Reheating a precooked chicken in the oven is a great way to enjoy leftover chicken without losing moisture or flavor. However, it’s important to know how long to reheat chicken to ensure it is heated through without drying out. Here is a detailed guide on how long to reheat a precooked chicken in the oven for safe, delicious results.
Factors That Affect Reheating Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to reheat precooked chicken in the oven:
- Size of the chicken pieces – Larger pieces like a whole chicken or chicken quarters take longer than smaller pieces like wings or shredded chicken.
- Temperature of the chicken – Chicken that is refrigerator cold takes longer to reheat than chicken at room temperature.
- Cooking method – Chicken that was boiled or steamed reheats faster than chicken that was roasted or grilled since it retains more moisture.
- Cooking vessel – Chicken reheated in an oven-safe dish covered in foil reheats faster than chicken reheated directly on a baking sheet.
- Oven temperature – Higher oven temperatures (325-350°F) reheat chicken faster than lower temps (250-300°F).
Taking these factors into account allows you to determine the best reheating time for your chicken.
Reheating a Whole Chicken
For reheating a whole roast chicken or chicken quarters, follow these guidelines:
- Prep: Remove chicken from packaging and place in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Oven temp: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook time:
- Whole chicken: Reheat for 1-1 1/2 hours
- Chicken quarters: Reheat for 45 mins – 1 hour
- Internal temp: Verify chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest: Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
The large size and tightly covered vessel allow the chicken to reheat evenly without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Reheating Chicken Pieces
For smaller chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, wings or shredded chicken, use these reheating instructions:
- Prep: Place chicken pieces or shredded chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil.
- Oven temp: Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Cook time:
- Chicken breasts: Reheat for 15-20 mins
- Chicken thighs: Reheat for 20-25 mins
- Chicken wings: Reheat for 10-15 mins
- Shredded chicken: Reheat for 10-15 mins
- Internal temp: Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Rest: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
The lower oven temp helps prevent smaller chicken pieces from drying out. Verify doneness with a food thermometer.
Reheating Chicken Without Drying It Out
To help prevent reheated chicken from drying out, keep these tips in mind:
- Use an oven-safe dish with a tight fitting lid or foil cover to lock in moisture.
- Place chicken in dish and add a splash of water or chicken broth before covering to create steam.
- Select an oven temp of 300-350°F. Avoid going above 375°F.
- Heat chicken until warm and 165°F internally. Do not overheat.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-10 mins before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Food Safety Tips
When reheating any leftover chicken, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Only reheat chicken that has been stored properly in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Reheat chicken within 3-4 days of initial cooking.
- Verify chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Do not reheat chicken more than once.
- Discard any chicken that smells bad or has mold.
Adhering to these tips prevents the risk of foodborne illness when reheating chicken.
Tips for Crisping Chicken Skin
If you want the skin on your reheated chicken to get crispy, try these methods:
- Coat the skin with a light brushing of oil before reheating.
- Reheat chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of in a dish.
- Increase oven temp to 375-400°F for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
- Broil chicken for 2-3 minutes after reheating to crisp the skin.
The high heat helps render excess fat and brown the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
What If Chicken Is Still Pink After Reheating?
Sometimes reheated chicken may still appear slightly pink inside even when it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. This can happen for two reasons:
- Myoglobin proteins – The myoglobin proteins in chicken can sometimes cause a pinkish hue, especially around bones. This is safe to eat when chicken reaches 165°F.
- Carryover cooking – After removing chicken from the oven, residual heat can increase the internal temperature 5-10°F higher than it was when checked. So chicken at 160-165°F when tested can climb higher as it rests.
So minor pink spots in properly reheated chicken to 165°F are safe to eat. Use a thermometer to verify doneness instead of relying solely on color.
Reheating Chicken in the Microwave
You can also reheat chicken in the microwave, though this can lead to uneven heating and dry, rubbery chicken. To microwave chicken:
- Arrange chicken pieces in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer.
- Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent splatter.
- Microwave on Medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated to 165°F.
- Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
Monitor closely and stir periodically to prevent overcooking. The microwave can quickly dry out chicken.
Reheating Chicken on the Stovetop
Chicken can also be effectively reheated on the stovetop using this method:
- Place chicken pieces into a skillet or pot with a small amount of butter, oil, broth or sauce.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through (165°F).
- Add extra liquid to the pan to keep chicken moist and prevent burning.
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes off heat before serving.
The stovetop allows you to reheat and lightly crisp the exterior of the chicken at the same time. Monitor temperature closely.
Tips for Reheating Chicken in the Oven
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating chicken in the oven:
- Always use an oven-safe dish like a casserole dish or baking sheet.
- Preheat oven fully before placing chicken inside.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer with pieces separated.
- Keep foil or lid sealed tightly to retain moisture.
- Select an oven temp between 300-375°F to prevent drying.
Adhering to these guidelines will result in evenly heated, tender chicken straight from the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When reheating chicken in the oven, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:
- Placing chicken pieces directly on oven racks which can cause drying.
- Overcrowding chicken pieces which prevents proper heat circulation.
- Reheating at too high of a temperature which can dry out chicken.
- Not using a food thermometer to check doneness.
- Not allowing chicken to rest before serving which can result in dryness.
- Reheating more than once. Only reheat leftover chicken once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when reheated chicken is done?
Reheated chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. The chicken should be hot throughout and opaque/white inside when fully reheated.
Can you reheat chicken at 400 degrees?
It’s best to reheat chicken at 325-375°F to ensure even heating without drying or burning the exterior. Temperatures up to 400°F can be used at the very end for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.
Is reheated chicken safe to eat?
Yes, as long as reheated chicken reaches 165°F internally, is not reheated more than once, and has been stored properly, it is safe to eat.
Should chicken be covered when reheating in oven?
Yes, chicken should be covered tightly with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture. Vent the foil in the last 5 minutes if crisping the skin.
Can you reheat frozen chicken in the oven?
Frozen chicken can be reheated in the oven but will take significantly longer, around 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on the size. Defrost first for quicker reheating.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover chicken in the oven allows you to enjoy delicious chicken again without the risk of dryness or unsafe food. Follow the cooking times and safety tips in this guide to ensure properly cooked, tender chicken every time. With the right technique, reheated oven chicken can taste just as moist and flavorful as fresh.