Heres how to reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out. Its the easiest way to get a perfectly moist, tender and delicious turkey every time!
We reheat a smoked turkey every year for Thanksgiving and it couldnt be easier. It really is one of the secrets to keeping the holiday stress-free.
The best part about it, other than the delicious smoked flavor, is that the smoked turkey comes fully cooked. All you have to do is reheat a pre-cooked turkey in the oven and you have a perfect turkey every time!
And just like your favorite smoked meats, the smoky flavor of hickory, applewood, maple or cherry wood penetrates all the way through the turkey for smoky goodness in every bite.
While there are a few tips and tricks for keeping it moist, the reheating process is so easy anyone can do it.
Reheating a smoked turkey can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think with some simple tips. Properly reheating a smoked turkey ensures it stays moist and delicious. Follow this complete guide for foolproof results.
Why Reheat Smoked Turkey?
Smoked turkey offers incredible convenience – it’s fully cooked so you can enjoy it anytime. Reheating smoked turkey lets you
-
Serve a holiday-worthy meal without hours of cooking
-
Enjoy delicious smoked flavor without the hassle
-
Prepare turkey quickly even when short on time
-
Have turkey sandwiches or casseroles ready in minutes
-
Use leftover turkey for soups salads and other recipes
With the right technique, reheated smoked turkey tastes incredible.
How Long to Reheat a Whole Smoked Turkey
To reheat a whole smoked turkey and get the best results:
-
Set oven to 325°F – Higher temps risk drying out the turkey.
-
Heat 1.5 – 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. This ensures safety without overcooking.
-
Check temperature after 1 hour, then periodically until 140°F. Time varies by turkey size.
-
Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor temperature. Insert into thickest part of breast.
-
Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
At 325°F, an 8-12 lb smoked turkey takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to reach 140°F internally. Larger birds may need slightly longer. Monitor temperature closely and reheating time will vary.
How to Reheat Leftover Smoked Turkey
For leftover sliced or shredded smoked turkey:
-
Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, 1-3 minutes depending on amount.
-
Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
-
Cover with a damp paper towel to add moisture during reheating.
-
Check temperature with a food thermometer, ensure leftover turkey reaches 165°F.
-
Add broth, gravy, or butter to help keep turkey moist.
-
Avoid overheating – microwaving too long makes turkey dry and rubbery.
Follow these tips and smoked turkey leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave in just minutes.
Tips for Reheating Moist, Tender Smoked Turkey
Use these reheating tips for the best results:
-
Always reheat fully defrosted turkey – don’t reheat frozen.
-
Bring turkey to room temperature before reheating for quicker, more even heating.
-
Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to accurately monitor internal temperature.
-
Tent turkey loosely with foil to prevent drying out while allowing steam to escape.
-
Let turkey rest 20 minutes after reheating so juices redistribute before carving.
-
Add broth, stock, or melted butter when reheating leftovers to add moisture.
-
Slice turkey across the grain after reheating for tender, easy-to-cut meat.
Step-by-Step Guide for Reheating Smoked Turkey
Follow this simple step-by-step method:
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked smoked turkey (8-12 lbs)
- Butter or turkey broth
Instructions:
-
Remove turkey from fridge and let sit at room temperature 1 hour.
-
Preheat oven to 325°F. Tent turkey loosely in foil.
-
Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of breast, not touching bone.
-
Bake turkey 1.5 – 2 hours until thermometer reaches 140°F.
-
Remove turkey, brush with butter or broth. Tent foil, let rest 20 minutes.
-
Carve turkey and serve immediately. Enjoy!
What is the Best Way to Reheat a Smoked Turkey?
The oven is the best reheating method for whole smoked turkey. It allows slow, gentle heating so the turkey warms through without drying out.
Key advantages of oven reheating:
-
Achieves evenly distributed heat
-
Lets you bring turkey to ideal safe temperature
-
Provides opportunity to baste and add moisture
-
Allows gradual reheating that preserves texture
-
Leaves skin crispy, not rubbery like microwave
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common reheating mistakes:
-
Reheating at high temperature – dries out turkey.
-
Not using a meat thermometer – leads to undercooking.
-
Cutting into turkey immediately – juices spill out.
-
Skipping tenting with foil – causes moisture loss.
