Keeping cooked chicken warm after it comes out of the oven or off the grill is an important part of serving a tasty and safe meal. There are several methods you can use to keep chicken warm while you finish preparing the rest of the meal or wait for guests to arrive.
Use the Oven
One of the easiest ways to keep cooked chicken warm is to leave it in the oven with the heat turned off and the door closed. The residual heat in the oven will keep the chicken safe and warm for 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the chicken and how hot the oven was during cooking. Just make sure the oven is off – you don’t want the chicken to overcook. Leave the chicken covered in foil so it retains more heat. The foil will also help keep the chicken moist.
If you need to keep the chicken warm longer than an hour, you can turn the oven to its lowest setting, usually around 170°F. Monitor the internal temperature of the chicken using a food thermometer to be sure it stays above 140°F. Remove the chicken once other dishes are ready so it doesn’t dry out.
Use an Insulated Food Carrier
Insulated food carriers, also calledCambros, are great for keeping cooked chicken or other dishes warm for serving. Cambros have thick insulated walls that retain heat remarkably well. Put the cooked chicken in the Cambro, seal it up, and it will stay hot for 2 hours or longer depending on the model. The chicken can be left in its cooking pan or transferred to a serving dish before going into the Cambro. This method keeps the chicken hot with no risk of overcooking.
Wrap in Foil or Towels
For smaller amounts of chicken, you can wrap pieces or servings in heavy duty aluminum foil to keep them warm. Wrap tightly so the foil acts as an insulator to retain heat. Place the wrapped chicken in a warm spot on the counter or in a 200°F warm oven. Check temperature periodically and re-warm if needed. The chicken will stay hot for up to an hour this way.
You can also wrap the chicken in clean kitchen towels for insulation. Use several layers of thick, cotton towels and ensure the chicken is thoroughly wrapped. Place somewhere warm or even hold wrapped chicken in a towel lined basket or cooler. The towels may need to be warmed again in the microwave or oven after 30-60 minutes if you need to keep the chicken warm longer.
Use a Chafing Dish
Chafing dishes are designed specifically for keeping food warm for extended periods of time. A chafing dish has a metal frame that holds a pan of hot water beneath a metal or glass lidded dish where the food goes. Sternos or small candles heat the water to keep the surface temperature of the dish’s lid around 175°F. Cover the chicken while it is in the chafer to retain moisture and heat. Monitor the water level and flame under the chafer to keep the chicken above 140°F for safe serving.
Reheat in Oven or Microwave as Needed
If the chicken cools too much while waiting to be served, you can reheat it to a safe 165°F internal temperature. In the oven, use a low temperature around 175-200°F so the exterior doesn’t dry out. Monitor temperature and remove once 165°F is reached. In the microwave, use short bursts of 30 seconds at 50% power until fully heated through. Allow to rest a few minutes after reheating so the temperature equalizes. Reheating can be done up to two hours after initial cooking as long as the chicken hasn’t been left in the danger zone between 40-140°F for more than 1-2 hours.
Keep Hot in a Crockpot or Slow Cooker
For large batches of chicken, a countertop slow cooker or crockpot can keep it piping hot with no risk of drying out or overcooking. After cooking the chicken, transfer it to the crockpot liner and add a little liquid like broth or sauce. Cover and set on low, around 170°F, to safely hold the chicken for 2-4 hours.
You can also just place a cooking thermometer in the chicken and monitor it, reheating in the microwave when needed to keep it above 140°F. The lid and insulation of the crockpot will retain heat effectively.
Place in a Warming Drawer
Many modern ovens and ranges come with built-in warming drawers. These drawers are designed to keep cooked foods hot at a chosen low temperature. Place the cooked chicken in the warming drawer, covered, and set the temperature between 145-165°F. The actual temperature you set will depend on how long the chicken needs to be kept warm – the longer it needs to stay warm, the lower you should set the drawer temperature. The warming drawer will keep the chicken safe and ready to eat without danger of overheating.
Hold in a Steam Table
Commercial kitchens often use steam tables with heating wells to hold cooked foods at safe serving temperatures. While most home cooks don’t have this high-powered commercial equipment, you can recreate the effect with any large, shallow pan filled with an inch of simmering water. Place the cooked chicken in a heat-safe dish above, not touching, the simmering water. Cover the dish with foil. The steam will keep it warm at around 165°F for up to 2 hours. Check the water level periodically and keep it simmering gently.
Conclusion
With proper technique, you can keep cooked chicken safe, moist, and warm for serving for 1-4 hours after cooking. Monitor temperatures, wrap/cover dishes, and use heat sources like warm ovens, crockpots, or chafer dishes to prevent the chicken from cooling into the danger zone below 140°F where bacteria multiply quickly. If reheating is needed, do so gently using low oven temperatures, short microwave bursts, or by transferring to a hot steam table or crockpot. With some strategic planning and the right equipment, serving piping hot, juicy chicken will be easy every time.