If youre a fan of KFCs famous pot pie, you know that one serving is never enough. Whether youre enjoying a savory chicken pot pie for dinner or saving leftovers for the next day, reheating it can be a bit tricky. You dont want to end up with a soggy mess or a burnt crust, but you also want to make sure the chicken filling is heated through. This blog post will talk about the best way to reheat KFC chicken pot pie so that it stays tasty and crispy. Well cover different methods, tips, and tricks to achieve the best results. So lets dig in!.
Let’s be honest – there’s nothing quite like digging into a fresh hot KFC chicken pot pie with its flaky crust and savory filling. But what happens when you can’t finish it all in one sitting? Don’t worry! I’ve tried every possible way to reheat these tasty pies and I’m gonna share all my secrets so your leftover pot pie tastes just as amazing as when you first got it.
As someone who eats KFC’s famous pot pies all the time (maybe too often!), I’ve learned how to reheat them perfectly. I can promise you that using the right method will make ALL the difference between a soggy mess and a pie that tastes like it was just baked.
Why Proper Reheating Matters for KFC Pot Pies
Let’s talk about why you shouldn’t just throw your leftover pot pie in the microwave before we get into the methods. KFC pot pies have two separate parts that need to be treated in different ways.
- The flaky, buttery crust that needs to stay crispy
- The creamy, savory filling that needs to be heated thoroughly
Using the wrong reheating method can leave you with either a dried-out filling or a soggy, gummy crust – and nobody wants that!
Method 1: Oven Reheating (The Gold Standard)
If you want your KFC pot pie to taste as close to new as possible, the oven method is by far the best way to reheat it. It takes a little longer than other ways, but I promise it’s worth the wait!
What You’ll Need:
- Oven
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Aluminum foil
- Optional: parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Place your pot pie on a baking sheet (you can leave it in its original foil container)
- Begin reheating without covering the pie for about 10 minutes
- Once the crust starts getting golden, cover the pot pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning
- Continue heating for another 10 minutes (total heating time: 15-20 minutes)
- Check that the filling has reached 165°F for food safety
Pro Tips:
- Let your pot pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reheating for more even heating
- Place a sheet of parchment paper under the pot pie to prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy
- If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top during the last few minutes!
This method works best for whole pies or when you want to reheat a lot of servings at once. If you wait, the crust will get perfectly crispy and the filling will be hot and bubbling.
Method 2: Air Fryer Reheating (Quick & Crispy)
Got an air fryer? You’re in luck! This method is almost as good as the oven but gets the job done in about half the time.
What You’ll Need:
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking occasionally
- If the crust is getting too dark before the filling is heated through, cover the edges with small pieces of foil
Pro Tips:
- Spritzing the pot pie with a bit of cooking spray helps crisp up the crust even more
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some salt or garlic powder on top before reheating
- If your air fryer basket is small, you might need to reheat in batches
The air fryer gives you that perfect crispy crust in less time than the oven – ideal for when you’re hungry and don’t wanna wait too long!
Method 3: Stovetop Reheating (The Steamy Method)
Don’t have an oven or air fryer? The stovetop method is a surprisingly effective alternative that preserves moisture while still giving you a decent crust.
What You’ll Need:
- Saucepan with lid
- About an inch of water
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring to a boil
- Place your pot pie in the saucepan, making sure it’s not touching the water
- Put a barrier of parchment paper or foil between the pot pie and pan if needed
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the filling is hot and the crust is crisp
Pro Tips:
- This method works particularly well for preventing the filling from drying out
- Be careful not to let the pot pie touch the water directly or you’ll end up with a soggy bottom
- If the crust isn’t crispy enough after steaming, you can put it under a broiler for 1-2 minutes
While not as ideal as the oven or air fryer, this method is surprisingly effective when those appliances aren’t available!
Method 4: Microwave Reheating (The Last Resort)
I’ll be honest – I don’t usually recommend microwaving KFC pot pies because the crust gets soggy. But sometimes you’re in a hurry or at work with limited options. If you must use the microwave, here’s how to minimize the damage:
What You’ll Need:
- Microwave-safe plate
- Damp paper towel
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place the pot pie on a microwave-safe plate
- Cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes
- Pause halfway through to rotate the pie 180 degrees for even heating
- Check that the filling is piping hot before eating
Pro Tips:
- Start with less time (like 1 minute) and add more in 30-second increments as needed
- If possible, transfer to a toaster oven for a few minutes after microwaving to crisp up the crust
- This method works better for single portions rather than whole pies
While the microwave won’t give you that perfect crispy crust, it’ll get the job done when you’re short on time or options.
Storage Tips for KFC Pot Pie Leftovers
Before you even think about reheating, you need to store your pot pie properly! Here’s how:
- Allow your pot pie to cool completely before refrigerating
- Keep it in its original foil container if possible
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days for best quality
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 weeks (though the crust won’t be quite the same)
Remember that reheating multiple times will degrade the quality, so try to only reheat the portion you plan to eat!
Common Questions About Reheating KFC Pot Pies
Can I reheat KFC pot pie multiple times?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Each reheating degrades the quality, and the crust will never be as good after multiple reheatings. Better to portion it out and only reheat what you’ll eat.
How do I know when my pot pie is properly reheated?
The filling should reach 165°F for food safety, and the crust should be crisp and golden. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the filling is steaming hot throughout.
Can I freeze my KFC pot pie?
You can, but be aware that the texture of the crust will change somewhat. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 weeks. When reheating from frozen, add about 15-20 minutes to the oven time.
Why shouldn’t I use the microwave to reheat my pot pie?
The microwave tends to make the crust soggy and gummy while potentially leaving cold spots in the filling. Also, the KFC pot pie comes in a foil container which can’t go in the microwave!
Final Thoughts
There’s no reason your leftover KFC pot pie can’t taste almost as good as when you first bought it! The oven method is definitely my go-to choice for that perfect balance of crispy crust and hot, creamy filling, but the air fryer is a close second when I’m in a hurry.
Remember that a little patience goes a long way – rushing the reheating process almost always leads to disappointing results. Take your time, follow these methods, and you’ll be rewarded with a pot pie that tastes so good, you might start buying extras just to have leftovers!
Different Methods to Reheat KFC Chicken Pot Pie
The most common and quickest way to reheat leftover chicken pot pie is by using the microwave. However, this method can result in a soggy crust and unevenly heated filling if not done correctly. Heres how to do it the right way:
– Place the leftover pot pie on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
– Cover it with a paper towel to prevent the crust from becoming too moist.
– Microwave on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
– Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. If it hasnt reached 165°F, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.
– Let it rest for a few minutes before enjoying.
This is a quick and easy way to make pizza, but it’s not the best way to get a crispy crust and filling that’s heated evenly.
Why KFC Pot Pie?
Before we dive into the reheating process, lets talk about why KFCs chicken pot pie is worth the extra effort. This traditional chicken pot pie has a flaky crust and is filled with soft chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Its a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, its a great option for a quick and filling meal, especially when youre craving some comfort food. This means that whether you’re eating it by yourself or with family and friends, you need to reheat it just right.
Before we get into the different methods of reheating KFC chicken pot pie, its important to mention food safety. According to the USDA, the “danger zone” for cooked food is between 40°F and 140°F. This is the temperature range where bacteria can grow rapidly, potentially causing foodborne illnesses. So its crucial to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken pot pie reaches at least 165°F before consuming it. This can be checked using a food thermometer.