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.
Discover even more ideas with our favourite Christmas dinner recipes, and answer all your festive queries with the help of our Christmas kitchen.
Leftover roasted turkey breast is one of the best parts of a holiday meal. Getting to enjoy deliciously roasted turkey sandwiches, turkey tetrazzini, turkey pot pie, and more in the days following a feast is the gift that keeps on giving. But reheating turkey breast properly is key to enjoying those leftovers. An overcooked, dried out turkey breast makes for sad leftovers. Follow these tips for reheating turkey breast so it stays tender and juicy.
Oven Reheating is Best
The best way to reheat turkey breast is in the oven. The low, gentle heat evenly warms the meat while retaining moisture. Here’s how:
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place turkey breast slices or pieces in a baking dish in a single layer.
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Add a splash of chicken or turkey broth or stock to the dish,
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F. The turkey will reheat evenly thanks to the broth and steam from the covered dish.
Tips for Oven Reheating Success
Follow these tips for the most tender, juicy oven-reheated turkey breast:
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Let turkey come to room temp before reheating to prevent uneven cooking.
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Reheat whole turkey breast slices rather than shredded meat if possible.
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Ensure turkey is completely covered by broth/stock and foil
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Bake at 325°F to prevent overcooking or drying out.
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Don’t peek! Keep foil tent closed so steam reheats turkey.
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Check temperature to ensure food safety.
Oven reheating retains moisture for tender turkey every time.
Microwave Reheating Works in a Pinch
If you’re short on time, the microwave can reheat turkey breast reasonably well. It won’t be quite as juicy, but still tasty. Follow these steps:
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Slice or shred turkey into small, uniform pieces.
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Place turkey in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth/stock.
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Cover dish with a paper towel or vented lid.
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Microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals until 165°F.
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Allow to rest 2 minutes before serving.
The lower power and broth help prevent drying out the meat. But for best results, use the oven.
Maintain Moisture When Reheating
To help maintain moisture and prevent a dried out turkey breast when reheating:
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Use broth, stock or turkey drippings for added moisture.
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Keep reheating time brief to prevent overcooking.
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Cover to trap steam and cook evenly.
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Add a pat of butter on top to impart moisture.
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Do not microwave more than 2-3 minutes to avoid drying meat.
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Carve across the grain for tender reheated meat.
Store and Freeze Leftover Turkey Breast
Properly storing leftovers is key for delicious reheated turkey later. Here are some storage tips:
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Let turkey cool completely before refrigerating.
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Portion turkey into shallow airtight containers.
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Refrigerate for 3-4 days.
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Freeze turkey for 2-3 months.
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Place broth/stock in bags to freeze flat.
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Use ice cube trays for small portions of stock.
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Thaw turkey breast overnight in fridge before reheating.
Following proper food safety guidelines ensures your leftovers stay fresh for reheating later.
Enjoy Delicious Turkey Leftovers
From sandwiches to casseroles and soups, leftover turkey breast is endlessly versatile. With proper reheating, you can continue enjoying your holiday centerpiece for days after. With the oven method, broth, and a watchful eye, you’ll have juicy, tender turkey breast anytime.
What are your favorite ways to use up leftover turkey breast? Share your ideas to inspire tasty turkey creations!
Covering the cooked meat
There’s always lots going on, so it’s very easy to accidentally leave your turkey uncovered in the fridge or turned-off oven for the night, but this will just dry it out more. Cover and chill the turkey or carve it and chill in an airtight container no more than 2 hrs after eating for safety, and to help keep it at its juiciest.
Don’t overcook the turkey
Overcooking is the main culprit to dry turkey meat. The best way to make sure you don’t overcook your turkey is to use a digital cooking probe. Once the turkey has reached 75C on the thickest part of the thigh or 65C on the thickest part of the breast, it’s done.
When you rest your turkey after it’s been roasted, the meat relaxes and reabsorbs its juices. Any form of turkey roast, from the whole bird to a boneless breast joint, should be well-rested before carving. Simply sit the turkey on a board or platter and leave it in the kitchen while you get on with everything else. A boneless breast joint can be left for 20-30 mins, while a crown or whole bird will sit happily for 40 mins and still be warm through after an hour.
Roasted Turkey Breast | Reheating Instructions
FAQ
How to reheat turkey breast without drying it out?
Reheat low and slow: This method isn’t the fastest, but we want to avoid driving moisture away from the already-cooked meat, so 30 minutes in a 350°F is best.
Is it safe to reheat turkey in the oven?
As for reheating your turkey, aim for a low oven temperature around 250-300°F (120-150°C). This helps prevent the turkey from drying out. You can tent it with foil to further lock in moisture. If you just need to keep the turkey warm while you finish up side dishes, place into an oven set to 200°F (93°C).
How do you reheat a turkey in the oven bag?
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place the cold (not room-temperature) turkey breast in roasting bag, add ¼ cup of chicken broth to roasting bag for additional moisture.
- Seal bag and place in rigid roasting pan, breast-side down, ensuring a moist, tender breast.
- Cover the turkey breast with foil and place in 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.