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.
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As someone who loves cooking turkey for the holidays, I always look forward to leftovers. However reheating turkey breast can be tricky business. If you don’t do it right, you end up with dry, stringy meat that seems like a waste of a perfectly good turkey breast.
After years of trial and error I’ve finally discovered the best methods for reheating turkey breast so it stays moist and delicious for leftovers. Whether you’re prepping your plate the next day or freezing turkey for longer term leftovers these techniques will give you juicy results every time. Keep reading to learn my tips!
Why Proper Reheating is Crucial
Before we get into the specific techniques, it’s important to understand why you can’t just throw slices of cooked turkey breast into the microwave and hope for the best. Poultry has very little fat or collagen, which means it dries out easily
Once turkey breast is cooked, the proteins start to seize up as it cools. Simply zapping it in the microwave causes the proteins to seize up even more, squeezing out moisture. And no one wants dry poultry (eek)!
The key is to reheat the turkey gently and gradually so the proteins relax, allowing them to retain and reabsorb moisture. Adding a little liquid to the reheating process also helps replace any lost juices.
Reheating Turkey Breast in the Oven
One of my favorite ways to reheat turkey breast is in the oven. The indirect, gentle heat allows the meat to come up to temperature slowly, resulting in a tender, juicy piece of leftovers.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Place sliced turkey breast in a baking dish and add a few tablespoons of chicken or turkey broth. You can also use leftover turkey gravy, if you have it on hand.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, until heated through. The turkey will reabsorb some of the broth or gravy as it heats, keeping it nice and moist.
Reheating in the Microwave (Yes, it is Possible!)
I know I said the microwave can make turkey breast dry and stringy, but hear me out. You can use the microwave to reheat turkey breast if you follow a few simple rules.
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Cut the turkey into smaller, thinner pieces – this allows it to heat faster. Large slices take longer, overcooking the exterior.
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Arrange turkey in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Stacked or piled pieces won’t heat evenly.
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Cover with a damp paper towel to create steam and add moisture.
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Microwave at 50 percent power for 2-3 minutes. Check that the turkey has reached 165°F internally. If not, continue microwaving at 20 second intervals until fully heated.
Slow Reheating on the Stovetop
My final go-to method for reheating turkey breast relies on very gentle heat from the stovetop. This gives you lots of control to bring the turkey up to temperature slowly.
Place turkey slices in a skillet or saucepan and add a small amount of broth, gravy, or even just water. Bring to a bare simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, occasionally basting the turkey with the liquid.
Check the internal temperature and continue simmering until it reaches 165°F. The turkey will reabsorb the broth or water for juicy results.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Proper storage is also key for delicious turkey leftovers. I like to portion turkey breast into freezer bags or airtight containers right after carving the bird. This makes reheating individual servings easier.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Frozen turkey keeps for 2-6 months – just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Time to Get Your Leftover Turkey On
I hope these tips help you rediscover just how delicious leftover turkey breast can be when reheated properly. With a little care and know-how, you can enjoy tender, juicy turkey for days after the initial meal.
Now that you know the secrets for reheating success, go forth and reheat turkey without fear! Enjoy those tasty leftovers on sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and more. Your taste buds will thank you.
How to keep your turkey succulent
If the turkey meat starts out dry, there won’t be much hope for it once it’s gone cold. But, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure the most succulent roast beforehand.
By simply seasoning the raw turkey all over with salt up to two days before roasting, you’ll end up with a much juicier roast. A whole bird can be seasoned two days before, a crown up to a day before and a boneless turkey breast should be seasoned no earlier than the night before.
See more details in our turkey brining guide.
Don’t overcook the turkey
Overcooking is the main culprit to dry turkey meat. The best way to make sure you don’t overcook your turkey is to use a digital cooking probe. Once the turkey has reached 75C on the thickest part of the thigh or 65C on the thickest part of the breast, it’s done.
When you rest your turkey after it’s been roasted, the meat relaxes and reabsorbs its juices. Any form of turkey roast, from the whole bird to a boneless breast joint, should be well-rested before carving. Simply sit the turkey on a board or platter and leave it in the kitchen while you get on with everything else. A boneless breast joint can be left for 20-30 mins, while a crown or whole bird will sit happily for 40 mins and still be warm through after an hour.
Roasted Turkey Breast | Reheating Instructions
FAQ
How to reheat turkey breast without drying it out?
How do you warm up a fully cooked turkey breast?
Can I cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Can you reheat cold cooked turkey?
How to reheat turkey breast?
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place turkey slices in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in preheated oven until heated through, 20 to 25 minutes I firmly believe that this article on how to reheat turkey breast helped you get your turkey dinner ready.
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 turkey breast in a steamer?
Instructions Place slices of turkey breast or dark meat in a steamer basket set in a large pot of simmering water. Just as with wrapping the meat in foil and reheating it in the oven, the simmering water creates a vapor that prevents water from leaving the meat. Cover the pot with a lid and check it every few minutes.
Can You reheat a smoked turkey breast?
However, you can also reheat a smoked turkey breast, place the boneless turkey breast in a glass baking dish. Remove any of the turkey skin and fat. Cover with foil and heat for 20 to 25 minutes at 325 degrees on low power in the oven. No products found.