Two Simple Methods to Save Overcooked, Dry Turkey

Hosting Thanksgiving can feel like a lot to juggle. Will there be enough food? Too much food? Will you forget anything crucial? And of course, will your relatives derail the conversation with debates on politics?

Then there’s the turkey—do you brine, smoke, or deep-fry it? Or do you stick with the classic roasted turkey? The goal is always the same: a flavorful, juicy bird. The fear that it might come out dry just adds to the stress.

How to Revive Dry Turkey

After cooking your turkey to the perfect temperature, letting it rest, and carving it, you might discover that the meat—especially the breast—has turned out drier than expected. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got two easy tricks to bring back the moisture to your main dish.

Use Turkey Broth

Keep some homemade turkey stock, a specialty butcher's container, or even a store-bought box of turkey broth handy. If your turkey turns out too dry, warm the broth in a wide, shallow pan and add the turkey slices to soak up the moisture. Alternatively, place the turkey in an oven-safe pan, pour the broth over it, cover, and reheat at a low temperature—around 300°F (150°C)—for about 20 minutes. Once heated, transfer the turkey to your serving platter and enjoy the juicier slices.

Serve the Turkey Over Gravy

This clever tip comes from Ina Garten. She uses an oven-safe serving dish, pouring about a quarter-inch of gravy onto it. Then she arranges the turkey slices on top and places the platter in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 15 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. If your turkey is dry, sitting in the warm, moist gravy helps rehydrate it. You can also serve extra gravy on the side to add more moisture.

If you have leftover turkey from a large bird, consider turning it into dishes like Turkey Pot Pie or a Turkey Wild Rice soup. Recipes that include broth or gravy will bring moisture back to the dry turkey.