Can You Reheat Turkey In The Oven?

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Yes, you can reheat turkey in the oven, and it’s one of the more reliable methods for leftover roast turkey. The key is keeping it covered with foil and adding liquid to create steam: turkey is leaner than chicken, particularly the breast meat, and dries out faster without a moisture source during reheating.

Can You Reheat Turkey in the Oven?

Yes. Cooked turkey keeps in the fridge for three to four days in a sealed container or covered dish. It should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Reheat to 75°C (165°F) throughout. Turkey breast is particularly prone to drying out on reheating because it has very little intramuscular fat, so the method you use matters more than it would for a fattier cut. Do not reheat more than once.

Reheating Sliced Turkey in the Oven

The most common scenario after a roast or a Christmas dinner.

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Arrange the slices in a single layer in an oven-safe dish, overlapping slightly is fine.
3. Pour three to four tablespoons of turkey or chicken broth over the slices. Gravy works as well and adds flavour.
4. Cover tightly with foil. The liquid creates steam during heating that keeps the meat moist.
5. Heat for 15 to 20 minutes for standard slices. Check at 15 minutes: the turkey should be steaming and hot throughout.
6. Remove the foil for the final two minutes if you want the surface to have a little colour.

Reheating a Whole Turkey Breast in the Oven

For larger portions or a bone-in breast.

1. Preheat to 160°C (320°F).
2. Place in a roasting dish and add 100ml of broth or water to the base.
3. Cover tightly with foil.
4. Allow 30 to 40 minutes for a half breast (approx 800g), or 45 to 60 minutes for a larger whole breast.
5. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part: 75°C throughout.
6. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the skin.

Turkey Legs and Thighs

Dark meat reheats more forgivingly than breast because of its higher fat content. Use the same method as above but reduce the time by five to eight minutes for equivalent-sized pieces. Dark meat can take a few extra minutes without becoming dry in the way breast does.

Which Method Should You Use?

Q: I have always wondered if I could reheat turkey in the oven without drying it out. I am a terrible cook, but I am sure there are a few tips to keep the meat moist even after being cooked.

A: Reheating turkey in the oven is quite simple! The meat will only be as moist as it was when it brought out of the oven the first time.  Therefore, you can use a professional and cover with foil to make a heat shield. The meat will cook all the same, but the moisture will not be sucked out!

Reheating In The Oven

The simplest way to keep the meat from going dry is to tightly wrap the turkey in foil before baking. If it is the breast, wrapping will be easier. However, this method is great for all pieces, even your loose pieces.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place the wrapped pieces of turkey on a baking sheet in case juices leak out. You will want to bake the turkey for about 15 minutes for a thick breast and a leg. If there are more pieces or vary in density, you can vary the cooking times. Keep in mind the longer you cook the meat, the more likely it will dry out.

Turkey is great all year round, not just for holidays. With this foolproof wrapping method, your turkey will be as delicious as the first night. Your leftovers can keep for about four days when properly refrigerated after that, be sure to throw it away as to avoid illness.