How to reheat a whole smoked turkey: tips & methods

If you're a fan of Thanksgiving leftovers, you know that reheating turkey can be a challenge. No one wants to end up with dry and tough meat that resembles shoe leather. Whether you have a surplus of leftovers or just a few slices that need to be reheated, it's important to know the best methods to ensure that your turkey remains juicy and tender. In this article, we'll share tried-and-true tips and methods from the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen to help you reheat a whole smoked turkey with ease and keep it moist.

Reheating Turkey Without Drying It Out

The key to making succulent and delicious leftover turkey is to create some steam while gently warming it up. This method is ideal for heating up multiple slices at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. However, if you only need to reheat a single serving for a turkey sandwich, there are alternative methods that we'll explain below.

Reheating Turkey in the Oven

The oven method is a classic approach that yields fantastic results. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.
2. After carving the turkey, slice the thigh and breast meat as evenly as possible.
3. Arrange the slices in a single layer in a shallow pan or baking dish.
4. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the top of the turkey slices.
5. Pour gently simmering chicken broth over the towel until it's damp.
6. Wrap the entire dish in foil and bake until the turkey is steaming and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

It's important to resist the temptation to crank up the oven temperature, as this can make the turkey tough. Keeping the temperature low and slow is the key to maintaining its tenderness.

Reheating Turkey in the Microwave or on the Stovetop

If you're pressed for time or only need to reheat a small portion of turkey, the microwave or stovetop methods are great alternatives.

In the microwave:

1. Slice the turkey into similar-sized pieces and arrange them in a shallow baking dish.
2. Drizzle a bit of chicken broth over the turkey slices.
3. Cover the dish and microwave on medium heat until the turkey is heated through.

On the stovetop:

1. Add ¼-inch of broth to a large skillet and arrange the turkey in a single layer.
2. Cover the skillet, bring the broth to a simmer, and cook gently until the turkey is heated through.

Both of these methods are quick and convenient, but be sure to monitor the turkey closely to prevent it from drying out.

Can You Cook a Turkey the Day Before and Reheat It?

While it's possible to cook an entire turkey the day before and then reheat it, we recommend focusing on preparing side dishes and desserts ahead of time instead. However, if you must make your bird ahead of time, here are the steps to follow:

1. Roast the turkey as you normally would.
2. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes and tip out any juices for the best make-ahead turkey gravy.
3. Carve the turkey, separating the legs from the rest of the bird.
4. Separate the drumstick from the thighs and remove the bones from the thighs while the turkey is still slightly warm.
5. Refrigerate the turkey in airtight containers overnight.
6. The next morning, preheat your oven to 300°F to 325°F.
7. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and evenly slice the thigh and breast meat.
8. Arrange the slices in a single layer in shallow pans or baking dishes and drape a clean kitchen towel over the top of each.
9. Simmer some chicken broth and gently pour it over the towel until it's wet.
10. Wrap each dish in foil and bake until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Keeping each piece of the turkey intact as much as possible is crucial to prevent it from drying out. Remember that smaller pieces are more likely to dry out, so try to keep them as large as possible.

Properly Storing Turkey

To ensure the longevity and freshness of your leftover turkey, follow these storage guidelines:

1. Allow the cooked turkey to cool to room temperature for up to two hours.
2. Slice the turkey into large portions that can fit into resealable bags or airtight containers.
3. Leave any bones attached to minimize exposing the meat to air.
4. Wrap each piece tightly before placing it in the bags or containers.
5. Refrigerate the turkey, and it will remain safe to eat for three to four days, according to the USDA.

Remember, exposure to air can cause the meat to develop a crust and dry out, so it's important to keep it tightly wrapped.

In Conclusion

Reheating a whole smoked turkey doesn't have to be a daunting task. By using the oven, microwave, or stovetop methods and following the proper storage guidelines, you can enjoy juicy and tender leftover turkey that tastes just as good as it did on day one. Whether you're feeding a crowd or making a single serving for a sandwich, these tips and methods will help you make the most of your leftover turkey.

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