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 convenient and delicious option for an easy dinner or holiday meal. With the turkey already fully cooked, you just need to reheat it properly to warm it through while keeping the meat nice and moist Follow these tips for reheating precooked turkey breast so it turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time.
How Is Precooked Turkey Breast Sold?
Precooked turkey breast is sold fully cooked so it just needs to be reheated before serving. It’s available in a few different forms:
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Whole turkey breast roast – This is an entire boneless turkey breast, ranging from around 1.5 to 5 pounds or more.
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Turkey breast slices or cutlets – These are sliced pieces of turkey breast usually around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
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Deli-style turkey breast – The breast meat is cooked, sliced and packaged deli-style.
No matter what form you buy it in, the precooked turkey breast can go straight from the fridge or freezer into the oven or skillet for a quick and easy meal.
Thawing a Frozen Turkey Breast
If you purchased a frozen precooked turkey breast, you’ll need to thaw it before reheating. Here are some safe ways to thaw:
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In the refrigerator: Allow 24 hours of thaw time for every 4-5 pounds. Place on a tray or in a pan to catch any drips.
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In cold water: Allow 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. Keep the turkey in its airtight packaging.
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In the microwave: Check your owner’s manual for timing guidelines based on the wattage of your microwave. Cook immediately after thawing.
How to Reheat a Whole Turkey Breast
A 2-3 pound whole turkey breast roast will take 45-60 minutes to reheat fully. Use these tips for the best results:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
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Tent loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan.
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Roast until heated through, 145°F internally. Check temp with a meat thermometer.
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Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise to a safe 165°F as it rests.
How to Cook Sliced or Deli Turkey Breast
For quick weeknight meals, sliced or deli turkey breast reheats in just 10-15 minutes.
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In the oven: Place slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until warm, 10-15 minutes.
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On the stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp oil or butter. Cook slices 2-3 minutes per side until browned and warmed through.
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For sandwiches: Layer slices on bread and toast in a panini press or heat in the oven directly on a baking sheet.
Tips for Reheating Moist, Juicy Turkey Breast
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying on cook times alone. Remove from heat at 140-145°F.
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Let it rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. The temperature will climb to 165°F.
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Add liquid to the pan, such as water, broth or wine. Tent with foil to keep moist.
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Avoid overcooking, as this dries out the lean turkey breast meat.
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Slice against the grain of the meat for the most tender texture.
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Add gravy or sauce to keep reheated slices moist.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Breast Last?
Properly stored, cooked turkey breast will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Sliced deli-style turkey keeps for 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze turkey breast up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen turkey breast overnight in the fridge before reheating. Don’t try to reheat turkey from frozen, as it cooks unevenly.
Serving Ideas for Precooked Turkey Breast
Beyond sandwiches, sliced turkey breast makes easy meals like:
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Salad topping – Serve over leafy greens with crunchy veggies and creamy dressing.
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Stir fry – Sauté with veggies and teriyaki sauce over rice.
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Turkey casserole – Combine with stuffing, veggies, gravy and cheese.
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Quesadillas – Top with cheese, peppers and onions for a quick quesadilla.
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Breakfast – Add to egg scrambles or wraps with cheese and veggies.
A whole turkey breast roast makes an elegant entree for holidays and special meals. Serve with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and cranberry sauce.
Common Questions about Reheating Turkey Breast
How long does it take to reheat a cooked turkey breast in the oven?
- A 2-3 pound turkey breast roast takes 45-60 minutes in a 325°F oven. Sliced turkey breast reheats in just 10-15 minutes. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness.
Can you reheat turkey breast in the microwave?
- Yes, but it tends to dry out the meat. Microwave in short bursts, checking frequently. Add a bit of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover with a damp paper towel.
What is the best way to reheat deli turkey?
- Deli-sliced turkey can be quickly warmed in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in sandwiches that are toasted or heated through.
How do you keep reheated turkey breast moist?
- Use lower heat, tent with foil, add liquid to the pan, and avoid overcooking. Let it rest before slicing, and add gravy or sauce after reheating.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast without thawing?
- It’s not recommended. Frozen turkey takes 50% longer to cook, leading to uneven cooking. Always thaw turkey breast completely before cooking.
With proper techniques, reheating precooked turkey breast results in a tender, juicy dish perfect for any meal. Rely on a meat thermometer for the best results. Resting, tenting and adding liquid prevents dry turkey. Follow these tips to enjoy flawless turkey breast any night of the week.
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!.