Learn how to reheat chicken the right way using any of these four methods. You only need a few minutes to have juicy, flavorful chicken ready to serve for dinner!
If you’ve cooked up a big batch of chicken and have leftovers or your chicken is just cold, you’ll want to know how to reheat it so it’s just as delicious as when it was first cooked. A properly reheated chicken will be juicy and tender, not dry or rubbery.
What is the best way to reheat chicken
Can you reheat the cooked chicken? the simple answer is yes, and it is easy to do also. Chicken is versatile and a staple dish in most homes and it is perfect for making ahead. Therefore it is only natural that you would need to know how to reheat it properly so that it is hot and ready for when you need to eat it. There are a few methods that work better than others when reheating chicken. The following methods below are the best ways to reheat chicken so that it doesn't dry out and it is just as juicy and flavorful as when it was first cooked.
Depending on what equipment you have available, you can reheat chicken on the stovetop, oven, air fryer, or grill. That said, one method is better than the other, personally, the oven and air fryer are my preferred methods because they are less likely to dry out the chicken.
Related posts: how to reheat onion rings and how to reheat rice.
What type of chicken can I reheat
You can reheat all types of chicken from chicken wings, whole roast chicken, thighs, drumsticks, and chicken breast. Also, the chicken can be coated in sauce, breaded or battered. However, some types are more likely to dry out than others if not reheated properly
For example, chicken breast is leaner than other cuts of chicken, and therefore it is more likely to dry out if not cooked properly. Thighs and drumsticks have more fat which helps to keep them moist and juicy.
Tips
Bring out the chicken from the fridge and let it come to a room temperature, this will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly.
If you are reheating multiple pieces of chicken, make sure it is not overlapped so that they all finish cooking at the same time.
If you are reheating chicken in the oven, cover it with foil to help keep it moist.
Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reheating chicken in oven
This method takes longer but it is guaranteed to keep the chicken moist and evenly cooked.
To start, get an oven-safe dish or nonstick baking sheet and preheat the oven to 180C/365F.
For non-breaded chicken: Arrange the chicken on a baking dish spacing them out so they are not touching. Sprinkle some water on the chicken then spray with a little cooking oil, flip the chicken and repeat the process.
Put the tray on the middle shelf of the oven and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 74C/165F.
For breaded or battered chicken: Follow the same instructions above but omit to sprint with water. Instead, lightly brush the chicken with some oil on both sides. This will help to crisp up the breading or batter while still keeping the chicken moist.
Reheating chicken on the stovetop
This is a quick method for reheating boneless chicken or chicken pieces but it does require some supervision so the chicken does not dry out or overcook.
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of water or chicken broth to the pan and cover with a lid.
Reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for 5-8 minutes then check it. Make sure the chicken cooks thoroughly, take it off the heat, and serve.
Alternatively, add oil to the pan about ½ inch high, heat on medium-high heat until hot, Carefully place chicken in the hot oil, fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This method will work for breaded or battered chicken or boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks.
Reheating chicken in microwave
This is the quickest method but it is not really recommended because it can cause the chicken to dry out or cook unevenly. It is important to check it often and not overcook it. This method is not also recommended for breaded chicken as
Line the microwave-safe plate with a damp kitchen paper towel, and place the chicken on the lined plate in a single layer. Loosely cover the plate with another damp kitchen paper towel or wax paper.
Place in the microwave and heat on high for 30-60 seconds, pause to check, and then heat in additional 10-15 second increments until the chicken is heated through to your liking.
How to reheat chicken in the air fryer
This is one of the quickest and most efficient methods for reheating chicken. It also keeps it moist and juicy on the inside while crisp on the outside.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil then place the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes flipping it halfway then check it and cook for additional 2-3 minutes if necessary. Serve and enjoy!
Reheating chicken on the grill
This is a great bonus method for reheating boneless, skinless chicken breast. It will also give it a nice char and smoky flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then oil the grates. Sprinkle the chicken with some water and spray with little oil.
Place the chicken on the grill and let it cook for 5-8 minutes depending on the thickness until hot flipping it halfway through.
How To Reheat Chicken
Equipment
- oven, microwave, grill or stovetop
Ingredients
- Leftover chicken
Instructions
- To start, get an oven-safe dish or nonstick baking sheet and preheat the oven to 180C/365F.
For non-breaded chicken
- Arrange the chicken on a baking dish spacing them out so they are not touching. Sprinkle some water on the chicken then spray with a little cooking oil, flip the chicken and repeat the process. Cover the chicken with aluminium foil loosely.
- Put the tray on the middle shelf of the oven and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 74C/165F.
For breaded or battered chicken
- Follow the same instructions above but omit to sprint with water. Instead, lightly brush the chicken with some oil on both sides. This will help to crisp up the breading or batter while still keeping the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can you reheat chicken on the bone
Yes, you can reheat chicken on the bone but it will take longer to cook through. If you can, remove the bones before you reheat so that it cooks faster giving it less chance to dry out.
How do you keep chicken moist when reheating
There are a few things you can do to keep the chicken moist when reheating. First, you can add a little water or chicken broth or cooking oil before reheating. Second, cover the chicken with foil in the oven or a lid of reheating on the stove top, this will help trap moisture.
Can you reheat chicken twice
You can reheat chicken multiple times however, it tends to lose its flavor and moisture after much reheating. Personally, I prefer this method for chicken cooked in sauce otherwise, only reheat once.
Make sure that the chicken is hot and thoroughly cooked before serving.
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Lola says
I love this post . It answers all questions one may have about preserving, preparing and reheating chicken. It will come in handy with all those left over chicken from easter, christmas and sunday dinners.
Andrea says
I had loads of chicken left over from a little house party I had the other week and didn't want them to go to waste. A simple search online brought me here. I will definitely use what I have learned here in future.