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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The best part of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the leftovers. There are so many delicious new dishes you can make with the components of a classic Thanksgiving menu! From turkey tetrazzini to shepherd’s pie, leftover turkey is incredibly versatile. But if you just want to keep it simple and enjoy a plate of leftovers, you probably wonder – how long do you reheat turkey in the oven?
Reheating turkey can be tricky business. If you’ve ever zapped a slice in the microwave only for it to come out unpleasantly dry, you know there are right and wrong ways to do it. Follow my handy tips below for reheating turkey in the oven and you’ll be rewarded with juicy, tender meat that tastes like it just came out of the oven!
How Long Does it Take to Reheat Turkey in the Oven?
When reheating turkey, slow and steady wins the race. Quicker is not always better – that’s especially true when it comes to leftovers. While the microwave may heat turkey fast, it also dries out the meat and leaves the skin unappealingly chewy.
Instead, turn to your good old oven to return your Thanksgiving turkey to hot, juicy perfection. Simply preheat your oven to 300°F and put the carved meat in a baking dish. Add some chicken or turkey broth or stock to the pan – about 1/4 inch deep. As the turkey heats, it will absorb some of the liquid, keeping it nice and moist.
Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the meat is fully heated through. And just like that, you’ve got fresh, juicy turkey again!
How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge?
Before you reheat those leftovers, make sure they’re still safe to eat Cooked turkey will last 3-4 days in the fridge, according to the USDA If you freeze your leftovers, they’ll keep for 4 months. Just make sure to carve the turkey off the bone and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags before freezing.
When thawing frozen turkey, do not leave it out on the counter, as this encourages bacterial growth. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also submerge the vacuum sealed bag or airtight container in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Once thawed, use within 1-2 days.
Can You Cook a Turkey the Day Before Thanksgiving?
If roasting a bird on Thanksgiving day seems daunting, cook your turkey ahead of time. This trick is a real time and stress saver! Simply roast the turkey as normal and let it cool completely. Then carve it into large pieces, keeping the wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts intact with some skin attached.
Place the carved pieces in the roasting pan, cover well, and refrigerate overnight.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 325°F Keeping the turkey in the roasting pan, pour some stock over the meat to moisten. Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes until the turkey is warmed through Then slice and serve! No one will know it wasn’t freshly roasted.
How to Keep Carved Turkey Warm and Moist
If you must carve the turkey in advance, cover it with foil to trap heat and moisture. Keep in mind the skin may start to soften. When ready to serve, douse the carved meat with warm chicken or turkey broth to make it taste freshly sliced.
For best results, hold off on carving until close to serving time. If the turkey is ready but your sides aren’t, keep it whole and loosely covered with foil in a 200°F oven. Never leave carved or uncarved turkey out for longer than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s over 90°F).
Tips for Reheating Leftover Turkey
- Slice the turkey into similar sized pieces for even reheating. Keep them as large as possible.
- Arrange in a baking dish and add broth before covering with foil. The steam keeps the meat moist.
- Bake at 300-325°F to prevent drying out. Microwaves cause turkey to get tough and chewy.
- Take turkey to 165°F internally before serving.
- If short on time, quickly reheat a single portion in the microwave. Cover with a damp paper towel.
- Warm leftover gravy, mashed potatoes, etc on the stovetop over low heat.
- Store cooked turkey tightly wrapped in fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for 4 months.
With these handy tips for reheating turkey in the oven, you’ll look forward to delicious leftovers for days after Thanksgiving. Slow roasting with ample broth ensures tender, juicy meat. Give your microwave a break and rely on your oven for the best reheated turkey. Happy feasting!
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.
How to keep your turkey succulent
If the turkey meat starts out dry, there won’t be much hope for it once it’s gone cold. But, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure the most succulent roast beforehand.
By simply seasoning the raw turkey all over with salt up to two days before roasting, you’ll end up with a much juicier roast. A whole bird can be seasoned two days before, a crown up to a day before and a boneless turkey breast should be seasoned no earlier than the night before.
See more details in our turkey brining guide.
Roasted Turkey Breast | Reheating Instructions
FAQ
How do I reheat turkey without it drying 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.
What temperature do you reheat turkey at 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 long does it take to heat up a 10 pound turkey?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
How do you reheat leftover Turkey?
Our testing found that the best way to reheat turkey leftovers is to use the low-and-slow oven method. Here’s how: 1. Preheat the oven Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. Let the turkey come to room temperature Leave your turkey leftovers out on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating.
How long does it take to reheat a Turkey?
You can quickly reheat a whole pan of turkey to enjoy throughout the week. For optimal tenderness and juiciness, always opt for the oven over other reheating methods. The reheating time depends on the amount you are cooking Follow these guidelines In general, allow about 15 minutes per pound of turkey meat.
How do you reheat a precooked turkey thigh?
To reheat a precooked turkey thigh in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey thigh on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat a precooked turkey thigh on the stovetop, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
How do you reheat a turkey breast?
Heat the oven to 325°F, then place the turkey into a roasting pan breast-side down. The fat will trickle down the turkey and create a tender, juicy breast as the bird reheats. Wrap the turkey with foil place it into the oven. The standard calculation for reheating is 13-15 minutes for every pound of turkey.
How do you reheat a fried turkey?
Add butter to gravy, and brush it over the turkey before reheating. Smother your leftovers in equal parts gravy and stock and pour it over the turkey before reheating in the oven or microwave. This mixture adds flavor and texture (it’s thin enough for the meat to absorb), and it revitalizes the fat content.
How do you reheat a carved turkey?
Place the carved turkey pieces back into the roasting pan, cover well, and store in the fridge. To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Keeping the turkey in the roasting pan, pour a bit of stock (chicken, turkey, or veggie stock or broth will work) over the meat to moisten it.