Emilie Meyer
There are several ways to heat up leftover chicken, including using an oven, stove, air fryer, or microwave. The best method depends on the type of chicken, with fried chicken and bone-in chicken reheating well in the oven, and smaller pieces of chicken like sliced chicken breast and rotisserie chicken off the bone doing well on the stovetop. To reheat chicken on the stovetop, add a little water or chicken broth to a skillet, place the chicken in the pan, and heat over medium to medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to heat up chicken with a pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cookware | Skillet or non-stick pan |
| Type of chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or leftover chicken |
| Amount of chicken | Small or large amounts |
| Temperature | Medium to medium-high heat |
| Additives | Water, chicken broth, butter, oil, or broth |
| Cooking time | Until the internal temperature reaches 165°F |
| Stirring | Constant stirring or flipping to prevent burning |
| Resting | Allow chicken to rest at room temperature before heating |
| Serving | Arrange chicken on a plate with larger pieces on the outside and smaller pieces in the center |
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What You'll Learn
Heating chicken on the stovetop
Firstly, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Next, add a little water or chicken broth to a medium or large skillet—just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the chicken in the skillet and set it over medium heat. Once the water starts to simmer, lower the heat and gently stir the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and continue heating until the chicken is warmed through, turning it occasionally. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F, which can be checked with a meat thermometer. This process should take about 10 minutes.
It is important to avoid using high heat when reheating chicken, as this will dry it out and make it tough. Additionally, it is recommended to only reheat the amount of chicken you plan to eat, as constantly reheating leftovers can dry out the meat and expose it to bacteria.
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Reheating chicken in the oven
First, take your chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to between 250°F and 400°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet to allow the hot air to circulate around the meat. If you are reheating a whole chicken, place it in a rimmed baking dish.
Add a small amount of liquid to the dish to create steam and help keep the meat moist. You can use water or chicken broth/stock. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place in the oven. The length of time you cook the chicken for will depend on the amount and type of meat, but it usually takes around 15-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer—it should be 165°F. Remove the foil and return the chicken to the oven for another 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
If you are reheating chicken that has a sauce, such as chicken in a curry, you can add the sauce to the dish and heat it through. This will help to blend the flavours together.
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Using an air fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer:
First, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. Most sources recommend heating it to 360°F (180°C-182°C) for about 5 minutes, but some suggest 375°F or even 400°F for a crispier crust. Preheating the air fryer creates the ideal environment for your chicken to crisp up nicely.
Prepare the Chicken:
Take your leftover fried chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before reheating. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the outer crust from getting too dark. You can also add a tiny bit of oil to the chicken to help it crisp up and stay juicy. Additionally, if you want to add more seasoning, this is the perfect time to do so.
Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate effectively, crisping the chicken on all sides. You can also use a wire rack inside the air fryer to allow rendered fats to drip away from the crust, resulting in a less oily texture.
Reheat the Chicken:
Place the air fryer basket with the chicken into the preheated air fryer. Start reheating for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your air fryer model. Then, gently flip the chicken pieces or shake the basket to ensure even heating. Return the basket and continue reheating for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
Check for Doneness:
To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). This is the minimum temperature required to kill harmful bacteria, according to USDA guidelines. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the chicken is fully heated through.
By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and safely reheated fried chicken straight from your air fryer!
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Heating chicken in the microwave
While the microwave is a quick and convenient way to heat up chicken, it can sometimes result in dry or rubbery meat. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid this.
Firstly, it is important to use a microwave-safe plate or container. Avoid using plastic containers, as these can melt or leach harmful chemicals into your food, unless they are explicitly labelled microwave-safe.
Before placing the chicken in the microwave, it is a good idea to slice it into smaller, similarly-sized pieces, which will help the meat heat through evenly. Place the chicken on the plate or in the container, with smaller pieces in the centre and larger ones towards the edge. Sprinkle a few teaspoons of water over the chicken, and add a drizzle of olive oil to help keep it moist and improve its flavour.
Cover the plate or container with a damp paper towel, or with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Heat the chicken for 1-2 minutes on a medium-high setting, then check the temperature. If the chicken is not hot enough, continue heating in 30-second intervals until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finally, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will continue to cook after being removed from the microwave.
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How to prevent chicken from drying out
To prevent chicken from drying out when reheating it in a pan, avoid using high heat. Instead, opt for medium heat. If you're reheating chicken that's been removed from the bone, slice boneless, skinless breasts into one-inch-thick pieces. This thickness ensures the meat cooks quickly without drying out.
Next, grab a skillet and pour just enough water to cover the bottom. Set the pan over medium heat, and once the water starts to simmer, add the chicken. Lower the heat and gently stir the chicken until it's warmed through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to the chicken to enhance its flavour and moisture. If you're reheating cubed or sliced chicken, keep a close eye on it and check its internal temperature to prevent overcooking and drying out.
Remember, reheating chicken multiple times is not recommended as it can dry out the meat and expose it to bacteria. So, only reheat the amount of chicken you plan to consume immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
To retain moisture, heat a small amount of butter, oil, broth, or water in a non-stick pan on medium to low heat. Place the chicken in the pan and ensure you move it around a lot or flip it so it doesn't burn. Once it's heated to your liking, let it rest for a moment before serving.
Chicken wings are best reheated on the stove. It's quick and easy, and they'll be heated through perfectly. Place the wings in a single layer on a skillet, and lower the heat while stirring until they're hot.
Bone-in chicken is best reheated in the oven. Place the chicken on a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and put it in the oven. This will ensure the chicken gets warm and crispy all over.
