To reheat chicken, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish.
Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat the leftover chicken for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
In addition to the oven, you can also reheat chicken using a few other easy methods. The stovetop, air fryer, and microwave all have their advantages, too.
Follow a few easy steps to ensure your chicken is moist, flavorful, and delectable!
How to Reheat Chicken in the Oven
To reheat chicken in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Be sure the chicken is spread out evenly on the sheet.
Cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating. This helps retain moisture. Place the baking sheet with the chicken in the preheated oven.
Let the chicken heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, but check it periodically. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and quantity of chicken.
Once the chicken is heated to your liking, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving it. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
Serve the reheated chicken and enjoy it as a delicious and convenient meal.
How to Reheat Chicken on the Stove
To reheat chicken on the stove, start by adding a small amount of oil to a skillet.
Heat the skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet. Ensure they’re evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s heated through. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the skillet. Then, as with the oven method, let it rest a bit.
Serve with your favorite condiments and some crusty bread.
How to Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer
Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy tasty, crispy leftovers. Plus, there’s no extra mess!
Start by setting the temperature to 350F, carefully adding the chicken pieces into the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd or overlap them. This will ensure each piece cooks evenly and quickly.
Cook it for 8-10 minutes, flipping it halfway through for even cooking.
For an extra crunchy texture, spray it with oil before reheating it. This will provide optimal crispiness and delicious flavor.
How to Reheat Chicken in the Microwave
Reheating chicken in the microwave is a great way to bring back leftovers from your last meal. It’s fast, efficient, and doesn’t require you to use any additional oil or fat.
To get started, place the pre-cooked chicken onto a microwave-safe plate or dish. Add one tablespoon of liquid such as water, low-sodium broth, or white wine. This helps keep the meat moist.
Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering in the microwave. Heat it for 1 minute on high power. Then, check the temperature with an instant food thermometer. If needed, cook the chicken for another 10–15 seconds at a time. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it stand for 1 minute before serving it.
Are you reheating a large amount of chicken? It’s best to heat it in multiple batches rather than attempting to cook it all at once.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Chicken?
- Oven: Using the oven is ideal for larger pieces with bones. While it takes longer compared to other methods, it allows for even heating. This helps maintain the chicken’s original texture and juiciness.
- Stove: The stove works best for boneless, skinless chicken. It’s a quicker method. But it’s not suitable for breaded or braised cuts. They can become soggy or lose their desired texture.
- Microwave: The microwave is the fastest option, but it can result in soggy breaded chicken. You must do it in smaller increments. Microwaving for too long can lead to dryness.
- Air fryer: This is perfect for restoring that yummy crispiness to chicken. However, this method requires special equipment and takes longer compared to other methods.
How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Cooked chicken can last in the fridge for approximately 3 to 4 days when stored properly. It’s important to refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking to ensure its freshness and safety.
To maximize its shelf life, store the cooked chicken in an air-tight container. Or, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Separate the chicken into smaller portions for easier storage and reheating.
If you plan to keep the cooked chicken beyond 4 days, freeze it for no more than 6 months.
