How Long Do You Cook a Precooked Turkey Breast for Maximum Juiciness?

Precooked turkey breast can be a real timesaver around the holidays or for any special occasion when you need an impressive main dish but don’t have time to roast a whole turkey. Reheating a precooked turkey breast in the oven gives you all the flavor with a fraction of the work. But to get the best results when reheating a precooked turkey breast, it’s important to follow some simple guidelines.

Choosing the Right Size Precooked Turkey Breast

Precooked turkey breasts are sold in a range of sizes from small roasts that serve 4-6 people up to large roasts over 5 pounds that can feed up to 15 people. Consider how many guests you’re serving when selecting a turkey breast to ensure you have plenty without too many leftovers. Some common sizes include:

• Small (2-3 lbs): Feeds 4-6
• Medium (3-4 lbs): Feeds 6-10
• Large (4-5 lbs): Feeds 10-15

Turkey can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days after cooking, so some leftovers are handy But you don’t want to overbuy.

Thawing a Frozen Precooked Turkey Breast

Many precooked turkey breasts are sold frozen for maximum freshness, You’ll need to thaw them before reheating Here are a few thawing options

• Refrigerator: Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 lbs. Place turkey in a pan to catch drips.
• Cold Water: Allow 30 minutes per 1 lb. Submerge sealed turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Check owner’s manual for timing based on microwave wattage. Cook immediately after thawing.

Once thawed, pat turkey dry with paper towels before reheating.

Seasoning Your Turkey Breast

A basic precooked turkey breast is tasty on its own, but you can enhance flavor with a simple seasoning rub. Try this easy blend:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Mix the oil and dried herbs together and rub it all over the turkey breast before reheating. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Reheating Time for a Precooked Turkey Breast

The oven is the best way to reheat a precooked turkey breast. Use these USDA recommended reheating times as a guide:

• 4-8 lbs turkey breast: 1.5 – 3 hours
• 8-12 lbs turkey breast: 2.5 – 3 hours
• 12-14 lbs turkey breast: 3 – 3.75 hours

Always rely on a meat thermometer over a timer to check for doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast and it should reach 165°F. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.

Keeping Your Turkey Breast Moist

The oven’s dry heat can really dry out a turkey breast. Here are some tips to keep your reheated meat juicy and flavorful:

• Use a roasting bag or tent foil loosely over the breast.
• Add 1 cup water to the roasting pan. The moisture from the steam keeps the turkey from drying out.
• Baste the turkey with broth every 20 minutes while reheating.
• Don’t overcook. Carefully follow recipe cooking times.
• Let turkey rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to reabsorb.

What to Serve with Turkey Breast

A beautifully bronzed sliced turkey breast makes an ideal centerpiece for your table. Round out the meal with these flavorful sides:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips
• Cranberry sauce or relish
• Dinner rolls and butter
• A simple green salad

Get creative with leftovers! Dice up extra turkey breast to make sandwiches, wraps, soups, casseroles, and salads throughout the week.

Reheating a Precooked Turkey Breast for Food Safety

Proper handling and reheating of your precooked turkey breast ensures you and your guests stay healthy:

• Refrigerate turkey within 2 hours of purchasing. Freeze if not using within 2-3 days.
• Thaw turkey completely before reheating. Don’t cook frozen or partially frozen meat.
• Preheat oven fully before reheating turkey. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.
• Discard any turkey left out of the fridge for over 2 hours. Don’t risk food poisoning.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat fully to 165°F before eating.

Follow these simple steps for reheating a precooked turkey breast, and you’ll have a beautiful, delicious entrée with minimal effort. Let your oven do the work while you relax and enjoy time with your guests.