How Long Should You Cook a Fully Cooked Turkey? A Complete Guide

Cooking a fully cooked turkey can seem intimidating You want to make sure it’s heated through while keeping it moist and flavorful But have no fear – with the right techniques, you can easily reheat a fully cooked turkey to perfection!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about cooking times, methods, tips and tricks for reheating fully cooked turkey Let’s dive in!

What is a Fully Cooked Turkey?

A fully cooked turkey refers to a whole turkey or just turkey parts like breast thighs or drumsticks that have already been fully roasted or smoked by a processor. They are vacuum sealed, ready-to-eat and can be stored frozen or refrigerated until you’re ready to use them.

Fully cooked turkey offers great convenience – no tedious prep or monitoring required. You simply reheat and enjoy! It’s a lifesaver for busy hosts or those without access to an oven.

Why Reheat a Fully Cooked Turkey?

There are several good reasons to reheat a fully cooked turkey:

• Enhanced flavor and moisture: Proper reheating brings out the best in pre-cooked turkey, transforming it from ho-hum to succulent.

• Food safety: Heating to the right internal temperature kills any harmful bacteria present.

• Warm and cozy meal: A hot turkey is comforting on chilly days or for holiday gatherings.

• Convenience: Fully cooked turkey saves time compared to roasting from scratch.

With the right techniques, your reheated turkey will taste like you spent all day tending to it!

How Long to Cook a Fully Cooked Whole Turkey

The reheating time for a fully cooked whole turkey depends on a few factors:

• Turkey size: Estimate 10-15 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey takes 2-3 hours.

• Oven temperature: The standard is 325°F.

• Reheating method: Oven tends to take longer than grilling or frying.

As a general guideline, use these turkey cooking times:

Turkey Weight	Reheating Time
8 – 12 lbs	1.5 – 2 hours
12 – 16 lbs	2 – 2.5 hours
16 – 20 lbs	2.5 – 3 hours

Always rely on a meat thermometer over time. The turkey is safe to eat once the thigh reaches 165°F. If reheating a turkey breast alone, aim for 155°F.

Let the turkey rest 15 minutes before carving for juicy, tender meat.

Best Ways to Reheat a Fully Cooked Turkey

You have options when it comes to reheating pre-cooked turkey. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Oven Roasting

This is the traditional and most foolproof technique. It uses gentle, ambient heat to uniformly reheat the turkey.

How to roast:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Thaw turkey if frozen.

• Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a pan.

• Brush with oil or melted butter to prevent drying.

• Loosely tent foil over turkey.

• Roast until 165°F in thigh. Remove foil last 30 mins if browning is desired.

Grilling

Get some smoky barbecue flavor on your fully cooked turkey by firing up the grill.

How to grill:

• Prepare grill for medium heat. Brush grates with oil.

• Place turkey over indirect heat, away from hot grilling zone.

• Flip turkey halfway through. Insert thermometer to check doneness.

• Move turkey over direct heat last 5-10 minutes if crisping the skin.

Deep Frying

The quickest reheating method, deep frying gets your turkey piping hot and extra crispy in no time.

How to deep fry:

• Heat at least 4-6 cups oil to 350°F in a stockpot or turkey fryer.

• Lower turkey slowly into hot oil using tongs.

• Fry for roughly 4-5 minutes per pound.

• Check temperature to confirm 165°F. Drain excess oil.

• Let rest before slicing to allow juices to settle.

Microwaving

If you’re in a pinch, it’s possible to microwave a fully cooked turkey breast or single parts like drumsticks.

Microwave method:

• Slice turkey breast into thinner cutlets. Pierce drumsticks in a few spots.

• Arrange in a microwave-safe dish, cover with lid or vented plastic wrap.

• Microwave 4-6 minutes per pound, flipping halfway. Check internal temp.

• Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips for Delicious Fully Cooked Turkey

Follow these handy tips for reheating turkey that’s moist, flavorful and appetizing:

• Add broth or wine – Splash some chicken stock or white wine into the roasting pan for extra moisture and flavor.

• Brush with butter – Lightly coat turkey with melted butter or oil before and during reheating for added juiciness.

• Use a meat thermometer – It’s the only way to accurately determine doneness. Ovens vary.

• Watch the wings and legs – These slender parts cook faster. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

• Let it rest before carving – Waiting 15-20 minutes allows juices to distribute evenly.

• Slice thinly – Carve into thin slices across the grain for tender reheated meat.

• Make Turkey Gravy – Simmer pan drippings with stock and seasonings for the perfect accompaniment.

Common Turkey Reheating Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about reheating fully cooked turkey:

How long does leftover turkey last refrigerated?

Leftover turkey will last 3-4 days properly stored in the fridge. Slice breast meat from the bone and refrigerate in shallow airtight containers.

Can you reheat turkey in the slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is an excellent way to gently reheat turkey. Add broth and seasoning, cook on low 4-6 hours until 165°F.

Should you reheat turkey covered or uncovered?

It’s best to reheat fully cooked turkey covered to retain moisture. Remove foil last 30 minutes if crisping the skin.

Is reheated turkey safe to eat?

Yes, as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F reheating kills any bacteria present and makes it safe to eat.

Can you reheat a fully cooked turkey twice?

It’s not recommended to reheat turkey more than once. Quality and moisture will decline with each reheating. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

What’s the best way to reheat sliced turkey?

For sliced turkey breast, grill it quickly in a skillet with butter or bake in a casserole dish topped with gravy or sauce.

Enjoy Your Perfectly Reheated Turkey

Reheating a fully cooked turkey is simple with the right techniques. Now that you know how long it takes and the best methods, you can serve up flavorful, juicy turkey with confidence – no matter the occasion.

Brushing with butter, allowing ample resting time and monitoring temperature closely are key. In just a few hours, you can transform a fully cooked turkey from the store into a mouthwatering centerpiece.

So gather round the holiday table or savor the comforting flavors of home – your delicious reheated turkey is ready to enjoy! Dig in.