-
Microwaving whole turkey – uneven heating.
-
Not letting turkey rest before serving.
-
Reheating from frozen state.
Follow the recommended oven method and temperature and you’ll have delicious reheated smoked turkey.
Make an Easy Herb-Butter Baste
Basting adds flavor and moisture when reheating. Make this easy compound butter:
-
Melt 1 stick salted butter
-
Mix in 2 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme and sage
-
1 tsp lemon juice
Brush over turkey occasionally while reheating.
Enjoy Your Leftovers
Now that you know how to properly reheat smoked turkey, you can also use those leftovers to make tasty meals like:
-
Hearty turkey noodle soup
-
Turkey pot pie with veggies
-
Turkey casserole or tetrazzini
-
Smoked turkey sandwiches
-
Turkey salad with cranberries
With the right reheating techniques, smoked turkey stays succulent, juicy, and full of flavor. Follow this guide for your best reheated turkey yet.
Here’s what you’ll need
- Smoked turkey – be sure to get a fully cooked smoked whole turkey. It will say it right on the label.
- Water – one or two cups of water in the bottom of the roasting pan creates a moist environment inside the pan and helps maintain juiciness. You can also substitute chicken broth for more flavorful drippings.
- Flavorings – this is purely optional. You can reheat the turkey as is, or add a few sprigs of fresh herbs or wedges of orange or lemon inside the cavity.
- Roasting pan – use a shallow roasting pan or baking dish large enough to fit a whole turkey.
- Roasting rack – to keep the turkey from sitting in the liquid in the bottom of the pan.
- Aluminum foil – to tent the turkey and seal in the moisture while reheating. This helps keep the turkey from drying out.
- Meat thermometer – a probe thermometer is the best way to know when your turkey is done.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and adjust the oven racks to make room for the roasting pan.
- Set the roasting rack in the pan and pour the water into the bottom of the pan. Place the turkey on the rack, breast side up. Cover the pan with foil and seal around the rim.
- Heat the turkey for 2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 – 20 minutes to redistribute the juices before carving.
Note: If you are using a leave-in meat thermometer, place the probe in the thickest part of the turkey before covering it with foil. Be sure to leave the probe wire outside of the foil so you can connect it to the external monitor to keep an eye on the temperature of the turkey.
To keep your smoked turkey moist and tender, place it on a rack in a roasting pan with a little water in the bottom. Cover it with foil and reheat it in a low oven.
It will take 2 to 3 hours to reheat a smoked whole turkey depending on the size of the turkey. The best way to tell when its done is to use a meat thermometer.
Reheat a fully cooked smoked turkey in a 325°F oven until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F according to USDA guidelines.
No. Since the smoked turkey is already fully cooked, it would be overcooked and dry by the time the stuffing is cooked through. Bake the stuffing separately in a casserole dish.
Grocery store – dont count on finding smoked turkeys stocked in your local grocery store. Go to the meat department and place an order a week or two before you plan to cook the turkey.Restaurant – check with a local smokehouse or BBQ restaurant. They will sometimes smoke whole turkeys that you can order and pick up for holidays.Online – you can also buy fully cooked whole smoked turkeys online. They will generally ship frozen and need to be thawed before cooking.
Thaw your frozen whole smoked turkey in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can thaw a turkey more quickly in cold water (allow 30 minutes per pound), but dont thaw a turkey at room temperature.
- To carve at the table, place the whole turkey on a serving platter and garnish it with fresh rosemary, cranberries and oranges for a festive look.
- Or carve the turkey into thick slices in the kitchen and place the light meat from the turkey breasts and the dark meat from the thighs on the tray. Add the turkey legs or drumsticks and wings and garnish with herbs.
- Serve with all your favorite side dishes – gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rice and potatoes. Add a ham as a second main dish for large gatherings.
- For something different, serve smoked turkey at your next barbecue. You can reheat the turkey in the oven while you cook other meat, poultry, fish or vegetable kabobs on the grill.
- Smoked turkey leftovers make the best sandwiches! Or use a leftover smoked turkey leg or wing to season collard greens.
How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
How do you reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out?
Is a smoked turkey fully cooked?
How do you keep a smoked turkey from drying out?
How long to reheat a smoked turkey in a Traeger?