Sophie Bennett
Barbecue chicken is a delicious dish, but reheating it can be tricky. The best method for reheating barbecue chicken depends on several factors, including the cooking method and the cut of the chicken. For example, if your chicken is bone-in, the oven is the best option, while boneless or shredded chicken is better suited for the stove. Another important consideration is the original cooking method: if your chicken was roasted, the oven is ideal, but if it was stewed or braised, gently reheating it in a pot with leftover liquid is preferable. To prevent drying out the chicken, it's crucial to use low heat and avoid overexposure to dry environments. Microwaving chicken is generally not recommended as it can lead to dry and rubbery results. However, in a pinch, microwaving in short increments with a small amount of water can be done.
Characteristics of the best way to heat up barbecue chicken:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of chicken | Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks |
| Oven temperature | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Reheating method | Oven for bone-in chicken; stove for boneless or shredded chicken |
| Sauce application | Brush sauce on halfway through cooking to prevent burning |
| Grill setup | One side for high, direct heat; other side with burners off or low heat |
| Grill type | Charcoal, wood, or gas grill |
| Grill temperature | Low and slow |
| Internal temperature | 160°F for breasts, 170°F for thighs |
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What You'll Learn
Reheating barbecue chicken in the oven
Firstly, decide on your cooking vessel. If your chicken was cooked in a casserole, you can simply reheat it in the same dish. If not, arrange the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. It is recommended to use a broiler-safe pan if you want to crisp up the skin.
Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your chicken has sauce on it, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from burning.
Now, place the chicken in the oven. Bone-in chicken will take longer to heat through, so leave it in the oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the largest piece reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to crisp up the skin, transfer the chicken to the broiler after it has reached the desired temperature and broil until browned.
Finally, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and your chicken stays moist.
There are, of course, alternative methods to reheating barbecue chicken. One option is to use a stove, which is better for smaller, boneless pieces or shredded chicken. Simply place the chicken in a small pot or pan with a little liquid and heat gently. Another method is to use a microwave, although this is not recommended as it can make the chicken dry and rubbery. If you do use a microwave, heat the chicken in short bursts of 10 seconds with a small amount of water until it reaches the desired temperature.
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Reheating barbecue chicken on the stove
Reheating barbecue chicken can be done in several ways, and the best method often depends on how the chicken was originally cooked. For instance, roasted chicken is best reheated in the oven, while stewed or braised chicken can be reheated in a pot with leftover braising liquid.
If your barbecue chicken is in smaller, boneless pieces or has been shredded, the stove is a great way to reheat it. Place the chicken in a small pot or pan, adding just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan. If the chicken was cooked in a flavorful liquid, use that instead of water. This method prevents the chicken from drying out, as a larger vessel will increase the surface area and cause the chicken to dry out.
Another way to reheat chicken on the stove is to use a pot of hot water. Get a pot of water heated to about 150°F (65.5°C) and check the temperature with a thermometer. Put the chicken in a Ziplock bag and place it in the hot water for as long as needed, depending on the size of the chicken. This method can also be used for frozen chicken, beef, or pork without overcooking or leaving the inside icy.
Regardless of the reheating method, it is important to let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, similar to when the chicken was initially cooked.
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Reheating barbecue chicken in the microwave
Although it is not recommended, it is possible to reheat barbecue chicken in the microwave. Microwaving chicken is the fastest, surest way to wind up with dry, rubbery results. However, if you are short on time, reheating a single portion, or your stove is broken, you can use a microwave.
To reheat barbecue chicken in the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Heat the chicken in 10-second increments, checking after each interval, until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as this will cause it to dry out. Once the chicken is reheated, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
It is important to note that the oven method is generally considered the best way to reheat bone-in chicken, as it allows the chicken to heat evenly from all angles. For boneless or shredded chicken, the stove is often a better option. The size of the chicken pieces and whether they are still on the bone should also be considered when choosing a reheating method.
If you are looking for an alternative to the microwave, you can reheat barbecue chicken in the oven by placing it in a baking dish and heating it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to crisp up the skin, transfer the chicken to a broiler-safe pan and broil until browned and crisp.
Another option is to use a pot of hot water. Heat a pot of water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken in a Ziplock bag. Put the bag in the hot water until the chicken is heated through, adding more hot water as needed depending on the size of the chicken.
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Reheating barbecue chicken in a barbecue
Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your leftover barbecue chicken on a large baking sheet and letting it come to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps ensure the chicken heats evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Preheat the Barbecue
While your chicken comes to room temperature, prepare your barbecue. For barbecue chicken, you want to maintain a low and slow heat. If using a charcoal or wood barbecue, create a cool side with few to no coals. For gas grills, simply turn the heat down to low. This setup allows you to control the cooking temperature and prevent the chicken from drying out or burning.
Reheat the Chicken
Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and cover the barbecue. For larger bone-in pieces, this method ensures that the heat penetrates evenly throughout the meat. Reheat the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Crisp the Skin
If your chicken still has its skin on, you can try to crisp it up. After the chicken has reached the desired temperature, move the pieces to the hotter side of the grill. Keep a close eye on them and turn them frequently to prevent burning. The skin won't regain its original texture completely, but this step will add a nice crispness.
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is reheated and the skin is crisped to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy chicken. Then, serve your barbecue chicken with your favourite sides and enjoy!
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Reheating barbecue chicken in a pot
- Choose a suitable pot: Select a pot that is small enough to fit the amount of chicken you are reheating. A smaller pot helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Add liquid: Pour a small amount of liquid into the pot, just enough to cover the bottom. If you have any leftover juices or braising liquid from the original dish, use that. Otherwise, water or broth can be used.
- Place the chicken in the pot: Put the barbecue chicken into the pot, ensuring it is fully covered by the liquid. If you are reheating a large piece of bone-in chicken, consider using a larger pot to accommodate it.
- Heat over low heat: Place the pot on the stove and heat it gently over low heat. This slow heating process ensures the chicken heats through evenly without drying out.
- Monitor the temperature: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. For safe consumption, chicken should be heated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest: Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove the pot from the heat. However, it is best to leave the chicken in the liquid until you are ready to serve. This prevents the meat from drying out.
- Serve: After allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes, it is ready to be served. Consider drizzling your favourite barbecue sauce over the chicken for added flavour and moisture.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your reheated barbecue chicken with confidence, knowing that it is not only delicious but also safely prepared.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reheat barbecue chicken. The best method depends on how the chicken was originally cooked, how big the pieces are, and whether the chicken is on the bone or not.
For bone-in chicken, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the chicken in a covered casserole dish until it's heated through. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to crisp up the skin, transfer the chicken to a broiler-safe pan and broil until browned.
For boneless or shredded chicken, place the chicken in a small pot or pan with just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan. If the chicken was cooked in a flavorful liquid, use that instead of water.
Although it is not recommended due to the risk of drying out the chicken, you can reheat barbecue chicken in the microwave in a pinch. Place the chicken in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water and heat in 10-second increments until the chicken is heated through.
To prevent chicken from drying out, avoid using the microwave. If reheating in the oven, stove, or grill, always heat the chicken slowly and gently to avoid overcooking. You can also place the chicken in a Ziplock bag and submerge it in hot water until it's heated through.
