How to Reheat a Fully Cooked Turkey and Keep It Moist

Reheating a fully cooked turkey can seem daunting. You want the meat to come out moist, flavorsome and hot — not dry and tasteless. The good news is that reheating turkey is easier than you think as long as you follow some simple tips.

Why Reheating Turkey Can Lead to Dry Meat

Turkey dries out when reheated because the proteins in the meat tighten as they are heated again. This squeezes moisture out of the turkey, leaving it dry and stringy.

The other reason reheated turkey loses moisture is that the juices inside start leaking out during the reheating process. So if you just pop turkey straight into a hot oven or microwave, you’ll likely end up with disappointingly dry meat.

Tips for Reheating Turkey and Keeping It Moist

Don’t worry – with the right techniques you can reheat turkey so that it stays juicy, flavorsome and delicious. Here are some simple tips:

Use the Oven

The oven is the best way to reheat turkey if you want it moist. Set the oven to 325°F and put turkey pieces in a baking dish. Add a little chicken or turkey broth to the dish – about 1/4 cup for a plate of leftovers. The turkey will absorb moisture from the broth as it heats.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes until piping hot. For even juicier meat, baste the turkey with the hot juices halfway through cooking.

Go Low and Slow

Don’t be tempted to blast turkey pieces in a hot oven or microwave. The high, fast heat causes moisture loss. Gentle, low heat is the key to tender, juicy meat.

In the oven, 325°F is hot enough. In the microwave, defrost turkey first, then reheat at just 50% power in short bursts, basting with juice between each.

Cook it Submerged

For super moist turkey, you can poach pieces in simmering broth. Use chicken, turkey or vegetable broth. Add leftover turkey pieces, cover and simmer gently until heated through, about 15 minutes. The poaching liquid keeps the turkey wonderfully moist.

Use the Right Dish

A rimmed baking dish works best, as it keeps juices from leaking out. A microwave-safe plate or bowl with a cover also helps keep in moisture.

Let it Rest

Once reheated let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices that have been forced out during reheating to redistribute back into the meat.

Add Gravy

You can pour gravy over turkey pieces before reheating to keep them even moister. The juices will seep back into the meat as they heat.

Brush with Butter

As well as helping browning, butter or oil brushed over the turkey will baste it during reheating. A quick brush before microwaving also keeps the skin from drying out.

Carve Just Before Serving

To ensure the juiciest meat, leave the turkey intact as long as possible after initial cooking. Carve slices just before serving.

If you must carve early, keep slices tightly covered with foil while reheating to trap steam and moisture.

Don’t Overcook the First Time

A turkey that is overcooked the first time will already be dry. Make sure your initial cooking leaves the meat moist and a little pink inside.

Choose the Right Turkey

Opt for a free-range or organic turkey, as these have more fat marbled through the meat, which means better moisture retention.

A ‘self-basting’ turkey, injected with a salt solution, also helps keep meat moist.

How to Reheat Other Thanksgiving Leftovers

Turkey is not the only part of your holiday meal that you’ll want to revive. Here are tips for reheating other common leftovers:

Stuffing

Reheat stuffing in a 350°F oven until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Place it in a baking dish and cover with foil to stop it drying out.

Alternatively, you can moisten leftovers stuffing with a little broth, then reheat in the microwave on Medium power.

Mashed Potatoes

The best way to reheat mashed potatoes is in a saucepan over gentle heat. Add a splash of milk or water as they warm to improve texture.

Or put dollops in a baking dish, dot with butter and reheat at 350°F until hot.

Gravy

Gravy can be reheated in the microwave in short 20 second bursts, whisking between each.

For smooth gravy, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking regularly.

Green Beans

Place green bean leftovers in a skillet with a little water or broth. Cover and cook over medium heat until hot and tender again.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce keeps well refrigerated for over a week. To reheat, simply transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and warm on Medium power for 20-30 seconds until hot.

Pie

Leftover pie slices can be refreshed in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes if cooled. Let chilled pie stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before reheating.

Storing Leftover Turkey

To enjoy multiple leftover turkey meals, proper storage is vital. Here are some storage tips:

• Let cooked turkey cool completely before refrigerating. Divide meat into smaller portions to chill faster.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days.
• Frozen turkey keeps well for 4 months. Portion into usable sizes and wrap tightly.
• Cooked turkey can be frozen in broth or gravy for added moisture and flavor.

With the right reheating methods, you can keep leftover turkey deliciously moist, tender and full of flavor. Follow these simple tips for revived holiday bird that tastes freshly cooked.