Yes, reheating leftover turkey in a crockpot is a safe and effective way to enjoy turkey again without drying it out. A crockpot uses moist heat to gently reheat foods, keeping them tender and juicy. Here’s what you need to know about reheating turkey in a crockpot.
Benefits of Reheating Turkey in a Crockpot
There are several advantages to using a crockpot to reheat leftover turkey:
- Moist heat prevents drying out – The moist environment of a crockpot allows turkey to reheat gently and evenly, preventing it from drying out.
- Adds flavor – Seasonings, broth, and sauces can be added to infuse more flavor into the turkey as it reheats.
- Hands-off option – Once set up, a crockpot does the work for you with no monitoring required.
- Safe temperatures – A crockpot holds food at safe temperatures above 140°F as recommended by the USDA.
- Versatile – Turkey can be reheated on its own or used in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and other dishes.
The even, gentle heat of a crockpot makes it ideal for reheating sliced or diced turkey so it stays tender and juicy.
How to Reheat Turkey in a Crockpot
Follow these simple steps for reheating turkey in a crockpot:
- Prepare the turkey. Slice or dice the turkey into smaller pieces so it will reheat more quickly and evenly. This also allows you to remove only the portion sizes you need for recipes.
- Place turkey in the crockpot. You can add it on its own or combine it with seasonings, broth, gravy, or sauce for added flavor.
- Set temperature. Low heat is best for gentle reheating. Turn the crockpot to the low setting.
- Allow time to cook. Cook times will vary based on amount of turkey and other ingredients. A general rule of thumb is about 1-2 hours on low.
- Check internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve immediately or switch to warm setting. Once heated through, the turkey should be served right away or kept warm on the warm setting for up to 2 hours.
Stirring the turkey occasionally as it reheats will help the pieces heat evenly. Add a little broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
Tips for Reheating Turkey in a Crockpot
Here are some tips to help ensure moist, flavorful results when reheating turkey in the crockpot:
- Use small pieces – Shred, slice or dice turkey into 1-2 inch pieces so it reheats faster.
- Add liquid – Moisten turkey with broth, gravy, sauce or water to prevent drying out.
- Cook with sauce – Complement turkey flavor with cranberry sauce, gravy, or creamy mushroom sauce.
- Use leftovers – Reheat an entire turkey or just the breast, leg, thigh.
- Try combinations – Mix turkey with stuffing, vegetables, or rice for complete meals.
- Keep time short – Avoid overcooking. Reheat only until turkey reaches 165°F internally.
- Let rest – Let turkey rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices can redistribute.
What to Avoid
There are a few things to keep in mind to prevent drying out or overcooking turkey when reheating in a crockpot:
- Don’t cook turkey too long. Once it reaches 165°F it’s safe to eat. Overcooking leads to dry, tough turkey.
- Don’t crowd the crockpot. Too much turkey can lead to uneven cooking.
- Don’t forget to add liquid. Turkey can dry out without enough moisture in the crockpot.
- Don’t leave turkey on warm too long. Keep it on warm for a maximum of 2 hours then refrigerate.
Turkey Crockpot Recipe Ideas
Beyond basic reheating, crockpots allow you get creative with leftovers for delicious turkey meals. Here are some recipe ideas:
Turkey Chili
Simmer diced turkey with beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, chili powder, cumin, and garlic for a hearty chili.
Turkey Vegetable Soup
Combine turkey, carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme for a soothing soup.
Turkey Pot Pie
Mix turkey with vegetables like peas, carrots, and celery. Top with an oven-baked pie crust for a comforting dish.
BBQ Pulled Turkey
Shred turkey and toss it with barbecue sauce.Pile it on buns for easy pulled turkey sandwiches.
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Stir together turkey, stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, cheese, and crackers for a one-dish bake.
Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey
To safely store and reheat leftover turkey, follow these best practices:
| Storage | Reheating |
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Following proper food safety techniques will reduce your risk of food poisoning.
FAQs
Is it safe to reheat turkey more than once?
Yes, reheating turkey is safe as long as it was promptly refrigerated after the initial cooking and reaches 165°F each time it’s reheated. Avoid reheating turkey more than 1-2 times for best quality.
How long does leftover turkey last in the fridge?
Refrigerated properly at 40°F or below, cooked turkey will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Frozen turkey can be kept for 2-6 months for optimal freshness and taste.
Can you reheat turkey from frozen?
Turkey can be reheated directly from the freezer by cooking it 25% longer. For example, increase crockpot cook time from 2 hours for refrigerated turkey to 2 1/2 hours for frozen turkey. This allows it to defrost and heat through gently.
What’s the best way to reheat a whole turkey?
For reheating a whole cooked turkey, use an oven set to 325°F. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and allow about 8-10 minutes per pound to reach 165°F in the innermost parts. Baste occasionally with broth or pan drippings.
Can you put stuffing in a crockpot when reheating turkey?
It’s best to reheat stuffing separately from turkey to prevent food safety issues. Stuffing cooked inside turkey can remain in the danger zone too long. Reheat stuffing to 165°F in a buttered baking dish covered with foil.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover turkey in a crockpot is a great way to save that holiday bird for delicious meals throughout the week. The moist, gentle heat prevents the turkey from drying out while also infusing it with new flavors. Follow proper storage and reheating guidelines to safely enjoy your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey again and again.
With a little creativity, you can use your crockpot to make comforting soups, hearty casseroles, and easy sandwiches with leftover turkey. A crockpot offers convenience with no worries about drying out or overcooking the turkey. Next time you have leftover turkey, give your crockpot a try for juicy, tender results.