Leave a Comment / Proper Cooking and Reheating / By Shari Mason
Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Shari Mason
Orange chicken is a popular dish that many people around the world enjoy. It is a flavorful and delicious meal of fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce.
While it is best served fresh and hot, sometimes you may have leftovers that need to be reheated.So how do you reheat orange chicken?
Reheating orange chicken can be tricky, as you want to ensure that the chicken is heated through without overcooking it and that the sauce remains delicious and flavorful.
We will review some simple and effective methods for reheating orange chicken so you can enjoy this tasty dish again without compromising its quality.
Page Contents
How To Reheat Orange Chicken In The Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Take your leftover orange chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Place your leftover orange chicken [1] on a baking sheet.
- Cover the baking sheet with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Heat the chicken in the oven for 15-20 minutes until heated.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How To Reheat It In The Microwave
- Place your leftover orange chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying.
- Microwave the chicken on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the amount of chicken.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
- If the chicken is not heated, microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Remove the chicken from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Orange Chicken On The Stove Top
- Add a small amount of oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add your leftover orange chicken and sauce to the pan.
- Stir the chicken and sauce frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until it is heated through.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
- If the chicken is not heated through, continue to cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Read: Does Panda Express Have Beyond Orange Chicken?
How To Reheat It On The Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Take your leftover orange chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the grill is hot, place your leftover orange chicken on the grill.
- Brush some extra sauce on the chicken while it’s on the grill to enhance its flavor.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until heated.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer [2] to ensure it has reached 165°F.
- If the chicken is not heated, cook it on each side for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
“I’m not a cooking person, so there’s not much in the fridge. On the rare occasion that I do cook, I make myself breakfast. Eggs are my go-to in the morning for some protein. Orange juice as well. You have to start your day with that.”
– Eugenie Bouchard, Canadian Tennis Player
FAQs
Can you eat leftover orange chicken?
Yes, you can eat leftover orange chicken if it has been stored correctly and reheated to the correct temperature.
Place leftover orange chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do you keep the orange chicken from getting soggy?
To keep the orange chicken from getting soggy when reheating, use methods that maintain its crispy texture, such as using the oven, stovetop, grill, or air fryer.
How to thaw frozen orange chicken?
The safest method to thaw frozen orange chicken is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
This slow and steady process ensures that the chicken is thawed evenly and at a safe temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Final Thoughts
Reheating orange chicken is a great way to enjoy this flavorful and delicious dish, even if you have leftovers.
Whether you choose to reheat it in the oven, microwave, stovetop, air fryer, or grill, it’s essential to ensure that the chicken is heated to the proper temperature of 165°F to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Following the simple and effective methods outlined in this guide, you can enjoy your leftover orange chicken while maintaining its crispy texture and flavorful taste.
Additionally, it’s essential to properly store and thaw frozen orange chicken to ensure its safety and quality.
With these tips, you can enjoy the full flavor of your favorite orange chicken dish without having to worry about it losing its quality or texture.
References:
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/61024/asian-orange-chicken/
- https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/thermometer/
- Author
- Recent Posts
Shari Mason
Co-Founder & Senior Writer at Eat Pallet
Hey, I'm Shari! After more than a decade in the restaurant industry, I've decided to share my experience online with you here. Learn more about us here or you can contact me directly [emailprotected].
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As a culinary expert with a deep understanding of various cooking techniques and a passion for ensuring the best dining experience, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of reheating orange chicken while preserving its flavor and texture.
The article provides comprehensive insights into reheating orange chicken using various methods: oven, microwave, stovetop, and grill. The careful consideration of each method indicates a thoughtful approach to maintaining the dish's quality. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
-
Reheating in the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Allow leftover chicken to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest before serving.
-
Microwave Reheating:
- Place leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature.
- If not heated, microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Allow it to rest before serving.
-
Stovetop Reheating:
- Add a small amount of oil to a pan and heat over medium heat.
- Add leftover chicken and sauce, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Check internal temperature and continue cooking if necessary.
- Rest before serving.
-
Grill Reheating:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Allow leftover chicken to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Place chicken on the grill, brush with extra sauce for flavor.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest before serving.
-
FAQs:
- Can you eat leftover orange chicken?
- Yes, if stored correctly and reheated to 165°F.
- How to prevent orange chicken from getting soggy?
- Use reheating methods that maintain crispiness, such as oven, stovetop, grill, or air fryer.
- How to thaw frozen orange chicken?
- Transfer from freezer to refrigerator, thaw overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
- Can you eat leftover orange chicken?
-
Final Thoughts:
- Reheating ensures enjoyment of flavorful orange chicken leftovers.
- Essential to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent bacterial growth.
- Proper storage and thawing are crucial for safety and quality.
In conclusion, the article provides a well-researched guide on reheating orange chicken, catering to various preferences and cooking equipment. Following these methods ensures a delightful dining experience, even with leftover orange chicken.
