Turkey is the most crucial dish on any Thanksgiving table, but its not exactly everybodys favorite. And honestly? We dont blame them. Too often the supposed star of the meal is dry and flavorless. Not even a lakes worth of gravy is enough to salvage some birds.
But if you think freshly roasted turkey can get dry, then reheated leftover turkey is like the Sahara Desert. When not warmed properly, any semblance of succulence goes out the window. It can truly ruin the whole leftovers experience.
But that doesnt mean all forms of reheating turkey have to destroy the textural integrity of your bird. In fact, there are simple ways to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. And there are even ways to add moisture back into otherwise dry meat.
Depending on the way your turkey is stored and what type of meat youre working with, youll want to approach the reheating process differently. So were breaking down the best ways to warm up leftover turkey in all of its forms.
Were sorry to break the news, but you should avoid your microwave at all costs. The harsh, intense, and uneven heating mechanism will leave your turkey tough, rubbery, and unappetizing. It may save you a few minutes, but the quality of your leftovers will pay the ultimate price.
With our Delish-approved techniques, you can enjoy turkey at its very best: moist, juicy, and packed with savory flavor. While you can certainly repeat your original Thanksgiving spread, why not transform your turkey into an exciting and entirely new recipe? Check out some of our favorites (Thanksgiving Crunchwrap, anyone?) here.
If you plan to reheat meat thats still attached to the bone or if youre heating several servings at once, the oven is the most effective method for you. The way ovens work is by circulating hot, dry air—so you definitely dont want to just throw your turkey on a baking sheet and call it a day. Instead, you want to take some precautionary measures to trap as much moisture as possible.
The best way to reheat turkey in the oven is by placing your meat in a roasting pan or baking dish with high sides. Then youll add liquid in the form of water or stock to the bottom of your baking vessel. Even a shallow bath of liquid is enough to rehydrate your bird. But if youre feeling decadent, adding a tablespoon or two of butter to the pan also helps to add richness and moisture.
Theres no point in adding all of this moisture if youre not going to take the steps to trap it. You need to tightly cover the top of your baking dish—either with foil or a tight fitting lid—before popping your leftovers in the oven. This creates an airtight environment where the water or broth in the base of your baking dish eventually turns into the steam that will heat your turkey.
Low and slow heat is the key here. You should preheat your oven to no higher than 325°F when using this method. Its not the fastest way to reach your warm turkey destination, but it is the gentlest. Depending on the size of your turkey pieces, this can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.
Not everybody has the patience to preheat the oven and wait for their turkey to gradually warm through. And thats okay! If youre only heating up enough turkey for one or two people, you can have leftover-ready turkey in just a few minutes on the stovetop. And the methodology is strikingly similar to the oven technique.
First, you need to arrange your (preferably pre-sliced) turkey on a cold skillet. Then, just like with the oven, you should add broth or water for moisture. Youll only need a few tablespoons in this instance since youre working with a smaller amount of meat. And of course, butter is an optional but highly recommended addition.
To reheat your turkey over the stove, place a tight-fitting lid on your prepared skillet and heat the entire thing over medium low heat until the meat is warmed through. This process can take anywhere from 3-6 minutes.
Education: B.A. in Journalism and B.S. in Communications from NYU, Culinary Arts degree from The Institute of Culinary Education
About Me: As an associate editor at Delish, Gabby works on everything from features to recipes to content on our social media channels. Before joining the team, she wrote for StarChefs Rising Stars Magazine, Mashed, and Food52. When she’s not developing cocktail recipes, she’s making cocktail-inspired dishes like Dirty Martini Pasta and Aperol Spritz Trifle. Her features cover online trends like the Millennial Shopping Cart, rank everything from hard seltzers to frozen French fries, and answer some of your most pressing food safety questions. You can also find her posting content on Delish’s TikTok, including her three-part series about cooking like influencer Nara Smith that garnered over 3M combined views. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mountain of Parmesan to any dish she can.
Reheating leftover turkey can seem like a daunting task You want to enjoy those tasty leftovers but don’t want to end up with dry, stringy meat. The good news is that reheating turkey in the oven is hands-down the best method for keeping it incredibly moist and delicious. Follow these simple steps for turkey that tastes as scrumptious as the original roast
Why Reheat Turkey in the Oven?
