Whether you make it at home or order it as a takeaway, general tso chicken is the perfect combination of crisp, sweet and spicy.
It’s easy to make too much general tso chicken because it tastes light but fills you up, especially when served with rice or noodles. But should you save the extra general tso chicken to reheat later? Is it safe to do so?
To reheat general tso chicken, you can either pop it into the oven for around 10 minutes, reheat in an air fryer for around 8 minutes or even do it in the microwave in around 3 minutes.
People in the United States love General Tso’s chicken because it has crispy, battered chicken pieces covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. People often order this for takeout, and it makes easy, tasty leftovers. But reheating this tricky dish can be intimidating. If you cook the chicken and coating for too long, the chicken will get soggy and mushy.
If you know how to do it right, you can reheat General Tso’s chicken in the oven until it’s crispy and delicious. This guide will show you how to reheat General Tso’s chicken in the oven so that you can enjoy your leftovers like they were just made.
Why Reheat General Tso’s Chicken in the Oven?
While the microwave may seem like the fastest and easiest reheating method, it often leaves General Tso’s chicken soggy and flavorless. The oven allows you to revive the crispy texture of the fried chicken coating and evenly heat the pieces without creating rubbery, dried out spots.
The steady, controllable dry heat of the oven also helps the sauce thicken back up to the perfect saucy consistency. And it brings all the flavors of the dish together for a quick meal that tastes as if it just came fresh from the takeout container.
How to Reheat General Tso’s Chicken in the Oven
These easy steps will make your General Tso’s chicken taste just as good and crispy as the real thing:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. The chicken will not dry out or burn at this relatively low temperature.
2. Prepare a Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking as it reheats.
3. Arrange the Chicken Pieces
Carefully place the chilled chicken pieces in the baking dish, spacing them out into a single layer. Try to keep them separate, not overlapping or piled on each other.
4. Cover Lightly
Tent a piece of aluminum foil over the dish, pressing it down slightly over the chicken. This traps in heat and moisture. But leave space for air circulation rather than sealing tightly.
5. Reheat for 15-20 Minutes
Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes until heated through and sizzling. The time will vary based on the amount of chicken.
6. Uncover and Cook 5 More Minutes
Remove the foil and cook for another 5 minutes to recrisp the batter coating.
7. Toss with Sauce
While the chicken bakes, microwave the sauce to reheat it. Then pour the hot sauce over the baked chicken pieces and toss to evenly coat.
8. Serve Immediately
Serve the General Tso’s chicken right away for the ideal texture. The longer it sits out of the oven, the more moisture will soak into the crispy coating.
And that’s all it takes for leftover General Tso’s chicken that tastes incredibly fresh and crispy!
Tips for the Best Oven-Reheated General Tso’s Chicken
Follow these tips for the absolute best results when reheating General Tso’s chicken in the oven:
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Separate the sauce from the chicken before storing leftovers. This prevents sogginess.
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Use an oven-safe thermometer to ensure your oven reaches the proper temperature.
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Preheat the oven fully before reheating. Don’t place the chicken in a cold oven.
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Avoid overcrowding chicken pieces in the baking dish. Leave space between each piece.
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Keep the foil tent slightly vented and remove it toward the end for ideal crisping.
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Microwave sauce separately to avoid breaking down the chicken batter.
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Let the chicken rest 1-2 minutes before saucing and serving.
Common Questions About Reheating General Tso’s Chicken
Here are some frequently asked questions about reheating General Tso’s chicken in the oven:
How long does it take to reheat General Tso’s chicken in the oven?
It takes 15-20 minutes in a 350°F oven to fully reheat General Tso’s chicken. Large portions or very thick pieces may take a few minutes longer.
Can you reheat General Tso’s chicken straight from the fridge?
Yes, you can reheat chilled leftover General Tso’s chicken straight from the fridge with excellent results. Allow a couple extra minutes of oven time.
Should you reheat the sauce separately?
It’s best to reheat the sauce separately to preserve the crispy chicken coating. Microwave the sauce while the chicken bakes.
What temperature should General Tso’s chicken reach when reheated?
Heat General Tso’s chicken to 165°F internally for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to test larger pieces if needed.
Can you reheat General Tso’s chicken in an air fryer or instant pot?
Yes, both the air fryer and instant pot work well for reheating General Tso’s chicken! Follow manufacturer instructions for times and temperatures.
Enjoy Your Leftover General Tso’s Chicken Like It’s Fresh
With these simple oven reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftover General Tso’s chicken as if you just picked it up from the restaurant. The key is using a moderate oven temperature and lightly covering the chicken to get it piping hot and crispy again.
How to Reheat General Tso Chicken Successfully
To ensure that you can enjoy reheated general tso chicken just as much as freshly prepared general tso chicken, follow these simple but effective tips:
- Keep the chicken and glaze in separate containers in the fridge when you’re not using them at the same time. This way, the glaze won’t get into the chicken batter and turn it soft.
- After baking, don’t leave the tin foil on. If you used the oven method, take the tin foil off the baking dish or sheet as soon as the chicken is warm. If you leave it on for too long, any water that collects will soak into the chicken and make it less crispy.
- Bring the Chicken and Glaze Back to Life—If the chicken and glaze are already mixed, it’s best to heat the general tso chicken in the oven. Don’t add any extra oil, and don’t bake for more than 10 minutes.
How to Reheat General Tso Chicken
Reheating general tso chicken is necessary if you want not to waste your leftover meal. It is not only unpleasant to eat General Tso chicken cold, but it is also dangerous because the chicken will likely get harmful bacteria when it is stored in the fridge.
If you want to bring back the texture and sweet spice of general tso chicken, you should reheat the chicken without the glaze.
But if you are in a rush or don’t want to risk drying out the chicken too much, there are other methods you could try instead: