Reheating leftover Popeyes fried chicken is a common question for people who love this popular fast food chain’s signature spicy, crispy chicken. Like most fried foods, Popeyes chicken tends to lose its ideal texture when reheated. However, with the right techniques, you can revive Popeyes chicken to be almost as good as when it was freshly cooked. Here are some tips for the best way to reheat Popeyes chicken at home.
Can you reheat Popeyes chicken?
Yes, you can safely reheat Popeyes fried chicken without health risks if stored properly. According to the USDA Food Safety guidelines, fried chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best quality, it’s recommended to reheat fried chicken within this time frame.
When reheating, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could grow during storage. Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken is completely heated through. The oven, microwave, air fryer, or stovetop can all be used to reheat Popeyes chicken effectively.
What is the best way to reheat Popeyes chicken?
The oven is generally the best method for reheating Popeyes chicken without losing too much of the crispy texture. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes to recrisp the skin.
Baking allows the chicken to heat gradually and evenly throughout. The short broiling at the end will add back some of the crispy crust. Be careful not to over broil or the chicken could burn.
How to reheat Popeyes chicken in the microwave
The microwave can also reheat Popeyes chicken fairly well. The main drawback is that it tends to make the skin soggy. Follow these steps:
- Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, flipping halfway.
- Let stand 1-2 minutes before eating.
Microwaving uses short bursts of high heat to quickly reheat the chicken through. Standing time after cooking allows the temperature to evenly distribute. Rotate or flip the chicken pieces halfway for most even heating.
How to reheat Popeyes chicken in an air fryer
An air fryer is great for reheating fried chicken without the oil. The circulating hot air crisps up the skin just like deep frying. Here’s how to do it:
- Place chicken pieces in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 360°F for 6-8 minutes until heated through.
- Increase temperature to 400°F and cook 1-2 minutes to recrisp skin.
The two-stage cooking process first reheats the chicken, then gives it a final blast of high heat for that signature Popeyes crispiness. Brushing or spraying a small amount of oil before the final crisping can enhance the texture even more.
How to reheat Popeyes chicken on the stove
For an extra-crispy reheated chicken, use the stovetop to shallow fry in a skillet:
- Add 1⁄4 inch vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
- When oil shimmers, add chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Fry 2-3 minutes per side until chicken is heated through and crust is crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
The direct contact with hot oil recrisps the skin beautifully. Use a deep fry thermometer to keep oil between 325-375°F. Monitor carefully to avoid burning. This method adds extra calories from the oil but gives the best Popeyes crispy texture.
Tips for the best reheated Popeyes chicken
Here are some extra tips for optimizing the reheating process:
- Use chicken pieces rather than shredded or chopped chicken, which lose texture more when reheated.
- Don’t crowd pieces on baking sheets or in the air fryer. Single layer allows for crisper results.
- Brush or spray chicken with a little oil before reheating for added moisture and crispness.
- Eat reheated chicken within 1-2 days for ideal texture and flavor.
- Store any uneaten reheated chicken in the fridge and consume within 4 days.
How long does reheated Popeyes chicken last?
Safely reheated Popeyes chicken will last:
| Storage | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
To maximize freshness and quality, try to eat reheated Popeyes chicken within 1-2 days, and no more than 4 days. Use air-tight containers for storage. Discard if any signs of spoilage like off odors, change in color, or slimy texture develop.
Can you refreeze Popeyes chicken after reheating?
It’s not recommended to refreeze Popeyes chicken after reheating it. Refreezing increases risk of bacterial growth. The USDA advises against refreezing any foods that have been completely thawed.
However, one exception is Popeyes chicken that was thawed but not actually reheated yet. In this case, the raw chicken can be safely refrozen without quality loss. Be sure to thaw using refrigerator thawing methods only, not at room temperature where bacteria multiply quickly.
Signs of bad reheated Popeyes chicken
Look out for these signs that reheated Popeyes chicken has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Slimy texture
- Grayish color
- Unpleasant or sour smell
- Mold growth
- Discolored bones at joints
Trust your senses – if reheated Popeyes chicken smells, looks, or feels off, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stick within the recommended 3-4 day storage guidelines.
Conclusion
Popeyes fried chicken can be safely reheated at home with some simple tricks to retain its signature crunch. Oven baking followed by quick broiling is the best all-around method. But the stovetop, air fryer, or microwave can also work well. Store leftover chicken properly in the fridge and consume within 4 days for the optimal fresh Popeyes experience.