Reheating baked chicken can be tricky. If you don’t do it right, the chicken can end up dried out and overcooked. The good news is that it’s easy to reheat baked chicken in the oven without ruining it! With the right technique, you can get the chicken tasting just as juicy and delicious as when it first came out of the oven.
Why does chicken dry out when reheating?
When you initially cook chicken in the oven, the heat denatures the proteins and melts the fat and collagen. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, giving it a moist texture.
However, once chicken is cooked and refrigerated, the juices congeal and the proteins stiffen up. When you reheat the chicken, the proteins tighten even further and squeeze out moisture. This causes the chicken to dry out.
The trick is to reheat the chicken gently and gradually so the proteins don’t tighten too much. Adding a little moisture also helps replace any lost juices. Follow the tips below to get perfectly moist oven-baked chicken every time.
Tips for reheating baked chicken in the oven
Use the right container
Choose a container that holds the chicken snugly without crowding it too much. A baking dish or casserole pan works well. Avoid using anything too large, as that exposes more surface area and leads to drying.
Add a little liquid
Adding a splash of liquid like chicken broth, white wine, or lemon juice introduces some moisture. Brush or drizzle a couple tablespoons over the chicken before reheating.
Cover with foil
Covering the dish with foil traps steam and prevents the chicken skin from crisping up too much. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow excess moisture to escape.
Reheat at a low temperature
Heating the chicken slowly gives the proteins time to relax and reabsorb moisture. Bake at 300-325°F for best results.
Reheat just until warmed through
Don’t reheat the chicken for too long. As soon as it reaches 165°F throughout, it’s hot enough to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Let it rest afterwards
Allow the chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple steps for reheating juicy oven-baked chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish or casserole pan just big enough to hold it. Crowding causes drying.
- Drizzle a couple tablespoons of chicken broth, white wine, or lemon juice over the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil. Poke several holes in the foil.
- Bake at 300-325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Do not overbake.
- Check the internal temperature in the thickest part with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
What temperature should I reheat the chicken to?
The safest internal temperature for reheated chicken is 165°F. At this temperature, any harmful bacteria are destroyed. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken breast or thigh has reached 165°F.
How long does baked chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored baked chicken will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to place the chicken in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag before refrigerating. The USDA recommends using cooked chicken within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
Can you reheat chicken in the oven twice?
It’s best to avoid reheating baked chicken more than once. The second reheat causes the chicken to dry out even further. However, if you have leftover chicken that was refrigerated and reheated once already, you can reheat it one more time if needed. Keep the oven temperature low (250-300°F) and don’t reheat for more than 15-20 minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat moist oven-baked chicken?
The best way to reheat baked chicken and maintain moisture is to use the oven. Place the chicken in a covered baking dish with a splash of liquid. Bake at 300-325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Check internal temperature and let rest before serving.
Can you reheat chicken in the microwave?
It’s not recommended. The microwave often leads to uneven heating, causing parts of the chicken to dry out. If reheating chicken in the microwave, use a lower power setting and heat it in short intervals, checking frequently. Add a splash of water or broth to introduce some moisture.
Should you add sauce or gravy when reheating chicken?
Yes, sauce or gravy can help add moisture and prevent chicken from drying out. When reheating chicken in the oven, brush or drizzle sauce over the chicken before heating. For chicken that was roasted with gravy, reheat it in the gravy to keep everything moist.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover baked chicken in the oven is easy if you use the right method. Bake it gently at 300-325°F in a covered dish with some liquid added until heated through. Check internal temperature, let it rest, and you’ll have tender, juicy oven-baked chicken again.
With these simple tricks for reheating chicken without drying it out, you can enjoy delicious leftovers and reduce food waste. Baked chicken deserves a second chance at great flavor.
| Reheating Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Microwave | Can cause chicken to dry out unevenly |
| Low oven 300-325°F | Gentle, even heating maintains moisture |
| High oven 350°F+ | Overcooks chicken, squeezes out juices |
| Covered pan | Traps steam to keep chicken moist |
| Uncovered pan | Lets moisture escape, causing dryness |
Tips to prevent chicken drying out
- Use an oven safe container that fits chicken snugly
- Add a splash of broth, wine, or juice
- Cover pan tightly with foil
- Reheat at 300-325°F until 165°F internally
- Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving
Following these simple reheating tips will give you succulent leftover oven baked chicken every time. With the right technique, you can resurrect refrigerated chicken and have it come out of the oven just as moist and delicious as the original home cooked meal.
Undercooking chicken poses a food safety risk, so always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe minimum temperature for chicken is 165°F. If reheated thoroughly to 165°F, leftover chicken will have a pleasantly moist texture and great taste.
Have leftover baked chicken you’re worried about drying out? Don’t throw it away! With this foolproof oven reheating method, you can enjoy moist, flavorful chicken again. Reheating in a covered dish helps steam permeate the meat, adding back lost moisture from the fridge. The lower oven temperature ensures the chicken warms through gently without overcooking.
chicken tastes so much better when the juices are locked in. Follow these tips for reheating success and say goodbye to dry leftover chicken. You’ll be shocked at how juicy it turns out, even after refrigeration. So go ahead and cook up a big batch of baked chicken to enjoy throughout the week without any worry. Just be sure to store it properly chilled in the fridge between oven reheating sessions for the best quality and food safety.