Chicken parmesan is a delicious Italian-American dish that typically consists of a breaded chicken cutlet topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s a meal that often has leftovers, which leads to the common question – how long should you reheat chicken parmesan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit? Having the answer to this question allows you to properly reheat leftover chicken parmesan to ensure it stays moist, tender and flavorful.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that chicken parmesan should be reheated at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This reheating time allows the chicken to heat through fully while also melting the cheese on top. Going beyond 20 minutes risks overcooking the chicken and making it dry.
Factors That Affect Reheating Time
While 15-20 minutes is a good guide, there are a few factors that can affect the exact reheating time needed for chicken parmesan at 350°F:
Thickness of the Chicken
Thicker chicken cutlets or breasts will take longer to reheat than thinner ones. Thin cutlets may only need 12-15 minutes, while a very thick breast may need the full 20 minutes.
Amount Being Reheated
The more chicken parmesan you are reheating, the longer it will take. A single serving may reheat faster than reheating a whole pan of chicken parm. Monitor larger amounts carefully.
Cooking Vessel
The vessel you reheat in will impact cook time. Shallow pans will reheat faster than a deeper dish. Metal pans also reheat faster than glass or ceramic.
Microwave Pre-Heating
You can shave some time off the reheating by microwaving the chicken parm first to take the chill off before putting it in the oven. 30-60 seconds can help kickstart the reheating process.
Step-By-Step Guide
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to properly reheating leftover chicken parmesan at 350°F:
1. Prepare the Chicken Parm
If the chicken parm was refrigerated, take it out and allow it to come closer to room temperature on the counter for 15-20 minutes before reheating. This helps it heat evenly.
Also take it out of any foil or plastic wrapping so it can heat directly. Place the chicken parm in an oven-safe baking dish.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Use the convection setting if you have it for more even heating.
3. Microwave (Optional)
If you want to expedite the reheating, zap the chicken parm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before putting it in the oven. This just takes the chill off.
4. Reheat in Oven
Place the chicken parm in the preheated 350 degree F oven. Let it reheat for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Check it periodically and remove when hot.
5. Allow to Rest
Once removed from the oven, let the chicken parm rest for 2-5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the temperature to evenly distribute.
6. Enjoy Your Meal!
Your reheated chicken parmesan is now ready to eat and enjoy! The cheese should be melted and the chicken heated through. Dig in while hot.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for the highest quality reheated chicken parmesan:
– Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
– Cut into thicker pieces of chicken to allow heat to penetrate and cook the inside.
– Cover with foil if reheating longer to prevent over-browning.
– Stir or flip halfway through reheating for even heating.
– Add a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
– Slice through any cheesy topping so it reheats better.
– For crispier chicken, broil for 1-2 minutes after reheating.
What if it’s Still Cold in the Middle?
If you cut into your reheated chicken parmesan and find that the middle still seems cold or underdone, you have a few options:
– Put it back in the 350°F oven for 5-10 more minutes.
– Finish reheating at a higher temp of 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
– Microwave in 30 second increments just to heat the center through.
– Slice into the thickest pieces and microwave those separately.
Just monitor it closely so the outside doesn’t overcook. The key is gently bringing the internal temperature up to 165°F.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
To properly store leftover chicken parmesan:
– Allow to cool fully, then refrigerate within 2 hours.
– Store in a sealed container for 3-4 days.
– Freeze for 2-3 months in an airtight container.
– Portion into single servings before freezing for easier reheating.
– Place parchment between slices if freezing a whole chicken parm casserole.
Properly stored leftovers can be reheated using the same 350°F oven method. Or individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
How to Tell if It’s Bad
Here are signs that your leftover chicken parmesan has gone bad and should be thrown out:
– Slimy or sticky texture
– Mold growth
– Unpleasant sour smell
– Change in color, such as green or gray tint
– Dry, cracked breading
– Food left unrefrigerated over 2 hours
When stored properly, leftover chicken parm should retain its flavor, texture and freshness for 3-4 days in the fridge. Use your judgment before reheating questionable chicken.
Serving and Meal Ideas
Your reheated chicken parmesan can be served:
– With pasta topped with extra tomato sauce.
– On a hoagie roll for a chicken parm sandwich.
– With sautéed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
– On top of a fresh garden salad.
– Alongside garlic bread or breadsticks.
– Garnished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Reheated chicken parm also works well in the following meals:
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Combine your leftover chicken parm with cooked pasta, extra sauce and cheese and bake until bubbly for a satisfying casserole.
Chicken Parmesan Pizza
Top a prepared pizza crust with sauce, chicken parm slices, more cheese and fresh herbs for a fun pizza twist.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Pile chicken parm slices with melted mozzarella on rolls or bread for an amazing sandwich.
Chicken Parm with Roasted Vegetables
Serve your reheated chicken alongside roasted broccoli, cauliflower, onions or other vegetables.
Chicken Parm Egg Bake
Make a hearty breakfast casserole with eggs, cheese, chicken parm and vegetables baked together.
Common Questions
Can you reheat chicken parmesan without drying it out?
Yes, by using a moderate oven temperature like 350°F and not overcooking it, you can reheat chicken parm without drying it out. Covering with foil and adding sauce prevents drying too.
Should you reheat chicken parmesan covered or uncovered?
It’s generally better to reheat it covered to retain moisture. But you can finish uncovered if you want more browning on top.
Is it safe to reheat chicken parmesan more than once?
It’s best to only reheat cooked chicken parmesan once. Reheating multiple times increases the risk of bacteria growth. Refrigerate promptly and reheat within 3-4 days.
Can you reheat chicken parmesan in the air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer works well for reheating chicken parmesan. Use at 350°F for around 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Monitor to avoid overcooking.
What is the best way to reheat chicken parmesan?
The oven is the best way as it reheats the chicken gently and evenly while melting the cheese. Use a moderate temperature like 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover chicken parmesan is simple by returning it to a 350 degree F oven for 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to fully heat through without drying out. Cut into thicker pieces, use a thermometer and add sauce or microwave briefly to speed up the process. Properly stored chicken parmesan retains its flavor for 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat your chicken parm in the oven or try it in creative casseroles, sandwiches, pizzas and other tasty meals. With the proper reheating tips, you can enjoy moist and delicious leftover chicken parmesan.