HOW TO REHEAT FRIED CHICKEN
How to reheat fried chicken
Freshly-caught fried chicken can be a religious experience, but is eating it wasted? Not really. We’ve all had the experience of biting into a hot grill only to find the meat completely dry. Or, in the opposite case, we settle for a hot exterior because of the fear of dryness inside. Is hot fried chicken always a deal? We are here to tell you that it is not legal! Read on to see how to reheat fried chicken hot and tender and soft. The best recipes to warm up and enjoy all week long
Is it okay to reheat fried chicken?
It should be! Reheating fried chicken is safe as long as it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Celsius when prepared. Also, if it has not been left at room temperature or in the “danger zone” (40ºF to 140°F) for more than two hours, it is perfectly acceptable to recycle it. In fact, as long as the first two conditions are met, fried chicken can be eaten cold.
Leftover fried chicken will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for about four months.
How to keep reheated fried chicken crispy
There are many different ways to reheat fried chicken, but before we dive in, here are three key tips to help you reheat no matter what.
- Unless you are reheating frozen chicken, bring the chicken to room temperature, which will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the pieces. This will ensure that everything cooks well, inside and out. This will also help prevent the pieces from dying, because it will reduce the time the chicken needs to heat up.
- Don’t overcrowd your own pot. Make sure you distribute the parts properly and avoid any overlap. This will help each pieces crisp properly.
- Remember that different sized pieces will heat up at different speeds. To prevent the pieces from drying out or not heating properly, cook small pieces for a short time and large pieces for a long time.
Be sure to follow these three points before starting any of the methods described below.
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How to reheat fried chicken in the oven
The best way to make oven-roasted chicken is to turn the oven on high and bake it quickly.
Preheat the oven to 400°C and place the remaining ingredients at room temperature on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The heater allows hot air to circulate to heat the bottom of the chicken. If you don’t have a baking sheet, a baking sheet lined with foil will work. Bake until the inside is hot (about 120 °C) and the outside is crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes. The correct bake time will depend on each size. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before digging in.
How to reheat fried chicken in the stovetop
The best way to reheat fried chicken on the stovetop is to fry it again.
Fill a heavy frying pan or skillet with about two inches of neutral oil, such as canola. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 300°F. Carefully place the chicken pieces at room temperature into the oil. Make sure not to overfill the pot, as this will lower the temperature of the oil. Cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place the chicken on a rack and let it cool for about five minutes before serving.
How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer
An air fryer is also a great option for making fried chicken. Unlike the stovetop method, the air fryer does not require additional oil.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place a single layer of fried chicken in the basket. Work in batches and avoid stacking pieces on top of each other, as this will prevent the skin from peeling. Air fry the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.
How to reheat fried chicken in a toaster oven
If you only have a small amount of fried chicken and it seems difficult to turn on the oven, the oven will work too.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cover the oven tray with foil. Cook the remainder at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are crisp.
How to reheat Fried Chicken in the Microwave
We recommend avoiding the microwave if possible. The microwave reheats the food incorrectly and causes water to form on the surface. In the case of fried chicken, it is almost impossible to restore crispness. However, we fully understand if a microwave is your only or best option.
For best results, place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate and place the fried chicken on top. Microwave every 30 seconds, turning each time until chicken is heated through. A paper towel will help absorb some of the water that rises to the surface.
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How to reheat fried chicken from frozen
First, microwave the chicken on a baking sheet until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 3 to 6 minutes. This allows the chicken to heat up and cook as quickly and safely as possible. Then, roast the chicken in a preheated 400 F oven until the outside is crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes.
The second method skips the microwave using only the oven. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Place the leftovers on a sheet of parchment paper and cover with another foil. This will help the chicken to digest properly and prevent the skin from burning. Bake until each piece is completely cooked, about 35 minutes to an hour. A small piece like a feather will take less time, while a larger piece like a breast bone can take up to an hour. Once you are ready, remove the foil and return the chicken to the oven for a few more minutes until the desired level of crispness.
Conclusion
Although there is no taste to eat fresh fried chicken, you can enjoy the leftovers which are delicious and hot. Just be sure to bring the chicken pieces indoors before reheating (unless you’re remaking them immediately after freezing), avoid overcooking the chicken, and adjust the cooking time based on each individual size.
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