An overcooked turkey can ruin your holiday meal. After spending hours preparing your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, there’s nothing more disappointing than slicing into a dried-out bird. Don’t worry – with these 7 tips, you can rescue even the most overcooked turkey.
1. Use Turkey Stock or Broth
One of the best ways to rehydrate dried-out turkey is to use stock or broth. Heat about 1 cup of turkey or chicken stock per pound of meat in a shallow pan on the stove. Add your turkey slices and let them soak for 5-10 minutes turning once or twice until the meat absorbs the liquid. For even more flavor, use homemade turkey stock made from the turkey carcass.
Alternatively, you can use your oven. Place the sliced turkey in an oven-safe dish, pour the stock or broth over the top, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. The low gentle heat allows the turkey to absorb moisture.
2. Make a Flavorful Gravy
A savory, silky gravy can mask even the most overcooked turkey. While jarred gravy may seem easier, homemade has superior flavor.
First, make a rich stock using the turkey neck, giblets, and wing tips. Simmer for 1-2 hours. Strain the stock and skim off any fat.
To make the gravy, heat butter in the pan you roasted the turkey in and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1-2 minutes then whisk in the stock and turkey juices Simmer until thickened Season with herbs, wine, broth, or other flavorings.
Drizzle the gravy over sliced turkey to add moisture and flavor.
3. Coat in Butter
Butter is a simple way to impart moisture. Melt a few tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your turkey slices and turn to coat. Sauté just until warmed through then transfer to a serving platter. The butter adds richness while helping rehydrate the meat.
4. Make Turkey Salad or Casserole
When all else fails, transform your overcooked turkey into turkey salad or casserole. This masks dryness by incorporating other moist, flavorful ingredients like mayonnaise, cheese, vegetables, and seasonings.
Try using shredded turkey in classics like turkey tetrazzini, turkey divan, or a Tex-Mex turkey and rice casserole. Or make turkey salad with celery, onion, relish, and mayo for sandwiches. Getting creative can give new life to dried-out turkey.
5. Slice the Turkey Thinly
Thin slices or shreds of turkey won’t seem as dry. Use an electric knife or very sharp chef’s knife to cut super thin slices across the grain. Arrange the turkey slices overlapping on a platter to disguise any dry spots.
For shredded turkey, tear into bite-size pieces with two forks. Mix with sauce or gravy before serving for added moisture.
6. Focus on the Drumsticks and Thighs
The breast meat often overcooks before the legs are done. If the breast is dry but the thighs and drumsticks are juicy, emphasize serving the dark meat. Slice the breast thinly and drizzle with gravy to make it more palatable.
You can also remove the breast meat earlier next time and let the legs continue roasting. Cook the breast separately just until done to avoid overcooking.
7. Laugh It Off and Open the Wine
Most importantly, don’t stress about a dried-out bird! Remind yourself that Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is about spending time with loved ones, not cooking the perfect turkey.
Have a sense of humor, carve off the edible parts, and drench in gravy. Open another bottle of wine and enjoy the sides and company. The overcooked turkey will make for a good story someday!
With these handy fixes, you can still save your holiday feast. Remember, as long as you’re surrounded by family and friends, an overcooked turkey won’t ruin the occasion. Pass the gravy!
Notes
To make this recipe from scratch, roast turkey legs in an oven set to 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then, follow the rest of the steps as written. Turkey scraps that are used to make stock can also be used to make tasty meat that can be browned in a skillet. Take out some dark meat, shred it, and then follow the steps in step 2 after making turkey stock or soup. Sour oranges can be purchased in a Latin market or well-stocked supermarket.
Leftover Turkey “Carnitas” Recipe
- Any amount of cooked dark meat turkey (thighs and drumsticks) that you have left over (see note)
- 1 sour orange for every pound (450 grams) of turkey meat that has been cut up (see note)
- 1/4 of a medium onion (about 6 ounces or 175 grams) for every pound (450 grams) of leftover turkey meat
- 1 bay leaf for every pound (450 grams) of turkey meat that you have left over
- 1 tablespoon of duck fat, chicken fat, vegetable oil, or turkey fat for every pound (450 grams) of leftover turkey meat
- Kosher salt
- Put the turkey meat (with bones if you have them), orange, onion, and bay leaf in a pot that is just big enough to hold them all. Add enough water to cover halfway. Cover and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat to a very low level and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the turkey is so tender that it falls off the bone. Discard orange, onion, and bay leaves and drain turkey well. Shred turkey and discard bones.
- Put oil or fat in a cast iron or nonstick skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add turkey and spread into an even layer. Keep cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the bottom of the meat is well browned and crispy. Add new soft bits to the bottom and stir the turkey to mix the crisp bits in. Do this again and again until the turkey is as crispy as you like it (I like mine pretty crisp). Season with salt.
What can I do with a dry overcooked turkey?
FAQ
What to do if turkey gets done too soon?
What to do with burnt turkey?
What happens if turkey is not fully cooked?
Is overcooked turkey chewy?
Do you overcook a Turkey?
Psst: The secret is extra gravy. It’s that time of year again—when your oven is running 24/7, there’s a line of side dishes jostling for their turn, and that big, beautiful turkey is taking its sweet time, hogging all the room. With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track and do the unthinkable—overcook the turkey.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How can I save an overcooked turkey?
If your turkey has been overcooked, cover the slices of meat with lots of delicious gravy. This can help salvage the turkey and no one will be the wiser. A really good gravy does a lot for even the driest cut of meat. (1. Let gravy save the day)
What to do with leftover turkey carcass?
Don’t toss that turkey carcass! Use it to make a delicious, nutrient rich, immune boosting turkey bone broth (stock). Perfect for sipping, soups, stews and gravy! Turkey Enchiladas are a cheesy baked Mexican inspired rolled tortilla dish made with leftover turkey, salsa roja and a three cheese blend.
What to do with leftover turkey & stuffing?
Take leftover turkey and stuffing and deep fry them to dip in gravy. It’s the BEST way to eat leftovers!
Can You overcook a dried-out Turkey?
With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track and do the unthinkable—overcook the turkey. But don’t worry—dried-out turkey can happen to the most experienced Thanksgiving cook. It’s not even necessarily your fault— turkeys are so darn huge that they take FOREVER to roast.