It was a normal weeknight, and I was looking through my fridge to see what I could make for dinner. As a busy parent on a budget, I often have to get creative with whatever ingredients I have on hand. On this particular evening, I spotted a container of Costco Chicken Alfredo tucked away in the back of the fridge. I had forgotten about this easy meal I had bought at Costco last week because the week had been so busy. I was sure I could make this store-bought dish into something special with some simple ingredients and some cooking ideas.
Costco’s chicken alfredo is a fan favorite for good reason – it’s delicious, easy to prepare, and extremely convenient. But like any leftovers, reheating it properly is key to maintaining that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture. Follow this simple guide to reheating Costco chicken alfredo like a pro.
Gather Your Leftovers and Tools
- Costco chicken alfredo leftovers – store in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days.
- Oven-safe baking dish or skillet.
- Aluminum foil.
- Milk or cream (optional).
Choose Your Reheating Method
It’s possible to reheat chicken alfredo in a few different ways. I’ll list the good and bad points of each so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.
Oven
The oven allows you to reheat large batches evenly without drying out the sauce
Pros
- Even, thorough heating throughout.
- Less likely to separate or curdle sauce.
- Can reheat large amounts.
Cons:
- Takes more time.
- Can dry out if not careful.
Stovetop
The stovetop gives you more control over the reheating process.
Pros:
- Faster than oven.
- More control over temperature.
- Less chance of drying out.
Cons:
- Potential for sauce to curdle or separate.
- Smaller batches only.
Microwave
The microwave is the fastest reheating method but can lead to uneven heating.
Pros:
- Very fast.
- Minimal effort.
Cons:
- Uneven heating.
- Potential drying/separating of sauce.
- Small batches only.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Transfer chicken alfredo to a lightly greased oven-safe baking dish.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Remove foil, stir, and bake another 5 minutes if needed.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken alfredo and stir gently to combine.
- Warm through, stirring frequently, adding splashes of milk or cream as needed to thin sauce.
- Reduce heat if sauce starts bubbling.
- Remove from heat once heated through.
Microwave Method
- Transfer chicken alfredo to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap, venting one corner.
- Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Add milk or cream and stir again if sauce is too thick.
Handy Tips
- Stir in extra parmesan or mozzarella for more flavor and gooeyness.
- For added richness, stir in an extra splash of cream.
- Undercook the pasta slightly when reheating so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers to freeze for later.
Reheating chicken alfredo from Costco doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a few simple tricks and your choice of oven, stovetop, or microwave, you can enjoy every last bit of those delicious leftovers. Just remember to gently reheat, don’t overcook the sauce, and add a little extra moisture if needed. In no time, you’ll have a quick and easy restaurant-quality meal the whole family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Costco Chicken Alfredo
But you’re still not sure how to reheat Costco’s famous chicken alfredo the best way? Here are some of the most common questions about it.
How long does it take to reheat chicken alfredo in the oven?
In a 350°F oven, chicken alfredo takes 15-20 minutes to reheat fully. Cover with foil first, then uncover and bake 5 more minutes if needed.
Can you reheat chicken alfredo on the stovetop?
Yes, reheating on the stovetop works well. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, adding splashes of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from separating or getting too thick.
Is it OK to reheat chicken alfredo in the microwave?
You can reheat chicken alfredo in the microwave, but the heat may not even out. Stir between 30-second bursts in the microwave, and add water as needed.
Should you add water when reheating chicken alfredo?
If you add a little milk, cream, broth, or even water to the sauce when you reheat it, it will stay thin and not dry out or get lumpy.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken alfredo without drying it out?
Reheating it gently in the oven with foil over the dish is best for avoiding drying out. Just make sure not to overbake once the foil is removed.
Can I reheat frozen chicken alfredo?
First thaw frozen chicken alfredo overnight in the fridge before reheating. Then you can reheat in the oven or microwave just as you would fresh leftovers.
Is reheated chicken alfredo safe to eat?
Yes, as long as leftovers were promptly refrigerated and reheated to 165°F or hotter, reheated chicken alfredo is safe to eat. Discard any leftovers older than 4 days.
Reheating chicken alfredo is easy and delicious when you use the right method. Now you can enjoy Costco’s signature dish again and again with these handy tips and tricks.
Exact Steps or Recipe Instructions
If you want to take your Costco Chicken Alfredo to the next level, here are a few simple steps to enhance the dish:
1. Put in some fresh herbs. Before serving, chop up some fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle it on top of the dish. The herbs will add a pop of color and freshness to the creamy Alfredo sauce.
2. Sautéed Vegetables: In a separate pan, sauté some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Once cooked, stir them into the Chicken Alfredo for added texture and flavor.
3. Garlic Bread: Serve the Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread for a classic Italian touch. Toast slices of bread with butter and garlic for a delicious accompaniment to the dish.
4. Grilled Chicken: If you want to add even more protein to the meal, grill up some chicken breast and slice it thinly. Arrange the grilled chicken on top of the Chicken Alfredo for a heartier dish.
With these easy changes and additions, you can make your Costco Chicken Alfredo taste like it came from a restaurant, which will impress your family and friends.
Is it safe to reheat Costco Chicken Alfredo?
Yes, it is safe to reheat Costco Chicken Alfredo as long as it is done properly. Make sure to heat the dish until it’s very hot, and stir it every so often to make sure it cooks evenly. Avoid reheating the dish multiple times, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.