Reheat leftover turkey to 165°F. In the oven, use a temperature of at least 325°F, add a little broth or gravy, and cover the pan so the meat does not dry out. In the microwave, cover the food, rotate it, and check the temperature after standing time. Bring leftover gravy to a rolling boil. These are USDA turkey roasting guide leftover rules, also covered in how long Thanksgiving leftovers last. Only reheat food that was refrigerated within 2 hours of serving and is still within the 3- to 4-day window.
Oven, stovetop or microwave
Spread slices in a shallow pan in a single layer, moisten them with broth, and cover with a lid or foil. Heat in a 325°F or slightly hotter oven until the thickest pieces reach 165°F. You can also reheat turkey in a covered skillet with a splash of liquid over low heat, still checking 165°F. The microwave is faster: arrange pieces evenly, cover, heat in short bursts, and let the food stand briefly so the temperature evens out before you measure it.
Gravy, stuffing and safety
Reheat stuffing and other leftovers to 165°F too, and bring gravy to a rolling boil. Do not reheat the same leftovers again and again; take out only what you will eat. If you froze turkey, you may reheat it from frozen (it will take longer) or thaw it in the refrigerator first. Related: turkey internal temperature, how to make gravy, and the Thanksgiving guide.
If leftovers sat out more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour above 90°F, do not reheat them; throw them away.
Slices reheated in a covered skillet with a splash of broth also work, as long as you still check 165°F. Avoid leaving a platter of turkey on a buffet for longer than the leftover clock allows; if the room is warm, people should serve themselves and leftover portions should go back into the refrigerator within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Frozen leftover turkey should be thawed in the refrigerator, then reheated to 165°F, or reheated from frozen until it reaches that temperature throughout. Gravy should return to a rolling boil.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should leftover turkey reach?
165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Gravy should come to a rolling boil.
Can I reheat turkey in the microwave?
Yes. Cover it, rotate or stir, and confirm 165°F after standing time so cold spots have a chance to even out.
Why does leftover turkey taste dry?
Slices dry out when they are reheated uncovered or past 165°F. A little broth and a cover help, and leftover dark meat often stays moister than breast meat.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer — Confirm leftovers reach 165°F.
- Cuisinart Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack and Deluxe Basting Set — A covered roasting pan with a little broth is an easy oven method.
- OXO Good Grips 2-Cup and 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Set — Measure broth to moisten the meat.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Digital Kitchen Food Scale — Portion leftover meat into meal-size packs before you freeze them.
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