Sophie Bennett
There are few things worse than dry, rubbery chicken. To avoid this, it's important to know the best ways to reheat chicken. There are several methods for doing so, each with its pros and cons, and the best method will depend on the type of chicken and your personal preference. Here's a guide to help you achieve tender, juicy chicken every time.
How to heat up chicken so it's not dry
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 300°F-350°F |
| Stove | Use a skillet or pot with a lid |
| Stove liquid | Water, chicken broth, olive oil, butter, wine, or chicken stock |
| Stove chicken preparation | Slice into 1-inch-thick pieces |
| Stove cooking temperature | Low to medium heat |
| Air fryer temperature | 275°F-360°F |
| Microwave | Use a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to cover the dish |
| Microwave liquid | Add a tablespoon or two of water |
| Microwave cooking time | 2 minutes, then flip and heat in 30-second intervals |
| Microwave power level | 5-7 |
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What You'll Learn
Use an oven
Using an oven is a great way to reheat chicken without drying it out. This method is particularly suitable for bone-in chicken, larger cuts, skin-on chicken, or chicken cooked in a casserole.
Firstly, ensure your oven is fully preheated. Remove your chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet. If your chicken was cooked in a casserole and is still in that dish, simply reheat it as part of the casserole.
Next, add liquid to the dish to create steam and prevent the chicken from drying out. You can use water, chicken broth, or stock. Cover the dish with tinfoil, a lid, or microwave-safe plastic wrap. The covering will trap the liquid and steam in the dish.
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and heat until the chicken is heated through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. If you want to crisp up the skin, transfer the chicken to a broiler-safe pan and broil until browned.
Using an oven is a great way to retain the moisture and crispiness of your chicken. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and succulent leftover chicken.
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Try a stove
If you're looking to reheat chicken without drying it out, the stove is a great option. However, it's important to note that the stove is not ideal for bone-in chicken or chicken with skin on. For these types of chicken, the oven is a better choice.
If you're reheating boneless, skinless chicken, the stove is a great option. Here's what you need to do:
- Slice the chicken into pieces that are thin enough to heat quickly but thick enough to prevent them from drying out.
- Grab a skillet and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. You can also add a little oil, butter, or chicken broth for extra flavour.
- Set the pan over medium heat and wait for the water to start simmering.
- Add the chicken to the pan and lower the heat.
- Gently stir the chicken until it's warmed through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
It's important to avoid using high heat when reheating chicken on the stove, as this can dry it out and make it tough. Instead, use low to medium heat and take your time to ensure the chicken stays moist and tender.
Another option for reheating chicken on the stove is to use a small pot or pan, especially if your chicken is in smaller, boneless pieces or has been shredded. Simply place the chicken in the pot or pan and add a little water or chicken broth to create steam and prevent the chicken from drying out. Cover the pot or pan with a lid to trap the steam and heat gently until the chicken is warmed through.
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Add liquid
Adding liquid is a great way to keep your chicken from drying out when reheating. This can be done in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave.
If you are using the oven, add water or chicken broth to the dish before covering it with tinfoil. The water will create steam and add moisture to the meat. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and cover with plastic wrap. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For the stove, add a little oil, butter, and some liquid (water, chicken broth, or sweet white wine) to a pan and heat with the lid on. This will steam the chicken, making it moist and tender. This should take about 10 minutes, depending on the size and heat.
When using the microwave, add a tablespoon or two of water to the dish and cover with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap. Heat for 2 minutes, then flip the chicken and heat in 30-second intervals until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Avoid high heat
To avoid dry chicken, it's important to not use high heat when reheating. This is a common pitfall when reheating chicken, as high heat can quickly dry out the meat and make it tough.
When using the oven, it is recommended to heat the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. However, it is important to note that cooking times will vary depending on the size of the chicken, so it is best to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. If you're short on time, you can preheat the oven to 300°F and bake the chicken for about 10 minutes. For bone-in chicken or larger cuts, the oven method is ideal, as it helps keep the meat moist and the skin crispy.
For those who prefer to use the stove, it is recommended to use low to medium heat. Adding a small amount of liquid, such as water, chicken broth, or wine, can help create steam and add moisture to the meat. Covering the pan with a lid will also help trap the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
While the microwave is a quick option, it is more likely to result in dry and rubbery chicken. If you choose to use the microwave, it is recommended to use a lower power setting and heat the chicken in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Adding a small amount of liquid and covering the dish with a damp paper towel can also help retain moisture when using the microwave.
Overall, the key to avoiding dry chicken is to use low to medium heat and retain moisture by adding liquid and covering the dish during the reheating process.
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Cover the chicken
Covering your chicken while reheating it is a great way to prevent it from drying out. This method can be used in the oven, on the stove, in the microwave, or even in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cover your chicken for optimal moisture retention:
Oven
Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a small amount of liquid, such as water, chicken broth, or even salsa. Cover the dish tightly with foil to create a sealed environment. The water will create steam, generating a humid chamber that keeps the chicken moist. Bake until the chicken is heated through, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Stove
Using a skillet or a small pot, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. You can also add a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for extra moisture and flavor. Place the chicken in the pan and cover it with a lid. Turn the heat to low or medium, and gently stir the chicken until it is warmed evenly throughout, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Microwave
Arrange boneless, skinless chicken pieces in a microwave-safe dish, with smaller pieces in the center and larger pieces around the edges. Add a small amount of water, chicken broth, or even a drizzle of olive oil to the dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat for short intervals, flipping the chicken pieces periodically, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Air Fryer
Place the chicken in a piece of tinfoil and add a teaspoon or two of water. Wrap the chicken in the tinfoil and place it in the air fryer. The tinfoil will trap the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Reheat at a moderate temperature for around 15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
Remember, when covering your chicken, it is essential to use microwave-safe materials when reheating in the microwave and to ensure proper ventilation if covering the chicken during meal prep.
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