Yesterday I was at Costco and bought one of their pre-cooked turkey breasts. Its located in the meats/prepared food section. Seen great comments about it over the years here on the Q threads, and have decided to try it.
It doesnt have heating instructions on the packaging. How would you heat this up, specifically, what temp and for how long? Its just under 4 pounds. Or…would you slice some and microwave to warm the slices? Would you cover it in some way to ensure keeping moisture in?
We are going out, Thanksgiving brunch, and will come home to watch football for the rest of the afternoon/evening. (GOOO EAGLES!!) Anyway, when you go out you dont get the opportunity to pick at leftovers later on, and coming days. I thought that we could heat this up and have available as a way of having leftovers. I will also make a few sides too.
Cooking a whole turkey for the holidays can be intimidating Not only is it a large bird to handle, but proper roasting takes precision and time. An easier option is to prepare only the turkey breast. Pre-cooked turkey breast allows you to skip straight to heating and serving this tasty centerpiece. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your fully cooked turkey breast is piping hot and juicy for your next meal
Benefits of Pre-Cooked Turkey Breast
Opting for a ready-to-heat turkey breast offers several advantages
-
Convenience – No lengthy roasting or monitoring of temperature is required. Just heat and serve!
-
Less waste – Cooking a whole bird often leaves uneaten wings, legs, etc. With just the breast, all meat gets eaten.
-
Quick preparation – Get your entrée on the table fast, without hours of roasting.
-
Ideal portion size – Turkey breast provides generous slices for fewer guests. Great for small gatherings!
-
Lean and tender – Turkey breast meat is lower in fat than legs/thighs. It’s also deliciously juicy when properly heated.
How to Store Fully Cooked Turkey Breast
Proper storage preserves freshness and quality. Follow these tips:
-
Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below until ready to heat. Place in a shallow dish to allow cold air circulation.
-
For longer storage, freeze at 0°F or below. Use freezer bags or airtight containers.
-
Defrost in the refrigerator if frozen. Allow about 24 hours for a 2-3 lb breast.
-
Cook within 1-2 days of refrigerator defrosting. Do not refreeze once thawed.
Heating Options for Pre-Cooked Turkey
Heating a fully cooked turkey breast is simple, with various methods to choose from:
Oven Heating
This traditional approach evenly warms the entire breast:
-
Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a baking sheet with a wire rack for best air circulation.
-
Place thawed turkey breast on rack. Add 1/2 cup water to the baking sheet to prevent drying.
-
Loosely cover with foil, leaving space for air flow. Avoid direct contact with foil.
-
Heat approximately 15 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
-
Check often with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Microwave Heating
Microwaving cooks the breast quickly, but can create uneven hot spots:
-
Defrost breast first if frozen, and remove any metal skewers. Place on a microwave-safe dish.
-
Heat on Medium High (70% power) for 2-3 minutes per pound. Check internal temp.
-
Rotate dish and flip breast at least once to prevent hot spots. Reheat in 1-minute increments if needed.
-
Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving. Cover to retain heat if microwave cooked unevenly.
Stovetop Heating
Pan heating brings out flavorful browning and crisping:
-
Use a heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil or butter.
-
Brown turkey slices 2-3 minutes per side. Braise thicker sections with wine, stock or water to keep moist.
-
Alternatively, heat 2-3 minutes per side in a nonstick pan without added fat.
-
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer during heating.
Slow Cooker Heating
Use a slow cooker to gently warm without drying out:
-
Defrost breast and place in slow cooker basin. Add 1/2 cup broth or water.
-
Cook on Low heat for 1-2 hours for a 2-3 lb breast, until 165°F is reached.
-
Shred with two forks for pulled turkey, or keep whole for slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Once heated, finish your turkey breast with tasty accompaniments:
-
Sliced – For sandwiches, plates or charcuterie boards. Goes great with cranberry sauce.
-
With gravy – Sliced turkey smothered in savory gravy is a classic pairing.
-
In casseroles or pot pies – Dice turkey into creamed veggie bakes or pie fillings.
-
On salad – Sliced turkey served on top of leafy greens makes a lighter, healthier meal.
Safety Tips for Handling Turkey
When cooking any poultry, proper handling prevents illness. Take these precautions:
-
Defrost in the refrigerator, never at room temperature where bacteria rapidly multiply.
-
Use within 1-2 days of thawing, and never refreeze a thawed breast.
-
Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the breast.
-
Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked turkey. Wash all surfaces that touched raw meat.
-
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and use within 3-4 days. Discard any turkey kept beyond this time.
Get Started Heating Turkey Today!
With a fully cooked turkey breast ready to go, you can skip lengthy roasting while still enjoying juicy, flavorful holiday centerpieces or easy meals any time of year. Follow proper heating methods to safely serve up moist, tender slices. Experiment with oven roasting, microwaving, sautéing, or slow cooking to find your favorite preparation.
Re: Costco Pre Cooked Turkey Breast
This sounds like a great idea! I would warm it on very low…..200 degrees, or even put it in my crockpot on low. No more than 30 minutes total. You could even pour some chicken broth around it as a heat bath to keep it moist as well. Good luck!
How to Reheat a Fully Cooked Turkey Breast | Step by Step
FAQ
How do you reheat a precooked turkey breast without drying it out?
How do you warm up turkey that is already cooked?
How to make a precooked turkey taste better?
What temperature should a turkey breast be cooked to?
The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. * Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This is the best way to ensure that the turkey breast is cooked to the correct temperature. * Let the turkey breast rest for a few minutes before serving.
How do you treat heat rash under the breast?
Heat rash under breast can be avoided by using loose under garments and providing proper aeration. Use unscented soaps, lotions and moisturizers in the affected area and always cleanse the area gently. You can also try applying a cool compress. Calamine lotion application will be helpful if you have itching in the area. If itching and irritation is severe, consult your dermatologist because it can be due to fungal infection also.
How do you reheat a turkey breast?
Follow these steps for excellent results: Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating. Place the covered turkey breast in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How long do you cook a fully cooked turkey breast?
Place the turkey breast in a baking dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying, and bake it for about 15 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Can I grill fully cooked turkey breast?