You can reheat your rotisserie chicken without drying it out with one of the methods -pick the one based on how much time you have!.
If you need to save time, you can microwave it. If you have more time, you can bake it. Here are all the tips you need to keep the juices inside!
Rotisserie chickens are a convenient dinner option that can be enjoyed right away or saved for quick meals later in the week However, reheating rotisserie chicken properly is key to maintaining its flavor and texture An overcooked rotisserie chicken will end up dry and stringy. Follow these tips to reheat your rotisserie chicken perfectly and keep it moist and delicious.
Why Proper Reheating is Important
When bought hot from the store, rotisserie chickens are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to 175°F. This means they are fully cooked and safe to eat. But if you leave cooked chicken at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F for more than two hours, bacteria could grow.
To prevent foodborne illness, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken needs to be quickly reheated to 165°F before serving Quick reheating also helps maintain moisture and texture. Slow reheating tends to dry out the chicken
Best Ways to Reheat a Rotisserie Chicken
There are several good options for reheating rotisserie chicken. Think about how much time you have, whether you want the skin to be crispy, and whether you want to use the whole chicken or just a few pieces.
Oven
Reheating in the oven takes more time but crisps the skin and evenly distributes heat. It’s the best option if you have at least 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place chicken in oven-safe dish and add 1 cup broth or water to the bottom.
- Cover dish tightly with foil and bake 20-25 minutes until 165°F internal temperature.
- Uncover and bake 5 more minutes to crisp skin.
Stovetop
The stovetop allows quick, direct heat for fast reheating. It’s ideal for small amounts of shredded or chopped chicken.
- Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Microwave
The microwave provides the fastest reheating. It works best for small portions.
- Place chicken pieces or shreds on microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with damp paper towel and microwave on medium 2-5 minutes until hot, checking often.
Air Fryer
Air frying crisps the skin on whole or portioned chicken. The circulating hot air cooks quickly.
- Set air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook 3-5 minutes until chicken is hot and skin is crispy.
Slow Cooker
Using the slow cooker allows hands-off reheating with moist indirect heat. It takes several hours but requires minimal effort.
- Add 1 cup water or broth to slow cooker.
- Wrap chicken in foil and place in slow cooker.
- Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 3-4 hours until chicken is fully hot.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for reheating rotisserie chicken perfectly every time:
- Allow refrigerated chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating for more even heating.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces to reduce reheating time.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature.
- Add broth, water, or sauce to provide moisture during reheating.
- Cover chicken with lid or foil to retain moisture and speed up heating.
- Reheat only the amount needed and refrigerate or freeze the rest.
- Bring chicken to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing for faster chilling.
Storage and Food Safety
For fun and safety, it’s also important to store food correctly before and after reheating. Follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate perishable foods like chicken within 2 hours of purchase.
- Divide chicken into smaller portions in shallow containers for fast chilling.
- Use rotisserie chicken within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Freeze extras right away if not using within 4 days.
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Discard any chicken that smells bad or feels slimy.
- Wash hands, utensils, dishes after touching raw chicken juices.
Reheating a rotisserie chicken doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these safe tips and ways to reheat chicken, you can have tasty, moist chicken any night of the week. If you reheat your chicken the right way, it stays safe and keeps its flavor and texture.
Should You Cover When Reheating in the Microwave?
When reheating a rotisserie chicken in the microwave, use a paper towel to keep grease and splatter from getting on it. The dampness will also help the chicken keep some of its moisture.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven
The oven is the best way to reheat chicken because it makes the meat the juiciest. It only takes 25 to 30 minutes, which gives you time to make sides to go with it.
- Heat the oven to 350F and put the top rack in the middle of it.
- Move the chicken from the plastic tray to a 9×13 baking dish that can go in the oven.
- Fill the baking dish with one cup of water, chicken stock, or chicken broth. This will moisten the chicken as it heats up.
- Wrap the whole thing in foil to keep the steam inside.
- Cover the rotisserie chicken and heat it in a hot oven for 25 minutes. Take the foil off and bake it for another 5 minutes to make the skin crisp. You can skip this if you’ll be removing it.
- Serve warm.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven Without Drying It Out | How to Cook by MOMables
FAQ
How do you reheat rotisserie chicken?
Add enough water or broth to the bottom of a Dutch oven to come up about 1/2 inch. Add the chicken in the Dutch oven and cover. Cook over medium-low heat until the chicken is heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. Choose from 5 methods to reheat rotisserie chicken including oven, microwave, and air fryer.
Can You reheat rotisserie chicken in the microwave?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let the chicken roast for approximately 25 minutes. Remove the foil and let roast for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the skin. Remove chicken from the oven and enjoy. If you’re pinched for time, reheating rotisserie chicken in the microwave is an easy, speedy solution.
Can You reheat rotisserie chicken in a Dutch oven?
Cover with aluminum foil. Bake until the chicken is warmed through, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the foil, and cook for another 5 minutes to slightly crisp the skin. A Dutch oven can be used to reheat rotisserie chicken in the oven instead of a baking sheet or pan. You can also use it to reheat a whole rotisserie chicken on the stovetop.
What temperature should rotisserie chicken be reheated?
Regardless of the method you choose, ensuring your rotisserie chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature is crucial for food safety. The USDA states that the safe minimum internal temperature for reheated poultry is 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills harmful bacteria and makes sure your chicken remains safe to eat.
How do you reheat chicken in the oven?
The oven is the best way to reheat chicken because it makes the meat the juiciest. It only takes 25 to 30 minutes, which gives you time to make sides to go with it. Preheat the oven to 350F and place the top rack in the middle of the oven. Transfer the chicken out of the plastic tray into a 9×13 oven-safe baking dish.
How do you cook rotisserie chicken in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and get out a dish. While the oven preheats, remove the rotisserie chicken from the packaging and put it in an oven-safe dish. If the chicken was in the fridge, let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes so it comes to room temperature. Cover and roast the chicken for 25 minutes.
How long does it take to heat up a whole rotisserie chicken?
How To Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the OvenPreheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the rotisserie chicken from the packaging and place it in an oven-safe dish. Let the chicken roast for approximately 25 minutes. Remove chicken from the oven and enjoy.
Is it better to reheat rotisserie chicken in the oven or air fryer?
The reheating method that yields the juiciest chicken meat is the oven, and it’s worth the 25 to 30 minutes needed, which is great for making some sides to …Sep 12, 2024.
What is the best way to reheat roast chicken?
The best way to reheat roast chicken while keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out is in the oven.