing, seasoning, roasting times, serving ideas, troubleshooting tips and more. With proper reheating, precooked turkey breast can deliver a tender, delicious meal on your table in under an hour.
Re: Costco Pre Cooked Turkey Breast
This sounds like a great idea! I would warm it on very low. 200 degrees, or even put it in my crockpot on low. No more than 30 minutes total. You could also use chicken broth as a heat bath to keep it moist. Good luck!.
How to Reheat a Fully Cooked Turkey Breast | Step by Step
FAQ
How long to cook an already cooked turkey breast?
How do you cook a precooked turkey without drying it out?
How do I cook a precooked Jennie O’ turkey breast?
How long do you cook a pre cooked turkey breast?
You should cook pre-cooked turkey breast at a temperature of 325 F in the oven, a method called roasting, according to the USDA. As for how long you need to reheat pre-cooked turkey breast in the oven, it depends on the size of the meat. A small turkey roast may take about an hour and a half, while larger ones can take over three hours.
How long do you cook a pre cooked turkey?
To heat up a pre-cooked turkey, the USDA recommends cooking it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the turkey has reached this temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving and serving. Use this chart to estimate the cooking time for your already-cooked turkey:
How long does it take to cook a frozen turkey breast?
In this Instant Pot recipe, a frozen 2 to 3 pound boneless turkey breast will be cooked in approximately 65 minutes, plus time to come to pressure, an additional 15 to 20 minutes. A thawed turkey breast of the same size will be cooked in 25 minutes. Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should be 165°F.