How to Reheat a Turkey Breast for Juicy, Succulent Leftovers

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Learn how to reheat turkey with our simple cooking methods and discover the secret to keeping the meat as succulent as possible with our expert tips.

Get the most from your leftover roast turkey by learning how to reheat it so it stays succulent and delicious.Ad

Theres so much you can do with leftover turkey. It works in almost any dish that would use chicken, but as it’s such a lean meat, it can sometimes become dry, especially the breast meat. Here, we’ll talk you through the best ways to stop that happening and how to reheat turkey to enjoy again as it is or use in a new dish altogether.

Check out the foolproof turkey guide to answer all your cooking queries and plan the ultimate roast with our best ever turkey recipes.

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Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is one of the best parts of the holidays But enjoying those leftovers depends on properly reheating the turkey, especially the breast meat, which dries out easily. Follow these simple tips and techniques for reheating turkey breast so it stays incredibly juicy and delicious for days after the initial meal

Why Reheating Turkey Breast Is Tricky

Turkey breast is very lean with little fat or collagen. This makes it prone to drying out, especially when reheated improperly. Simply throwing slices of cooked turkey breast into the microwave leads to a dried out, stringy mess.

When turkey breast cools after cooking, the proteins start to seize up and squeeze moisture out. Reheating too fast causes even more of this moisture loss. The key is to reheat the breast meat gently, so the proteins can relax and reabsorb juices.

Oven Reheating for Juicy Leftover Turkey

One of the best methods for reheating turkey breast is in the oven The indirect, gentle heat lets the meat warm up gradually without overcooking the exterior

To reheat in the oven:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F

  • Place sliced turkey breast in a baking dish and add a few tablespoons of chicken or turkey broth. You can also use leftover gravy.

  • Cover the dish tightly with foil.

  • Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through 165°F.

The turkey will absorb some of the broth or gravy as it heats, keeping it super moist and tender.

Microwave Reheating Done Right

It is possible to use the microwave to reheat turkey breast if you follow a few guidelines:

  • Cut the turkey into smaller, thinner slices so it heats faster. Large thick slices overcook.

  • Arrange the turkey in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. No stacking.

  • Cover with a damp paper towel to create steam.

  • Microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals until 165°F.

Slow Stovetop Reheating for Control

For really gentle reheating, use the stovetop. This gives you control over the process.

  • Place turkey slices in a skillet or pot with a small amount of broth, gravy, or water.

  • Heat over medium-low until simmering. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

  • Check temperature and continue simmering until 165°F.

Proper Storage for Success

Storing leftovers correctly also ensures delicious reheated turkey:

  • Portion turkey into freezer bags or airtight containers right after carving.

  • Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

  • Frozen turkey keeps 2-6 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll enjoy juicy, delicious leftover turkey breast all week long. With a little TLC your leftovers will taste just-cooked fresh.

how do you reheat a turkey breast

Safety tips for reheating turkey

  • Cold, cooked turkey meat will keep in the fridge for up to four days, but always use your best judgement.
  • Always reheat cold turkey until its piping hot, not just warmed through.
  • Only reheat cooked turkey once.

How to reheat turkey

When you want to reheat leftover turkey to eat as is, these are the best options.

how do you reheat a turkey breast

Roasted Turkey Breast | Reheating Instructions

FAQ

How to reheat turkey breast without drying it out?

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  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
  2. Place turkey in a baking dish
  3. Drizzle with butter, stock, gravy, or broth
  4. Cover with foil
  5. Bake until turkey reaches 165°F, which can take about 30 minutes

How long do you cook a turkey breast that is already cooked?

DO NOT add water to the pan. Brush or spray skin with vegetable oil. Place turkey breast in 350° oven and heat until warm. 3/4 – 1.5 hours.

How to make leftover turkey breast moist?

To keep leftover turkey moist, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place the leftover meat into a baking dish, adding a few tablespoons of broth, gravy, or butter (my favorite) before reheating. Cover it tightly with foil and heat for about 20 minutes in a 300°F (150°C) oven.

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?

To reheat a frozen turkey breast, first thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, use the following methods: Oven: Preheat the oven to 300ºF, wrap it in foil or place it in a covered casserole dish, and add a couple of spoonfuls of chicken broth or gravy to moisten. Cook for 30 minutes.

How do you reheat a Turkey?

Feel free to add a pat of butter to that broth/stock, if you like. Then follow the steps for one of the following techniques for how to reheat turkey: Place similarly-sized pieces of sliced, chopped, or shredded turkey in a saucepan with a little broth or gravy. Cook, covered, over low heat until heated to 165°F, stirring occasionally.

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