General Tso chicken is the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and spicy, whether you make it at home or order it to go.
It can be easy to make too much general tso chicken as it is a deceptively filling dish, especially when paired with rice or noodles. But is it worth saving leftover general tso chicken to reheat later? And is it safe to do so?.
The oven takes about 10 minutes to reheat general tso chicken. An air fryer takes about 8 minutes, or you can do it in the microwave for about 3 minutes.
General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy, battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a go-to takeout order and makes for easy delicious leftovers. But reheating this tricky dish can be intimidating. The delicate chicken and crisp coating are prone to overcooking turning soggy and mushy.
Luckily, with the right techniques you can reheat General Tso’s chicken in the oven to crispy mouthwatering perfection. In this guide, I’ll share my best tips for reheating General Tso’s chicken in the oven so you can enjoy your leftovers as if they were freshly 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
Follow these simple steps for General Tso’s chicken that’s as crispy and delicious as the original meal:
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
Place a piece of aluminum foil over the dish and press it down a little 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
The General Tso’s chicken tastes best when served right away. Longer it stays out of the oven, the more water will soak into the crispy top.
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. Eating general tso chicken cold is unpleasant and dangerous as the chicken is likely to develop harmful bacteria when stored in the fridge.
To rejuvenate the texture and sweet spiciness of general tso chicken, it is best to reheat the chicken separately from 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: