Theres nothing worse than heating up delicious leftovers from the night before, only to discover that the chicken is dry, the skin is like rubber or the breading is soft. Thankfully, following this guide will make your leftover chicken tender and oh-so-flavorful (and check out the best chicken sandwiches from your favorite fast food restaurants while youre at it).
Reheating leftover chicken can seem like a daunting task. You want to make sure it’s heated all the way through for food safety but you also don’t want it to dry out or lose its flavor. The oven is one of the best methods for reheating chicken without sacrificing texture and taste. But exactly how long should you reheat chicken in the oven?
The answer depends on a few factors:
Type and Amount of Chicken
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A whole chicken or large pieces like bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will take longer than boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
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More chicken equals more time, Reheating a large casserole dish full of chicken parts will take longer than a single piece
Cooking Method
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Chicken that was previously baked or roasted will reheat faster than fried or grilled chicken.
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Saucy or wet dishes like stews and casseroles require less time than drier preparations.
Preparation for Reheating
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Cutting chicken into smaller pieces allows it to heat more quickly and evenly.
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Adding a bit of liquid to the dish creates steam which keeps the chicken moist.
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Placing chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet improves air circulation for fast, even reheating.
Oven Temperature
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The general rule is to reheat chicken in a 350°F oven. Higher temps risk overcooking.
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If you have the time, a lower 300°F oven keeps the chicken tender.
Internal Temperature
- Chicken should always reach 165°F internally after reheating for food safety.
General Reheating Times
Taking all these factors into account, here are some general guidelines for how long chicken takes to reheat in the oven:
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Boneless chicken breast – 15-20 minutes
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Bone-in chicken pieces – 20-25 minutes
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Fried chicken – 20-25 minutes
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Whole roasted chicken – 45-60 minutes
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Casserole dish – 45-60 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for reheating chicken in the oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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If you need to, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
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Outline the chicken in a baking dish or pan, leaving space between each piece. Or, put them on a baking sheet over a wire rack.
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for the estimated time based on the amount and type of chicken. Check the internal temperature, and continue cooking if needed until 165°F is reached.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Preventing Dry, Rubbery Chicken
The oven offers a humid, gentle reheating environment. But you still need to be careful not to cook chicken that is dry or too long:
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Don’t overcrowd the pan which prevents air circulation.
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Use a tight-fitting lid or foil cover to keep moisture in.
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Add liquid to the dish like broth, sauce, or even water.
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Choose a baking dish that fits snugly around the chicken.
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Cook at a lower oven temp (300°F) if you have extra time.
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Allow chicken to rest before serving to redistribute juices.
Other Ways to Reheat Chicken
Putting chicken back in the oven is best, but you can also do it on the stove, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker:
Stovetop
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Use a skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
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Add a bit of water or broth and cook over medium-low heat until heated through.
Microwave
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Place chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30 second intervals until 165°F.
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Be careful as this can quickly lead to dry, unevenly cooked chicken.
Slow Cooker
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Works well for larger amounts like whole chickens, casseroles, chicken and veggies, etc.
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Cook on low setting for 2-3 hours until fully heated through.
Tips for All Methods
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Stir/flip chicken halfway through.
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Always check internal temp with a meat thermometer.
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Cut into smaller pieces for faster, more even heating.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Food Safety Tips
When dealing with leftovers, food safety is crucial:
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Only reheat chicken once after initial cooking.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of first cooking chicken.
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To freeze, portion chicken into airtight bags or containers first.
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Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Never partially reheat chicken or keep it warm for more than 2 hours.
The Takeaway
Reheating leftover chicken in the oven is one of the easiest, most foolproof methods. While reheating time depends on the amount and type of chicken, most pieces will take 15-25 minutes in a 350°F oven. The keys are using the right baking vessel, adding liquid, achieving a safe internal temp, and allowing the chicken to rest before eating. Follow these guidelines to enjoy tender, juicy leftover chicken. With the proper technique, reheated chicken can taste just as delicious as the freshly-cooked version.
How to Reheat Chicken in the OvenHeating chicken up in the oven is a great method for bone-in or breaded chicken leftovers. After all, there’s nothing better than the crispy coating of
You want the oven to heat up fully before you attempt to reheat the chicken. Your food cooks faster in a preheated oven!.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven Without Drying It Out | How to Cook by MOMables
FAQ
How long to reheat chicken in the oven at 350 degrees?
To reheat chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C), you should expect to bake it for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and whether it’s bone-in or boneless.
What is the correct way to reheat cooked chicken?
Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and arrange the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. For best results, choose a dish that’s just big enough to accommodate the chicken in a single layer without a lot of extra space between the pieces. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Is 3 minutes long enough to reheat chicken?
If you have a large amount of chicken, begin with 2.5-3 minutes of microwaving.
Is it better to reheat chicken in the oven?
Reheating chicken in the oven is the best option for moist and tender leftovers. The oven retains moisture and ensures even reheating. The oven is the best option for roast chicken, crumbed chicken and bone in chicken portions. Place the leftovers on a roasting dish in an even layer.
Can You reheat fried chicken?
For bone-in or breaded chicken leftovers, reheating in the oven is a fantastic option. After all, nothing beats fried chicken’s crispy coating—and there’s no better way to preserve it crispy than tossing the leftovers in the oven. That’s right, and you can avoid using the microwave. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should chicken be reheated?
The internal temperature of the reheated chicken should remain at 165 degrees. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the temperature. To reheat chicken in the oven, you can use leftover chicken broth. Cover the chicken with the broth. Once the chicken is done, remove the foil and serve the chicken as desired.
Can You reheat chicken in the oven?
Reheating chicken in the oven is a common task that many of us face, especially when we have leftover chicken from a previous meal or when we want to cook chicken in advance and reheat it later. But reheating chicken can be tricky; if you don’t do it right, the meat could end up dry, overcooked, or even undercooked.
How do you reheat shredded chicken?
Larger cuts with bones take longer to heat through, so they work better in the oven, where radial heat can warm them evenly from all sides. On the other hand, boneless or shredded chicken is often better reheated on the stove. Decided how you’re going to reheat? Then read on for some best practices for each scenario:
How long do you reheat chicken before slicing?
The reheating time may increase if you rewarm a big portion, such as a full chicken. So, if you have a lot, make sure the chicken is heated all the way through. After 20 to 25 minutes, the broth or liquid should be bubbling. Before slicing into the chicken, you should let it a few minutes to rest.
How do you reheat cooked chicken in a casserole dish?
If the chicken was cooked in a casserole and is still in that dish, simply reheat it as part of the casserole: heat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the covered casserole dish until it’s heated through (an instant-read thermometer should read at least 165 degrees). If you’re dealing with plain chicken, the process will be similar: