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 pre-cooked turkey breast is a great way to enjoy delicious and tender turkey meat without spending hours roasting a whole bird While pre-cooked turkey breasts come fully cooked, they still require some preparation before serving for maximum flavor and moisture In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook a pre-cooked turkey breast like a pro.
Overview of Cooking Pre-Cooked Turkey Breasts
Pre-cooked turkey breasts provide a convenient shortcut to enjoying juicy, tasty turkey meat. They come fully cooked so you don’t have to worry about safely cooking raw poultry However, pre-cooked turkey still requires additional cooking before you can serve it The goals are to heat the meat thoroughly, enhance the flavor, and prevent it from drying out.
With the right techniques, you can make your pre-cooked turkey breast taste like you slaved over roasting a fresh bird for hours. But before we dive into the step-by-step cooking process, let’s go over some turkey breast basics.
Turkey Breast Basics
When shopping for a pre-cooked turkey breast, you’ll find both boneless and bone-in options available. Boneless breasts are more uniform in shape and easier to slice, while bone-in varieties offer more flavor. Turkeys are also sold in a range of sizes, usually from 2 to 6 pounds.
For the best results when cooking a pre-cooked turkey breast, allow it to thaw completely before cooking if frozen. Be sure to plan ahead, as a 6 pound turkey breast may take 2-3 days to thaw in the refrigerator. Room temperature turkey will heat more evenly than if partially frozen.
Safety is also paramount when handling and cooking poultry. Be sure to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact with raw turkey. Cook the breast thoroughly until it registers 165°F internally before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Pre-Cooked Turkey Breast
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly cooked pre-cooked turkey breast every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
Remove packaging and giblets if present. Rinse turkey under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a roasting pan or baking dish. For optimum browning and heat circulation, do not overcrowd the pan.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
For the best flavor, season the turkey breast before cooking. Try a simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning or get creative with fresh herbs, garlic, citrus and spices. Rub the seasonings evenly over the entire breast.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature will ensure the turkey breast heats through without overcooking the outer portions before the center is done.
Step 4: Cook the Turkey
Cover the roasting pan loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Cook for approximately 18-20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For example, a 3 pound breast will require 54-60 minutes. Check temperature in the thickest part of the breast with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Rest and Carve
Remove turkey breast from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture. To serve, carve into thin slices across the grain of the meat.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these simple tips for exceptionally juicy, flavorful pre-cooked turkey breast:
-
For moistness, place turkey breast in a roasting bag or add 1⁄2 cup broth or water to the bottom of the pan before cooking.
-
Baste periodically with melted butter, olive oil, or turkey gravy.
-
For crispy skin, cook turkey breast uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
-
Let it rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
-
Carve across the grain for tender slices that don’t shred.
-
Use leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and salads.
Common FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking pre-cooked turkey breasts:
How long does it take to cook a pre-cooked turkey breast?
Cook for approximately 18-20 minutes per pound at 325°F until it registers 165°F internally. A 3 pound breast takes 54-60 minutes.
Can you cook from frozen?
It’s best to thaw pre-cooked turkey breast completely before cooking for food safety and even cooking.
Should you stuff a pre-cooked turkey breast?
No, stuffing is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking. Cook stuffing separately.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Slice turkey breast and reheat gently in the microwave, in the oven at 325°F, or simmered in gravy or soup.
Can you grill or smoke a pre-cooked turkey breast?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked turkey can be finished on the grill or smoker to add delicious flavor. Cook to 165°F.
Complementary Side Dishes
A perfectly cooked pre-cooked turkey breast deserves some delicious side dishes. Here are some top picks:
- Roast vegetables – Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, parsnips
- Rice pilaf or wild rice blend
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
- Green salad or vegetable medley
- Gravy – turkey, chicken or beef
- Stuffing or dressing
With the right techniques, cooking a pre-cooked turkey breast can be nearly as impressive as roasting a whole Thanksgiving bird. Follow this guide for tender, juicy meat with fantastic texture and flavor. Your guests will think you spent all day cooking when really it only took about an hour. Enjoy the compliments and the extra time savings!
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!