How To Reheat a Smoked Turkey

Here's how to reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out. It's the easiest way to get a perfectly moist, tender and delicious turkey every time!

How to reheat smoked turkey without drying it out

We reheat a smoked turkey every year for Thanksgiving and it couldn't 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.

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.

Equipment

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.

Instructions

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.

How do you reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out?

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.

How long does it take to reheat a smoked turkey?

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 it's done is to use a meat thermometer.

What temperature do you reheat a smoked turkey?

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.

Do you stuff a smoked turkey?

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.

Where to buy a smoked turkey?

Grocery store - don't 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.

How do you thaw smoked turkey?

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 don't thaw a turkey at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

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.

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