The oven provides gentle, even heat that thoroughly warms the turkey without overcooking it. Microwaving can create hot spots that dry out the meat quickly. The oven also allows you to add flavorful liquid for extra moisture.
On top of that, ovens reheat large batches well. You can quickly reheat a whole pan of turkey to enjoy throughout the week. For optimal tenderness and juiciness, always opt for the oven over other reheating methods.
How Long to Reheat Turkey in the Oven
The reheating time depends on the amount you are cooking Follow these guidelines
- A full roasting pan of turkey slices or pieces: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- 2-3 servings on a baking sheet: 30-40 minutes
- 1 plate of turkey slices: 15-20 minutes
In general, allow about 15 minutes per pound of turkey meat. Larger oven-safe containers will require more time than smaller amounts spread on a sheet pan.
Step-by-Step Oven Reheating Method
Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy oven-reheated turkey every time.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This low temperature prevents the turkey from drying out.
2. Prepare the Turkey
If needed, slice or carve the turkey into portions. Place in an oven-safe container like the original roasting pan, casserole dish, or rimmed baking sheet.
3. Add Liquid
Pour about 1/4 cup broth, stock or water over the turkey. Turkey or chicken broth provides the most flavor.
4. Cover and Cook
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before uncovering and digging in. Be careful of hot steam when removing foil.
Tips for Moist Oven-Reheated Turkey
- For even more moisture, dot turkey pieces with butter before reheating.
- If meat seems dry at all, bake for longer and add more hot liquid.
- Reheating smaller amounts of shredded turkey? Add liquid to a casserole dish then stir turkey in once heated.
- Layer stuffing underneath turkey pieces to absorb delicious juices.
Can You Reheat a Whole Turkey?
You can reheat an entire leftover roasted turkey in the oven, though it will take more time. First carve off any breast meat you plan to enjoy soon, as the white meat dries out quickest.
Place the remaining whole turkey in a roasting pan with about 1 cup broth poured over it. Tent foil over top and bake at 325°F for 1-1 1/2 hours, until the thickest part of thigh meat reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer. If time allows, baste with juices every 20 minutes.
Other Oven-Safe Ways to Enjoy Leftover Turkey
Beyond enjoying a simple reheated plate of turkey, consider these other oven-safe ideas for leftovers:
- Turkey pot pie – Mix turkey with veggies and gravy in a casserole dish topped with pie crust. Bake 30-40 minutes.
- Turkey tetrazzini – Turkey, pasta, creamy sauce, and parmesan cheese baked into a flavorful casserole.
- Turkey enchiladas – Dice turkey and wrap in tortillas with cheese. Bake with enchilada sauce.
- Turkey soup – Combine diced turkey, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in a dutch oven and bake 1 hour.
If you have more cooked turkey than you can enjoy within 3-4 days, freeze portions for future oven reheating. With the proper technique, you can look forward to deliciously moist turkey for days to come.
Common Questions About Reheating Turkey
How do you keep reheated turkey from drying out?
Covering it while baking and adding liquid are key. Basting with juices helps too.
Is reheated turkey safe to eat?
Yes, as long as it reaches 165°F. Only reheat once.
Can you reheat turkey in the slow cooker?
Yes, cook turkey covered on low 4-6 hours. Add broth for moisture.
What temperature should reheated turkey reach?
165°F, as measured on a food thermometer. This kills any bacteria.
Can I reheat turkey wings or drumsticks?
Absolutely! Follow the same oven reheating method. They may take slightly less time.
What’s the best way to reheat a turkey sandwich?
Wrap it in foil and bake 10-15 minutes at 300°F until the center is hot.
How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge?
3-4 days is the max for safety. Freeze any longer term leftovers.
Can you reheat an entire turkey more than once?
Only reheat cooked turkey once for food safety. Cook extra turkey as needed.
Reheating turkey in the oven helps you get the most out of your holiday bird. With the proper technique, you can enjoy tender, juicy leftovers for days. Follow these tips and timings for incredible oven-reheated turkey every time.
