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The best part of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the leftovers. There are so many new dishes you can make with the components of a Thanksgiving menu! Ree Drummond especially loves to put leftover turkey to good use—just check out her recipes for turkey tetrazzini, leftover turkey shepherds pie, and leftover turkey soup. But if you just want to keep it simple and eat a big plate of leftovers, then youre probably wondering how to reheat turkey.
If youve ever zapped a slice of leftover turkey in the microwave only for it to come out unpleasantly dry, you probably realize that there are, indeed, right and wrong ways to reheat turkey. Do it the right way and your bird can taste freshly roasted days after Thanksgiving! Speaking of, did you know you can make a Thanksgiving turkey ahead of time and reheat it on the big day? Talk about a life saver! Below youll find all the advice you need to keep your Thanksgiving turkey perfectly juicy for the big feast and beyond.
Leftover turkey is one of the best parts of the holidays. But reheating turkey can be tricky – the lean meat often ends up dry and chewy.
Using an electric roaster oven is hands down the best way to reheat turkey while keeping it incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to perfectly reheat leftover turkey in an electric roaster.
Benefits of Reheating Turkey in an Electric Roaster
Electric roasters provide gentle, even heat that’s ideal for reheating large cuts of meat like turkey without drying them out. The key advantages include
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Large capacity – Most electric roasters can hold a 10-15 lb turkey with room to spare, letting you reheat lots of leftovers at once.
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Prevents drying – The enclosed environment traps in moisture and steam, helping the turkey stay tender and juicy
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Enhances flavor – Lightly roasting the turkey again infuses it with even more flavor.
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Easy to use – Simply place the turkey in the roaster, set the temperature and you’re good to go.
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Consistent heating – Turkey reheats evenly with no cold or overcooked spots.
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Multipurpose – Electric roasters can also be used to reheat side dishes, gravy, vegetables and more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Turkey in an Electric Roaster
Follow these simple steps for foolproof results when reheating leftover turkey in a roaster oven
1. Prepare the Turkey
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Remove any skin from the turkey. It can get rubbery and chewy when reheated.
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Slice or shred the turkey into smaller pieces so it will reheat more quickly and evenly.
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Season the turkey lightly with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.
2. Prepare the Electric Roaster
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Pour about 1 cup of broth, wine, apple juice or water into the bottom of the roaster. This will keep the turkey from drying out.
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Place the wire rack into the roaster. Preheating the roaster before adding the turkey helps ensure even reheating. Turn it on to 200°F for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add Turkey and Reheat
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Arrange the seasoned turkey slices or shreds in a single layer on top of the wire rack.
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Cover the roaster and reheat the turkey for 20-30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, checking with a meat thermometer.
4. Finish and Serve
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Once the turkey reaches 165°F, turn off the roaster. Let the turkey rest inside for 5-10 minutes before removing.
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Baste the turkey with any pan juices to keep it extra moist and flavorful.
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Slice, shred or chop the turkey as desired. Enjoy your perfectly reheated turkey!
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
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For the juiciest results, baste the turkey with pan juices several times as it reheats.
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Always use a food thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
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Consider adding herbs, lemon slices, garlic or other flavorings to the pan juices for extra flavor.
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If reheating stuffing or side dishes, place them in heat-safe containers in the roaster to warm at the same time.
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Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you skip adding liquid to the roaster when reheating turkey?
It’s possible, but not recommended. The liquid helps keep the turkey incredibly moist and tender. Without it, the turkey may end up dry.
What type of liquid works best for reheating turkey in a roaster?
Chicken or turkey broth adds the most flavor. But wine, apple juice or water will all work well too.
Can you reheat frozen turkey directly in an electric roaster?
You can, but it’s best to fully thaw frozen turkey in the fridge first. Trying to reheat frozen turkey may result in uneven cooking.
How long does it take to reheat turkey in an electric roaster?
Plan on 20-30 minutes for smaller pieces like slices or shreds. Larger portions may take 45-60 minutes. Always confirm internal temp.
Can you reheat other foods in an electric roaster along with turkey?
Absolutely! An electric roaster is great for reheating side dishes, vegetables, gravy and more all at the same time.
Key Takeaways for Reheating Turkey in an Electric Roaster
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Electric roasters provide moist, even heat perfect for reheating leftovers like turkey.
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Prepare turkey by removing skin, slicing, seasoning and adding to heated roaster.
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Add liquid to the roaster before reheating to keep turkey incredibly juicy.
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Reheat 20-30 minutes until turkey reaches 165°F internally. Rest before serving.
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Refrigerate promptly and enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days.
Reheating leftover turkey has never been easier thanks to electric roasters. Follow this simple process and you’ll be enjoying tender, delicious turkey with all the flavor of a freshly-carved holiday bird.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Yes you can! If roasting a bird on the big day sounds overwhelming, cook your turkey a day ahead. This easy trick will not only save you time on Thanksgiving, itll make the day a lot less stressful, too. The best part? No one will even know! Simply roast your bird as usual, let it cool completely, then carve it into large pieces. Remove the wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts, keeping the pieces whole with some skin attached. 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. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the turkey is warmed through. Then carve the turkey into slices and serve!
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Quicker is not always better, and thats especially true when it comes to reheating turkey. The best way to keep leftover turkey moist and delicious is reheating it low and slow. Yep, that means stepping away from the microwave! Microwaves may heat turkey in record time, but they also dry out the meat and leave the skin unpleasantly chewy. Instead, turn to your oven return your Thanksgiving turkey to hot, juicy, just-baked perfection. Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes. Before you know it, youll have fresh turkey once again!