How to Heat a Precooked Turkey Breast Perfectly Every Time

Heating up a precooked turkey breast is a great way to enjoy delicious turkey flavor without spending hours preparing and cooking the bird. Precooked turkey breasts are fully cooked when you purchase them, so all you need to do is warm them up gently to serve. With a few simple tips, you can heat your precooked turkey breast perfectly so it stays juicy, tender and full of flavor.

Things You’ll Need

• Precooked turkey breast
• Roasting pan or baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Instant-read thermometer

Prep the Turkey Breast

• Start by taking the turkey breast out of the refrigerator and removing any packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels.
• Let the breast come closer to room temperature while you preheat the oven. This helps it heat more evenly.

Choose Your Heating Method

You have a few different options when it comes to heating your precooked turkey breast, The method you choose depends on factors like the size of the breast and how soon you want to eat,

Oven

Heating the turkey breast in the oven is a great hands-off option. The hot, dry air of the oven gently warms the breast while adding nice browning.

To oven-heat:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Add 1⁄2 cup water to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist.
• Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
• Heat for 10-15 minutes per pound, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
• For example, a 3 lb breast would need 30-45 minutes in the oven.

Stovetop

You can also use the stovetop to quickly heat up sliced turkey breast for sandwiches or wraps

To stovetop-heat

• Choose a skillet or sauté pan large enough to hold the turkey breast slices in a single layer.
• Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium heat.
• Add the sliced turkey breast and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until hot.

Microwave

The microwave works well for quickly heating up a few slices of turkey breast. Just take care not to overcook the meat.

To microwave:

• Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
• Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice, until hot throughout.
• Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer to confirm it’s 165°F.

Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker is an easy way to gently heat a whole turkey breast. The low, moist heat keeps the meat tender.

To slow cook:

• Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker and add 1⁄2 cup water.
• Cook on LOW for 1-2 hours until heated through (165°F).
• You can also add seasonings, broth or sauce to add extra flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to check doneness rather than cooking time. Cooking times can vary.
• If the turkey breast has a pop-up timer, make sure it has popped up before removing from heat.
• Let the breast rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
• Cover and refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours. Use within 3-4 days.
• Warm leftovers in the microwave, slow cooker, oven or on the stovetop using the techniques above.

Precooked turkey breasts are a quick and convenient way to enjoy juicy, delicious turkey taste anytime. With these simple heating methods, you can serve up tender, flavorful turkey breast for meals or sandwiches. Just heat slowly and gently to preserve the moisture. An instant-read thermometer ensures you heat the meat to a safe internal temperature without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to heat a whole precooked turkey breast?

The oven and slow cooker are the best options for heating a whole turkey breast while keeping it tender and moist. The slow, gentle heat warms the meat through without drying it out.

Should I cover the turkey breast while heating?

Yes, covering the breast helps seal in moisture as it heats. Use foil for oven heating and the slow cooker lid when using a crockpot.

How can I tell when the turkey breast is done heating?

An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If it has a pop-up timer, make sure it has popped.

How long does it take to heat a 5 lb turkey breast?

In the oven at 325°F, allow 50-75 minutes for a 5 lb turkey breast to heat through to 165°F. In the slow cooker, it will need 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours on LOW.

Can I reheat turkey breast slices in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat sliced turkey breast in the microwave. Place in a single layer and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice until hot. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer.

What’s the best way to reheat turkey breast leftovers?

You can reheat leftovers using any of the moist-heat methods like the oven, slow cooker, stovetop or microwave. Just heat gently until hot, checking temperature with a thermometer. Avoid overcooking.

How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge?

Cooked turkey can be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days. Slice turkey breast before storing so it cools quickly. Reheat leftovers within this timeframe.

Can I freeze precooked turkey breast?

Absolutely. Precooked turkey breast can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Frozen uncooked turkey can keep 6-9 months.

What’s the internal temperature for reheated turkey?

Just like when cooking raw turkey, you want to reheat precooked turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. This ensures it is safe to eat.

Conclusion

Heating up a precooked turkey breast is simple with these foolproof methods. Whether you opt for the steady heat of the oven, convenient slow cooker or quick microwave, the keys are gentle, low temperatures and relying on an instant-read thermometer to prevent overcooking. In no time, you’ll be able to enjoy juicy, delicious turkey breast meals and leftovers with minimal effort.