How to Reheat Fried Chicken, 3 Ways

There’s simply nothing like eating fried chicken. It gives you all the juicy, tender meat of your favorite chicken underneath a satisfyingly crisp breading. While you may think your appetite for fried chicken is insatiable (and how could it not be?), you may sometimes find yourself with leftovers and wondering the best way to reheat fried chicken so it maintains its crispy flavor. Just like there’s an ideal way to reheat pizza, there’s a best way to reheat fried chicken so it’s safe and satisfying to eat.

What not to do when reheating fried chicken:

There are two things you want to keep in mind when figuring out how to reheat fried chicken: how to maintain the flavor of the fried chicken and making sure the leftovers don’t make you ill. According to Katie Hell, a certified professional in food safety and a senior editor at StateFoodSafety, the only safe ways to reheat fried chicken are with the oven, microwave or stove. Avoid leaving the food out for too long and make sure to heat it enough so it doesn’t land in the temperature “danger zone” where bacteria can thrive. You also may want to consider how long leftovers last in the fridge when deciding whether your meal is worth it.

“From a food safety perspective, you have to be careful about how you reheat food,” she says. “Food can’t stay in the temperature danger zone (41–135 degrees Fahrenheit) longer than four hours. To prevent bacteria from growing to unsafe levels on your fried chicken, reheat it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re not planning to eat it immediately.”

How to reheat fried chicken in the oven:

There’s no foolproof method to making refried chicken taste as good as new, says OMG Hospitality Group chef Daniel England. But using these steps to reheat it in the oven work best.

1. Make sure the chicken is at room temperature. Pull it out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before you reheat it. This will help it cook quickly and evenly.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Use a wire rack on top of a sheet pan so the chicken is raised and won’t get soggy on the bottom.
4. Cook chicken for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Raise the oven to 400 and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Dip in your favorite sauce and enjoy. If you have leftover fries to add as a side dish, here’s the best way to reheat those to enjoy alongside your fried chicken.

How to reheat fried chicken in the microwave:

If you don’t have time for oven cooking, you can safely reheat fried chicken in the microwave, but be warned: the texture will not be the same. “This is definitely not the preferred method, but it’s doable when you need to use the microwave in a pinch,” says Claudia Sidoti, Head Chef at HelloFresh. “If you go this route, be aware that the fried chicken tends to dry out the already soggy skin as it cooks. This will result in a soft, soggy texture that won’t compare to the crisp skin you can achieve when reheated properly.”

1. Take your fried chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit out for ten minutes so it approaches room temperature. This step is required for almost all reheating methods to help the chicken retain moisture.
2. Place a paper towel over the plate to help the chicken avoid getting too soggy. The towel will take in some of the moisture.
3. Microwave the fried chicken in 30-second intervals until warm. Be careful not to over-microwave or it’ll dry out.

These are the foods you should never reheat in the microwave.

If you’ve frozen your fried chicken, use these steps to get it ready to eat.

1. Thaw the frozen leftover fried chicken in the microwave until the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the chicken on an oven-safe baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. Place the pan in a 350 degree oven on the center rack for about ten minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Make sure to check on the chicken frequently as each piece may heat at different speeds. As a general rule, thicker pieces will heat at a slower rate than smaller pieces. If the chicken is crispy on the outside and warm all the way through, it’s done.

How to reheat fried chicken in a toaster oven:

Sidoti also says you can reheat your fried chicken in a toaster oven using the following steps.

1. Line the baking sheet from your toaster oven with aluminum foil.
2. Set toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it pre-heat for a few minutes. Place a handful of fried chicken pieces on a plate.
3. Cover the plate with a paper towel.
4. Microwave the fried chicken for about one to two minutes. Remove the plate from the microwave and place the chicken on the baking sheet.
5. Stick the baking sheet in the toaster oven for about two to three additional minutes.

There you have it: you’ve mastered the art of enjoying this delicious leftover at its peak.

Next, master the best way to reheat steak for optimal flavor.

The post How to Reheat Fried Chicken, 3 Ways appeared first on Taste of Home.

Erin Kayata