How Long To Heat Up A Fully Cooked Turkey?
The time needed to heat up a fully cooked turkey depends primarily on its size and the oven temperature, but generally ranges from 3 to 8 hours. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without drying out the meat.
Understanding Pre-Cooked Turkey
Pre-cooked turkeys offer a significant convenience, especially during busy holiday seasons. They eliminate the long cooking process associated with raw turkeys, freeing up valuable time and oven space. However, knowing how to properly heat a fully cooked turkey is crucial to ensure food safety and maintain the turkey’s moisture and flavor. A pre-cooked turkey is already safe to eat, so you’re simply heating it to improve its texture and appeal.
Benefits of Heating Pre-Cooked Turkey
- Convenience: Saves significant time and effort compared to cooking a raw turkey.
- Reduced Stress: Eliminates the anxiety of undercooking or overcooking a raw bird.
- Consistent Results: Typically results in a more predictable and even cooking process.
- Flavor Enhancement: Proper heating can enhance the existing flavors of the turkey.
The Heating Process: Step-by-Step
- Thawing: Ensure the turkey is fully thawed. A properly thawed turkey will heat more evenly. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator.
- Preparation: Remove the turkey from its packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to a low temperature. The optimal temperature is between 275°F (135°C) and 325°F (163°C). Lower temperatures help prevent the turkey from drying out.
- Preparation (Continued): Consider adding moisture. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with about 1 cup of broth or water. This creates steam and helps keep the meat moist.
- Covering: Cover the turkey with foil to retain moisture during the initial heating process.
- Heating Time: Heat the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) to check the temperature.
- Basting (Optional): Baste the turkey with its own juices or melted butter every hour to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Uncovering: Remove the foil during the last 30-60 minutes of heating to allow the skin to crisp up.
- Resting: Once heated to the correct temperature, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Heating Time Guidelines
The following table provides approximate heating times for fully cooked turkeys at 325°F (163°C). Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
| Turkey Weight (lbs) | Approximate Heating Time (Hours) |
|---|---|
| 8-10 | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| 10-12 | 3.0 – 4.0 |
| 12-14 | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| 14-16 | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| 16-18 | 4.5 – 5.5 |
| 18-20 | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| 20-22 | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| 22-24 | 6.0 – 7.0 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Thawing Completely: Insufficient thawing can lead to uneven heating.
- Overheating: Overheating can dry out the turkey. Monitor the internal temperature closely.
- Using Too High a Temperature: High temperatures can cause the skin to burn before the turkey is heated through.
- Skipping the Resting Period: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
- Ignoring the Meat Thermometer: Relying on visual cues alone is unreliable. A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Not Adding Moisture: Without added moisture, the turkey can dry out during heating. Using broth or water in the roasting pan is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if my turkey is fully thawed?
A fully thawed turkey will feel soft and pliable all over. There should be no ice crystals remaining, and the legs should be able to move freely. The internal temperature should be above 40°F.
Can I heat a fully cooked turkey from frozen?
While not recommended due to uneven heating and potential food safety risks, it is possible. Heating from frozen will significantly increase the heating time. It’s always best to thaw the turkey completely first. If you must heat from frozen, be sure to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What is the safest internal temperature for a fully cooked turkey?
The safe internal temperature for a fully cooked turkey is 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching bone.
How often should I baste the turkey?
Basting every 30 to 60 minutes can help keep the turkey moist. Use the turkey’s own juices or melted butter for best results. Be mindful that excessive basting can lower the oven temperature, slightly increasing the heating time.
Can I heat a fully cooked turkey in a slow cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker can be used, especially for smaller turkeys or turkey breasts. Place the turkey in the slow cooker with about 1 cup of broth or water. Cook on low for approximately 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What if my turkey starts to brown too quickly?
If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil to protect it from the direct heat. This will allow the inside to heat through without the skin burning.
How long can a fully cooked turkey sit out at room temperature?
A fully cooked turkey should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
How long can I store leftover turkey in the refrigerator?
Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it is properly sealed in an airtight container.
Can I reheat leftover turkey in the microwave?
Yes, leftover turkey can be reheated in the microwave. Make sure to heat it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add a little broth or water to keep it moist.
What’s the best way to keep the turkey moist while heating?
Besides basting and using broth in the roasting pan, consider brining the turkey before it was initially cooked (if possible – check the label). The pre-cooking process may already have brining involved. Heating it with a roasting bag can also help to keep the turkey moist.
My turkey is already sliced. How do I heat it?
If your turkey is already sliced, arrange the slices in a baking dish. Add a little broth or gravy to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. Avoid overheating, as sliced turkey can dry out easily.
Can I heat a smoked fully cooked turkey?
Yes, you can heat a smoked, fully cooked turkey using the same methods as a regular fully cooked turkey. The heating time will depend on the size of the turkey and the oven temperature. Using the table above should still apply as a general guide, but always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).