How to Reheat Fried Chicken: Tips and Methods

Fried chicken is a tasty, comforting food enjoyed by many, but what happens when you have leftovers? Reheating fried chicken can be a challenge, as it is prone to drying out and losing its crispy texture. In this article, we will explore different methods for reheating fried chicken that will help maintain its flavor, texture, and juiciness. Whether you prefer the oven, microwave, air fryer, toaster oven, grilling, or pan-frying, we have got you covered with step-by-step instructions, pros and cons, and helpful tips.

The Oven Method

The oven method is a classic choice for reheating fried chicken and is ideal for maintaining the crispy skin and juicy interior. Here’s how you can do it:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the leftover fried chicken in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

To ensure the chicken stays moist and doesn’t dry out in the oven, you can place a small cup of water in the oven while baking, brush the chicken with melted butter or oil, or cover it loosely with foil.

The Microwave Method

The microwave method is a quick and effortless way to reheat fried chicken, especially if you’re short on time. However, be aware that it may result in softer skin, and the meat may become rubbery if not reheated correctly. Here’s how to reheat fried chicken in a microwave:

Place the fried chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
Heat the chicken on high for 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the number of pieces and the microwave’s wattage.
Flip the chicken halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, making sure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve immediately.

To avoid a rubbery texture, avoid overmicrowaving and never stack the chicken pieces on top of each other. Also, avoid using foil or airtight containers that could trap steam.

Air Fryer Method

Air fryers are gaining popularity for reheating food since they mimic the crispy texture and crunchy exterior that deep-frying provides. Here’s how you can reheat fried chicken in an air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
Spray the chicken with some cooking oil to help it crisp up.
Cook for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the chicken’s thickness and the number of pieces.
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and serve immediately.

Unlike a microwave or an oven, an air fryer uses hot air to circulate and cook the food. This results in crispy and juicy fried chicken rather than dry, tough, or greasy chicken.

The Toaster Oven Method

A toaster oven is an excellent option for reheating smaller portions of fried chicken. It heats up faster than a regular oven and has a compact size, making it appropriate for an individual or a small family. Here’s how you can reheat fried chicken in a toaster oven:

Preheat the toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle some water or chicken broth over them.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
For the last 2 to 3 minutes, remove the foil to allow the skin to crisp up.
Check the internal temperature, and if it reaches 165°F (75°C), the chicken is ready to eat.

You can replace the water or chicken broth with butter or oil to add more flavor and moisture. Also, avoid overcrowding the toaster oven, or the chicken may not cook evenly.

Grill It

If you have access to an outdoor or indoor grill, you can use it to reheat your fried chicken while also adding a smoky flavor to the meat. Here’s how you can grill your leftover chicken:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the chicken with some oil or marinade and place them on the grill grates.
Cook for a few minutes on each side or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through.
Check the internal temperature to ensure that it reaches 165°F (75°C) and serve.

Grilling chicken enhances its taste and texture by adding a bit more flavor and smokiness. However, ensure you control the heat and monitor the chicken’s internal temperature to prevent burning or drying out.

Pan Fry

Pan-frying leftover fried chicken is a method that can bring back the desirable crispiness and juiciness to the meat without affecting the flavor. Here’s what you need to do:

Heat some oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Place the chicken pieces in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the skin is golden brown.
Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Check the internal temperature and serve.

Make sure the skillet isn’t overcrowded, or the chicken may steam instead of getting crispy.

Sous Vide

Sous vide is a French cooking technique that involves cooking food in a vacuum-sealed bag submerged in water at a precisely controlled temperature. It is an excellent choice for reheating leftover fried chicken without drying it out or losing the original texture. Here’s how to reheat fried chicken using sous vide:

Preheat the water bath to 140°F (60°C).
Vacuum-seal the chicken pieces in a plastic bag.
Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for 40 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the bag and pat dry with a paper towel.
Sear the chicken skin in a hot skillet to crisp it up.

Using sous vide to reheat fried chicken takes a bit longer than other methods. However, it guarantees a tender, juicy, and evenly heated chicken.

Conclusion

Reheating fried chicken doesn’t have to be a daunting task anymore. By following the instructions and tips provided above, you can enjoy your leftover chicken with the same texture and flavor. Choosing the right reheating method depends on personal preferences, convenience, and the available equipment. Whether you use the oven, microwave, air fryer, toaster oven, grill, pan-fry, or sous vide, you can now enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without worrying about losing its original taste.