Thanksgiving dinner can quickly turn stressful when your turkey does not come out quite right. Too dry, undercooked, or overcooked – we have all been there. But do not panic! With a few smart tricks and timely fixes, you can rescue your bird and serve a juicy, flavorful centerpiece your guests will love. Here is your turkey troubleshooting: How to fix dry, undercooked, or overcooked turkey – in 10 steps.

1. Check the Temperature Correctly

Checking the temperature of roast turkey

Use an instant-read thermometer and test the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Breast should ready 165°F (74°C) and thigh 175°F (80°C)

2. If Undercooked, Return to the Oven

A foil covered turkey

Cover the bird loosely with foil and place it back in the oven at 325°F (163°C). Check the temperature every 15 minutes.

3. Slice off Cooked Parts

Carving a turkey

If the breast is done but not the thighs, remove the breast meat and keep it warm while finishing the dark meat.

4. Fix Dry Turkey with Warm Broth

Broth in a ladle

Warm chicken or turkey broth and spoon it generously over sliced turkey. Cover with foil to let the meat absorb the moisture.

5. Butter

Melted butter

Brush slices with melted butter before adding broth for even more moisture and flavor.

6. Shred

Shredded turkey

Shred overly dry pieces and toss them with hot gravy.

7. Wrap in Foil

A turkey resting covered in foil

Cover with foil to trap steam.

8. Make the Gravy

Pouring gravy over turkey

Everything is better with gravy.

9. No Pop up Timer

A whole turkey in a white pan

A real thermometer is your friend.

10. Prevent Future Mistakes

A roast turkey on a serving platter

This concludes Turkey Troubleshooting: How to fix dry, undercooked, or overcooked turkey