Yes, you can absolutely heat up a precooked turkey breast in a crock pot. A crock pot provides moist, gentle heat that will warm the turkey thoroughly without drying it out. It’s a great hands-off way to reheat turkey.
Is it safe to reheat turkey in a crock pot?
Reheating previously cooked turkey in a crock pot is completely safe, as long as you follow a few guidelines:
- Make sure the turkey was properly handled and refrigerated after initial cooking. Only reheat fully-cooked turkey that has been continuously refrigerated.
- Cut the turkey into smaller pieces so it heats evenly. Chunks about 2-3 inches thick work well.
- Use a food thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t keep the turkey on the warm setting for longer than 2 hours, to prevent bacteria growth.
As long as you follow these steps, the slow, moist heat of a crock pot is an ideal way to reheat turkey breast stress-free.
How long does it take to reheat a turkey breast in a crock pot?
The time needed to reheat a turkey breast in a crock pot depends on a few factors:
- Size of the breast: A smaller 2-3 lb breast may only take 2-3 hours, while a larger 5-6 lb breast may need 4-6 hours.
- Thickness of pieces: Cutting the breast into smaller, thinner pieces reduces reheating time.
- Temperature setting: On low, plan for at least 4 hours. On high, pieces may be ready in 2-3 hours.
- Amount of liquid: More liquid conducts heat faster, reducing reheating time. Use broth, water, or turkey gravy.
Use a food thermometer to be sure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. Then you’ll know it’s fully hot and safe to eat.
How to reheat a cooked turkey breast in a crock pot
Follow these simple steps:
- Cut the cooked turkey breast into chunks about 2-3 inches thick.
- Place the turkey chunks in the crock pot and add liquid like broth, water, or gravy to partially cover.
- Cook on LOW for at least 4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until heated through to 165°F.
- Use for sandwiches, salads, casseroles, or eat as-is with sides!
Tips for the best results
Here are some tips to ensure even, thorough reheating and delicious turkey:
- Cut slits into the thickest part of the breast chunks to allow heat to penetrate.
- Layer turkey chunks with mushrooms, onions, carrots etc. to add flavor.
- Cook stuffing separately to avoid overcooking, then mix together after.
- Shred some turkey with forks once cooked for easy tacos, sandwiches, etc.
- Make gravy from the juices. Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.
- Switch to WARM setting to hold turkey for up to 2 hours after it reaches 165°F.
Try these delicious turkey crock pot recipes
A crock pot is versatile enough to make endless turkey dishes beyond basic reheating. Here are some flavorful recipe ideas to try:
Turkey Chili
This hearty chili is easy to make in a crock pot. Just combine chopped cooked turkey with beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and other spices. Top with avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
Turkey Tortilla Soup
Shredded turkey breast combines deliciously with classic tortilla soup ingredients like chicken broth, tomatoes, corn, beans, and tortilla strips.
BBQ Pulled Turkey
For a new twist on classic pulled pork, mix shredded turkey with your favorite barbecue sauce. Pile it on buns or eat over rice.
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Chunks of turkey breast complement the nutty flavor of wild rice in this hearty soup. Celery, carrots, and cream add homestyle appeal.
Turkey Pot Pie
Comfort food at its finest! Sauté vegetables, mix with turkey chunks, broth, herbs, and pour into a pie crust. Top with another crust and bake until golden.
Conclusion
Reheating a precooked turkey breast in a crock pot is an easy, foolproof technique. The low, moist heat gently brings the turkey up to safe serving temperatures without risk of overcooking or drying out. With the right timing and temperature, plus some flavorful ingredients, you can enjoy deliciously juicy leftover turkey. Start with basic reheating or get creative with fun new crock pot turkey recipes.