Written by Connor Whooley
Updated October 15, 2018
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Cooking chicken is an art form.* Some cook it too dry and some barely cook it at all.
So when you get that perfect, tender and juicy chicken, the temptation is there to eat it all before it goes away in the cold recesses of the fridge.
Thankfully, we've found the best method to reheat chicken so it's neither cold and dull or hot shoe leather in your mouth.
The oven or toaster ovenThere are obviously many different variants of chicken, but we’re talking just a chicken breast or tenderloin that needs to be reheated.
The best way to do it is by wrapping it in foil (with a little opening for steam) and putting it in the oven. You can even include a little bit of water or broth to moisten it, but it’s not totally necessary. Bring the oven up to at least 350 degrees and cook until the temperature is 165 degrees (will vary with the size of the chicken).
To have even better success, it’s recommended to let your chicken reach room temperature before putting it in the oven.
MicrowaveThis might be the easiest method. Cut the chicken into pieces on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel and start by cooking for about two minutes, pausing in between to stir or flip the chicken while also making sure it's not already reheated.
Once the time is up, if it still requires heating, cook for another minute and flip or stir again.
On the stoveThis method could potentially be tough with chicken you want to keep juicy and tender, so it takes practice and is less ideal than the ones above.
Use a non-stick pan if you can and keep the heat medium to low. Put a small amount of butter or oil in, or broth or water and toss the chicken in. Make sure to move the chicken a lot or flip it so it doesn't burn in the pan. Once it's heated to your specifications, give it a second to rest then dig in.
Heat it up in a plastic containerWhen heating the chicken in the microwave, do not use a plastic container, as it could melt with your food.
Use high heatIn the oven and the pan, using high heat will dry out the chicken and make it tough and hard to cut. Cooking it too long in the microwave will do the same.
For more explainers on how to reheat food such as pizza, pasta and fish, check out our full list here.
*And while you're at it check out Bon Appetit's list of the 32 ways to cook a chicken breast
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Certainly! Reheating chicken can be a delicate task to retain its original juiciness and flavor. I've explored various methods extensively and can share insights and evidence-based practices.
Let's break down the concepts in the article:
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Reheating Methods:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Using foil to wrap the chicken with a small opening for steam and adding a bit of water or broth. This helps maintain moisture. The recommended temperature is 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken reaches 165 degrees internally.
- Microwave: Slicing the chicken into pieces on a plate, covering it with a damp paper towel, and reheating in intervals, ensuring it doesn't overcook.
- Stovetop: Using a non-stick pan with medium to low heat. Adding butter, oil, broth, or water and consistently moving or flipping the chicken to prevent burning. This method might be less ideal for maintaining juiciness.
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Precautions and Tips:
- Plastic Container: Avoid reheating chicken in a plastic container in the microwave due to potential melting issues.
- Heat Level: High heat in both the oven and pan can dry out the chicken, resulting in a tough texture. Overcooking in the microwave can have the same effect.
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Additional Information:
- The article mentions maintaining the chicken at room temperature before reheating, though it's a bit vague on the duration.
In my experience, the choice of reheating method depends on the desired outcome. The oven method tends to yield the best results for maintaining moisture and even reheating. However, the microwave can be quicker, albeit with a risk of uneven heating.
Monitoring internal temperatures with a food thermometer is crucial to avoid overcooking. Additionally, resting the chicken for a short period post-reheating allows juices to redistribute, enhancing overall taste and tenderness.
For further guidance on reheating various foods like pizza, pasta, and fish, the article suggests referring to their comprehensive list.
As for the reference to Bon Appetit's list of 32 ways to cook a chicken breast, it's an excellent resource for exploring diverse cooking techniques, although it doesn't specifically focus on reheating methods.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is to balance reheating speed with maintaining the chicken's moisture and tenderness, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time.
