How to Reheat a Whole Roasted Turkey to Crispy, Juicy Perfection

When you’ve prepared an entire Thanksgiving or holiday turkey, you likely have ample leftovers to enjoy. But reheating a whole roasted bird while keeping it moist and full of flavor can be tricky.

Follow these simple methods to reheat your whole turkey to delicious results, whether it’s the next day or for use in recipes later in the week

Why Reheat a Whole Turkey?

There are several advantages to reheating a full turkey rather than just portions

• Preserves flavor and juice better than reheating sliced meat

• Allows easier removal of meat for recipes needing chunks or shreds

• Provides an impressive presentation when serving a crowd

• Lets you continue enjoying the work you put into cooking it perfectly

• Saves time carving initially since you’ll slice as needed after reheating

With the right technique, you can revive your entire bird to near freshly-roasted taste and texture.

Tips for Reheating a Full Turkey

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Reheat thoroughly – Internal temp should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify.

• Keep it moist – Add broth, water or pan drippings before heating. Tent with foil.

• Use low heat – Slow, even warming preserves moisture best. Aim for 325°F oven temp.

• Watch the time – Large birds may need an hour or more to reheat fully. Check often.

• Rest again – Let turkey sit at least 10 minutes after reheating so juices redistribute.

• Crisp the skin – Finish under the broiler if skin loses crispiness when reheated.

How to Reheat a Whole Turkey in the Oven

The oven allows even, gentle reheating for best results:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey in a roasting pan.

• Add ~1 cup turkey or chicken broth, wine or water to the bottom of the pan.

• Loosely tent turkey with aluminum foil to keep moist.

• Roast approx. 15-20 minutes per lb, checking internal temp with a meat thermometer.

• Uncover, increase heat to 400°F and roast 10 more minutes to recrisp skin if needed.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Reheating Turkey in an Instant Pot

An Instant Pot quickly and conveniently reheats moist, tender turkey:

• Remove all stuffing from cavity before reheating.

• Place whole turkey in pot and add 1 cup broth or water to the insert.

• Close lid securely. Select pressure cook mode on high for 8-12 minutes per lb.

• Use natural pressure release. When pressure is fully released, check internal temp.

• If not 165°F, secure lid and cook at high pressure for 5 more minutes. Check again.

• Once 165°F, let turkey rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

Microwave Reheating a Full Turkey

You can microwave a full turkey in a pinch. It won’t be as evenly heated or quite as moist:

• Place turkey in a microwave-safe baking dish, removing any stuffing.

• Add some broth or water to the bottom of the dish. Cover with plastic wrap.

• Microwave on 50% power in 5 minute increments until 165°F internally.

• Check temperature in a few spots with a meat thermometer to ensure even heating.

• If smaller areas are still cold, continue microwaving in 1 minute increments, checking temp.

• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into reheated turkey.

Maintaining Crisp Skin When Reheating

For crisper skin after reheating in the oven or microwave:

• Coat skin with oil or butter prior to initial reheating.

• In the oven, do a final 10 minute uncovered broiling at 400°F to recrisp.

• In the microwave, finish by crisping skin under the broiler for 5 minutes.

• Alternatively, use blow torch, grill, or saute pan to quickly crisp and brown skin after reheating.

Carving and Serving Reheated Turkey

Once your whole turkey is fully reheated:

• Let it rest at least 10-15 minutes so juices redistribute.

• Carefully slice breast meat into thin cuts for serving.

• Remove leg quarters and slice meat from thighs and drumsticks.

• Arrange sliced white and dark meat artfully on a platter with juices.

• Serve with reheated gravy, stuffing and your favorite side dishes.

Storing and Re-Reheating Turkey

To store and reheat turkey multiple times:

• Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours of initial cooking.

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Turkey keeps refrigerated for 3-4 days.

• Reheat only the amount needed in the oven or microwave to 165°F.

• Use within 5 days for best quality, reheating thoroughly before each use.

• Frozen turkey keeps for 4-6 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Getting the Most out of Your Turkey

When you cook a whole turkey, you want to enjoy all the fruits of your labor. With proper storage and reheating, you can keep your holiday bird tasting freshly roasted for several meals after the main event.

Reheating a full turkey helps retain moisture and allows you to remove portions as needed for recipes. With these simple methods, your beautiful whole bird will impress again and again while providing versatile, delicious turkey meat for days.