Every dish you make for family and friends takes a lot of time, effort, and passion. Don’t let your results slip while the dishes are waiting to be served. Whether your oven has a “keep warm” setting, a separate warming drawer, or just the ability to be set to low temperatures, most of them can heat food to between 170°F and 200°F and keep it warm. Use this guide to learn more about the best oven temperature for keeping food warm and how to keep food warm in the oven without drying it out.
Cooking chicken to perfection is an art. But it’s an art to keep it warm and tasty until it’s time to serve. This complete guide tells you everything you need to know about keeping cooked chicken warm in the oven. What temperature should it be at? How can you keep it from drying out or cooling down too much?
Why Temperature Matters
Temperature is crucial for both food safety and quality when holding chicken in the oven. According to the USDA, chicken must be kept at 140°F or above to prevent bacterial growth However, you also want to avoid drying out the chicken or cooking it further
The optimal temperature range for keeping cooked chicken warm in the oven is 170°F to 200°F (77°C – 93°C). This keeps the chicken safely above the danger zone without overcooking.
Setting Your Oven
You’ll need to make sure the oven temperature is right and the heat is spread out evenly to keep the chicken warm.
Use an Oven Thermometer
Your oven likely won’t heat to the exact temperature you set it to Investing in an oven thermometer can help you determine the right setting to reach your target temp.
Location Matters
Put the chicken dish and thermometer in the middle of the oven, away from the heat sources. In this way, you get the most accurate reading and avoid hot spots.
Adjust as Needed
Check the thermometer periodically and tweak the oven dial if needed to maintain 170°F to 200°F. Opening the door will cause some heat loss as well.
Prevent Drying Out
One of the hardest things about warming chicken in the oven is making sure it doesn’t dry out. Here are some tips:
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Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture. Avoid a tight seal which can make the chicken soggy.
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Place chicken on a wire rack over a pan to allow air circulation.
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Add a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or water to the pan.
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Baste chicken with pan drippings, olive oil, or melted butter.
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Use a slow cooker on warm setting to allow even gentle heating.
Monitor Temperature
While your oven may hit the target temp, you need to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure safety.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F initially, and 140°F or above during holding.
Check Frequently
Test the temperature every 30 minutes or so. If it drops below 140°F, you’ll need to reheat the chicken thoroughly before holding it again.
Don’t Keep Chicken Warm Too Long
Ideally, chicken should not be kept warm in the oven for more than 1-2 hours. The USDA recommends discarding food left out between 40°F and 140°F for over 2 hours.
While the oven keeps the temperature in a safe zone, the quality and moisture content will degrade over a prolonged warming period. For food safety, discard chicken if:
- Held below 140°F for over 2 hours
- Has an off smell or appearance
- Has been reheated more than once
Only reheat the amount you plan to eat immediately to maintain quality.
Handling Different Types of Chicken
The warming method remains the same, but you may need to adjust for different types of chicken:
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Whole chickens retain moisture better than pieces.
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White meat dries out faster than dark. Monitor temperature and moisture closely.
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For fried chicken, allow steam to escape by loosely covering with foil. Avoid sogginess.
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Rotisserie chicken is often pre-seasoned so go light on added moisture.
FAQs
Get answers to some common questions on keeping cooked chicken warm in the oven:
What if my oven’s lowest temp is above 200°F?
Use the oven’s “warm” setting if available. Otherwise, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow some heat to escape.
How can I revive chicken that is already dry?
Shred dry chicken and mix it into a sauce, gravy or soup to rehydrate it.
Is it safe to reheat chicken multiple times?
It’s not recommended. Reheating more than once increases the risk of bacterial growth. Stick to reheating only what you will eat immediately.
Can I use a warming drawer or slow cooker instead?
Yes, as long as you verify the temperature stays between 140°F and 200°F using a thermometer. Warming drawers often have this info built in.
Should I use different temps for white and dark meat?
No, both types of chicken should be kept in the 170°F – 200°F range. Monitor white meat closely for drying out.
How can I prevent soggy fried chicken skin?
Cover loosely with foil and allow steam to escape. Avoid adding liquid directly to fried chicken.
Keep It Safe and Delicious
Mastering the art of keeping cooked chicken warm allows you to prep ahead without sacrificing taste or safety. Follow these guidelines to prevent drying out and bacterial growth. Invest in a good meat thermometer and oven thermometer as well.
The ideal oven temperature for holding chicken is between 170°F and 200°F. Maintain moisture, monitor temperature frequently, and limit the hold time to 1-2 hours. Now you can enjoy perfectly warm and tasty chicken anytime.
STEP 5: SERVE OR STORE AFTER ONE HOUR
Your food’s texture and flavors can start to shift if left in the oven too long, so it’s best to either serve, store or discard any remaining food after one hour.
HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP FOOD WARM IN THE OVEN?
Even though hot foods can be kept at or above 140°F for a long time, after about an hour, the texture and flavor will probably start to change. Food in smaller quantities or dishes that are heat-prone shouldn’t be kept warm in the oven for more than 30 minutes.