BBQ chicken is a popular dish that is commonly prepared for gatherings with family and friends. Leftover BBQ chicken can seem like an easy solution for a quick meal the next day. But is reheated BBQ chicken just as tasty and safe to eat as it was fresh off the grill? There are a few factors to consider when determining if BBQ chicken is still good the day after it was originally cooked.
How BBQ Chicken is Cooked
Most BBQ chicken is cooked using either a dry rub or a wet barbecue sauce marinade. The chicken is then grilled over an open flame or smoked at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This method of slow cooking allows the spices, sauce, and smoke to fully permeate and tenderize the chicken. The ideal internal temperature for safely cooked chicken is 165°F. Whether grilled or smoked, properly cooked BBQ chicken should be juicy and fall right off the bone.
Storage of Leftover BBQ Chicken
Like any leftover food, proper storage is key to preserving the safety and quality of BBQ chicken. Here are some tips for storing leftover BBQ chicken:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours: Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Leftover BBQ chicken should be refrigerated within this danger zone time period.
- Store in shallow containers: Storing leftovers in shallow containers helps them chill quickly in the refrigerator.
- Protect from cross-contamination: Store chicken in a sealed container to prevent raw meat juices from dripping onto other foods.
- Use within 3-4 days: For optimal freshness and food safety, eat leftover BBQ chicken within 3-4 days.
- Do not freeze if sauced: The sugars and acids in barbecue sauce break down in the freezer, resulting in a mushy texture.
- Reheat fully: Heat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any bacteria that may have grown during storage.
Factors that Impact Quality
Assuming the BBQ chicken was properly handled and stored, there are still a few factors that can impact the taste and texture the next day:
Moisture loss
As BBQ chicken sits in the refrigerator, moisture evaporates and can make the meat dry and tough. Sauce also has a tendency to separate and look greasy.
Soggy skin
The crisp chicken skin softens up during refrigeration. Reheating sometimes makes it rubbery.
Sauce soaks in
On grilled BBQ chicken, sauce is often added after cooking. When refrigerated, the sauce soaks into the meat making it less crispy.
Spice fade
The flavors from dry rubs and spice mixtures mellow out overnight compared to just cooked chicken.
Smoke flavor loss
For smoked chicken, the smoky smell and taste decreases but does not disappear completely.
Tips for the Best Next Day BBQ Chicken
You can take some simple steps to help maximize the flavor and enjoyment of eating leftover BBQ chicken:
Reheat with care
- Use the oven or toaster oven to reheat pieces gently at 300°F.
- Microwave smaller portions with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.
- Place chicken in simmering sauce to reheat and add moisture.
Add some sauce
- Brush on additional sauce before reheating to coat dried out pieces.
- Toss wings or shredded chicken in warmed-up sauce just before serving.
Keep it crispy
- Reheat chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet to help maintain crispiness.
- Coat chicken skin with a light brush of oil before reheating.
Disguise the texture
- Chop chicken into slices, diced pieces, or shred into carnitas for tacos or nachos.
- Soak chicken pieces in sauce then remove and grill quickly to add char.
Safety Tips
When handling and eating leftover BBQ chicken, keep these food safety guidelines in mind:
- Discard chicken that is older than 3-4 days.
- Never eat BBQ chicken that smells bad or looks slimy/moldy.
- Always reheat chicken to 165°F internal temperature.
- Do not mix fresh chicken or sauce with already reheated chicken.
- Leftovers should only be reheated once for food safety.
- When reheating, chicken should be steaming hot throughout.
- Throw away any chicken that did not reheat fully.
Is Leftover BBQ Chicken Safe for Special Populations?
Certain groups of people face higher risks from foodborne illnesses. So are there any extra precautions they should take with enjoying leftover BBQ chicken?
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women need to be especially aware of the risk of listeria bacteria. To be safe, the CDC recommends reheating leftover chicken to 165°F and avoiding deli meats unless heated to steaming.
Young Children
Kids under age 5 are more susceptible to food poisoning. Be extra diligent about proper refrigeration times and reheating temperatures.
Older Adults
For adults over the age of 65, illness from contaminated food can be more disruptive and dangerous. Strictly follow all food safety guidelines when storing, handling, and reheating leftover BBQ chicken.
People with Weakened Immune Systems
Those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant patients, and people living with HIV/AIDS or autoimmune disorders are at high risk. Avoid any questionable leftover chicken.
The Verdict on Leftover BBQ Chicken
Leftover properly handled and reheated BBQ chicken can still be a tasty meal for most people, however, the texture and flavor will be different from when first cooked. Follow the storage, handling, and reheating recommendations provided to enjoy it at its best. Certain groups at higher risk for foodborne illness may want to avoid eating it after a day for maximum safety.
Here is a helpful summary table of the key points covered:
| BBQ Chicken Factor | Impact Next Day | Tips for Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Loss | Can become dry | Reheat with sauce or damp paper towel |
| Soggy Skin | Loses crispiness | Reheat skin-side up on baking sheet |
| Sauce Soaking In | Less crisp exterior | Brush on more sauce after reheating |
| Spice Fade | Mellowed out flavors | Mix in additional spice rub before serving |
| Smoke Flavor Loss | Subtler smoky taste | Enhance with extra sauce, spices, toppings |
So go ahead and enjoy those BBQ chicken leftovers! Just be sure to handle them properly for the best taste and safety. With some tweaks to restore moisture, add flavor, and retain texture, reheated BBQ chicken can still make for a quick and delicious meal the next day.