Learn how to reheat turkey with our simple cooking methods and discover the secret to keeping the meat as succulent as possible with our expert tips.
Get the most from your leftover roast turkey by learning how to reheat it so it stays succulent and delicious.Advertisement
Theres so much you can do with leftover turkey. It works in almost any dish that would use chicken, but as it’s such a lean meat, it can sometimes become dry, especially the breast meat. Here, we’ll talk you through the best ways to stop that happening and how to reheat turkey to enjoy again as it is or use in a new dish altogether.
Check out the foolproof turkey guide to answer all your cooking queries and plan the ultimate roast with our best ever turkey recipes.
Discover even more ideas with our favourite Christmas dinner recipes, and answer all your festive queries with the help of our Christmas kitchen.
The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family and indulging in delicious feasts. The centerpiece of many holiday meals is a perfectly roasted turkey But after the initial excitement of carving up the bird wears off, you’re often left with piles of leftover turkey
While leftovers can make for easy meals during the busy holiday season, reheating turkey incorrectly can leave you with dry, stringy meat that’s only fit for the dogs. The key to reheating turkey and keeping it tender and juicy is to retain as much moisture as possible.
Follow these simple tips and techniques for reheating turkey without drying it out so you can keep enjoying moist flavorful meat for days after the big meal.
Why Does Turkey Dry Out When Reheated?
Turkey dries out when reheated because the high heat causes the natural juices inside the meat to evaporate. As the leftover turkey cooks, the proteins also begin to tighten up, squeezing out even more moisture.
The end result is meat that is tough, dry and chewy. No amount of gravy can rehydrate overcooked turkey. That’s why it’s critical to focus on gentle, moist-heat methods when reheating.
Best Ways to Reheat Turkey Without Drying It Out
In the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat large batches of turkey evenly without drying it out. It’s ideal for when you have a lot of guests to feed.
Steps:
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Heat oven to 300°F.
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Place sliced turkey in a baking dish in a single layer.
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Add a few spoonfuls of broth, gravy, or turkey stock to the bottom of the dish. This provides moisture as the turkey heats.
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Cover dish tightly with foil.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
On the Stovetop
Reheating turkey pieces in a skillet on the stovetop lets you reheat smaller portions quickly.
Steps:
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Heat broth, gravy or turkey stock in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
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Add turkey pieces and toss to coat in the liquid.
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Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.
In the Microwave
The microwave allows fast reheating of single servings. Be sure to use a microwave-safe dish.
Steps:
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Place turkey pieces in a microwave-safe dish. Add a few spoonfuls of broth or gravy.
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Cover dish with plastic wrap or a lid.
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Microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes until hot. Check temperature.
In the Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is hands-off way to reheat large batches of turkey gently.
Steps:
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Place turkey pieces in slow cooker. Add broth, gravy or sauce.
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Cook on Low setting for 2-3 hours until heated through.
On a Grill
Firing up the grill is a great way to reinvigorate leftover turkey. The smoky flavor takes it to the next level.
Steps:
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Lightly oil grill grates.
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Place turkey slices on grill and let cook 2-3 minutes per side until marks appear.
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Brush with sauce glaze if desired.
In Soup
Making soup or chowder is an easy way to transform leftovers into a whole new dish. The liquid keeps the turkey pieces moist.
Steps:
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Simmer turkey pieces in broth.
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Add vegetables, rice/pasta, cream or milk.
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Season with herbs and spices.
Tips for Reheating Moist Turkey
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Slice or shred turkey into smaller pieces so it heats faster.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan. Turkey should reheat in a single layer.
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Always add liquid like broth, gravy, or sauce during reheating.
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Keep heat low to prevent moisture loss. Avoid temperatures above 350°F.
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Cover the dish with foil or a lid so steam stays trapped.
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Take turkey out of the fridge 30 mins before reheating so it starts closer to room temp.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Don’t reheat turkey more than once. Only store reheated leftovers 1-2 days.
What to Do with Leftover Turkey
Reheating and enjoying your leftover turkey is a no-brainer. But if you’re tired of the same old turkey sandwiches and casseroles, get creative with these delicious ways to use up every last scrap of your holiday bird:
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Turkey Enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with shredded turkey, cheese, beans, and enchilada sauce.
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Turkey Potato Skins – Top baked potato halves with turkey, bacon, cheese, and broil until melted.
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Turkey Noodle Soup – Simmer turkey with veggies and noodles in broth.
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Turkey Tetrazzini – Toss spaghetti with turkey, mushrooms, peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
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Turkey Hash – Sauté diced turkey with potatoes, peppers, onions and spices. Top with fried eggs.
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Turkey Salad Sandwiches– Make a tasty salad with mayo, turkey, cranberries, pecans, apple, and celery.
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Turkey Tortilla Pizza – Top a tortilla with turkey, salsa, cheese then bake until melted.
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Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Fill a casserole dish with leftover turkey, veggies like carrots, peas, and corn, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until hot and crispy.
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Turkey Chili – Simmer chopped turkey with beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices for a hearty chili. Top with avocado, cheese and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does leftover turkey last in the fridge?
Cooked turkey will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Slice turkey and store in air-tight containers to prevent drying out.
Can you freeze and reheat turkey?
Yes, turkey can be safely frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the moist methods above.
What temp should you reheat turkey to?
Heat turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. This kills any bacteria for food safety.
What is the best way to reheat turkey?
The oven and slow cooker are two of the best methods for gently reheating large batches of turkey without drying it out.
Can you reheat turkey in the air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer can reheat turkey nicely. Spray turkey with oil before air frying at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Is it safe to reheat turkey more than once?
Only reheat turkey once. The repeated heating and cooling allows bacteria to grow to unsafe levels. Discard any twice-cooked turkey.
Enjoy Moist Leftover Turkey
With proper handling and reheating, you can savor every last morsel of your holiday bird for up to a week after the big meal. Follow these simple moist turkey reheating methods to ensure your leftovers stay juicy and delicious. Get creative with recipes and you may find yourself looking forward to the leftovers more than the initial meal itself!
Adding the juices back
Serving the turkey carved on a platter is a lot less fiddly than carving at the table, as the turkey loses its juices while youre carving. The best thing to do before serving is pour the collected juices back over the carved turkey – this also keeps it succulent as it cools down.
Covering the cooked meat
There’s always lots going on, so it’s very easy to accidentally leave your turkey uncovered in the fridge or turned-off oven for the night, but this will just dry it out more. Cover and chill the turkey or carve it and chill in an airtight container no more than 2 hrs after eating for safety, and to help keep it at its juiciest.