Introduction
Fried chicken is always a favorite – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. And while it’s best served fresh out of the fryer, reheating is often inevitable when leftovers (if there are any!) are calling your name. The challenge, of course, is how to reheat fried chicken without ending up with a dry, bland, or soggy mess. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll share with you five easy methods for reheating fried chicken and keeping it crispy.
5 Easy Ways to Reheat Fried Chicken and Keep It Crispy
Method 1: Reheat in the oven
Reheating fried chicken in the oven is one of the most popular methods, as it allows you to easily reheat large quantities of chicken at once. Here’s how to do it:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F.
– Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
– Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This helps to promote even heating and keeps the chicken from getting soggy on the bottom.
– Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through.
– Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips: An easy way to prevent the chicken from sticking to the wire rack is to lightly coat the rack with nonstick cooking spray. You can also brush the chicken with a light coating of oil or melted butter before reheating to help it retain moisture.
Method 2: Reheat on the stovetop
If you’re short on time or want to avoid turning on the oven, reheating on the stovetop is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
– Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil.
– Once heated, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until heated through.
– Remove from the skillet and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips: Be sure to use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent hot spots that can overcook or burn the chicken. If the skillet is too small, divide the chicken into batches rather than crowding the pan.
Method 3: Reheat in the microwave
While not the best option for keeping the chicken crispy, microwaving is a convenient and quick way to reheat fried chicken. Here’s how to do it:
– Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help prevent the chicken from drying out.
– Heat the chicken on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
– Remove from the microwave and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips: To help keep the chicken from getting too dry or rubbery, avoid overheating in the microwave. It’s better to heat it in 30-second increments until it’s warm rather than cooking it all at once.
Method 4: Reheat in an air fryer
Air fryers are known for their ability to add a crispy texture to fried foods, which makes this method ideal for those who want to keep their chicken crispy. Here’s how to do it:
– Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
– Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
– Cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
– Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips: Get creative with your chicken by giving it a quick spritz of oil or seasoning(s) before air frying. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
Method 5: Reheat in a toaster oven
Like an air fryer, a toaster oven can also help add a crispy texture to fried chicken while keeping it juicy. Here’s how to do it:
– Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F.
– Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This helps to promote even heating and keeps the chicken from getting soggy on the bottom.
– Cook for 6-8 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
– Remove from the toaster oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips: Consider adding panko or breadcrumb coatings to your chicken before reheating in the toaster oven to enhance the crispiness. Avoid using aluminum foil to cover the skillet or the food, as it may cause the chicken to dry out.
The Best Methods for Reheating Fried Chicken: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to reheating fried chicken, there are several factors to consider, such as moisture content and coating thickness. Each of the methods listed above has its own unique pros and cons. Here’s a more detailed comparison:
– Oven: This method is great for larger batches of chicken and allows the chicken to retain its crispy texture. However, it does require a bit more time and equipment.
– Stovetop: This method is ideal for those who are short on time, as the chicken can be heated up quickly on the stovetop. The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to keep the chicken crispy.
– Microwave: This method is quick and easy but often results in the chicken becoming dry and rubbery.
– Air fryer: This method is great for keeping the chicken crispy and juicy. However, it requires an air fryer and may not be as effective in reheating larger quantities.
– Toaster oven: This method is great for smaller batches of chicken and provides a crispy texture. However, it may not be as effective in reheating larger quantities.
Ultimately, the best method for reheating fried chicken will depend on your own preferences, as well as the amount of time and equipment available to you.
From Oven to Air Fryer: Top Techniques for Reheating Fried Chicken
While all of the methods discussed above have their unique advantages, the oven and air fryer methods are among the most popular. Here are some detailed instructions for reheating with these techniques:
Oven Method:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F.
– If necessary, lightly brush the chicken with a light coating of oil or butter.
– Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven.
– Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The oven is an excellent choice for those who want to retain the crispy texture of the chicken throughout the reheating process. However, make sure that you use a wire rack to ensure even heating and to avoid moisture buildup on the bottom.
Air Fryer Method:
– Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
– Lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray or oil and seasonings of your choice.
– Place chicken in a single layer in the basket.
– Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
Using the air fryer will produce an even crispier texture than the oven, but may not be as effective in reheating larger quantities, as food has to be cooked in batches.
Reviving Day-Old Fried Chicken: 5 Simple Ways to Make It Taste Like New
In some cases, you may need to reheat chicken that has been refrigerated or even frozen. Here are some ways to enhance the flavor of day-old fried chicken:
1. Add seasoning: Try adding your own seasoning blend, like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper, to give the chicken a strong flavor boost.
2. Re-crisp the coating: Before reheating, try recoating the chicken with panko breadcrumbs or even crumbled crackers to give it a crispy, crunchy texture.
3. Experiment with sauces: Pair your heated chicken with a flavorful dipping sauce like barbeque, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.
4. Make it a salad: Try shredding the chicken and tossing it with a variety of greens like spinach, kale, or arugula for an easy salad.
5. Use it in a recipe: Repurpose your fried chicken by using it in sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.
How to Reheat Fried Chicken without Drying It Out: Expert Tips and Tricks
Reheating fried chicken can be tricky. If done improperly, it can lead to dry, tough chicken. Here are some tips to help you reheat fried chicken without drying it out:
– Avoid direct heat: Heat your chicken with indirect heat or use a wire rack to keep it away from the heat source and prevent burning.
– Add moisture: Lightly coat the chicken with oil or add butter while heating to help keep the chicken moist.
– Use a thermometer: Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and to ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through.
– Reheat chicken by batches: Consider reheating the chicken by batches to preserve the crispy texture of the chicken
Conclusion
Reheating fried chicken is something many of us do, but it can be challenging to keep the chicken crispy and delicious. The methods listed above offer a range of options from oven to air fryer to skillet, but reheating the fried chicken is not the only way! Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will help you to easily reheat fried chicken and figure out which method works best for your preferred crispy texture or chicken serving size. Experiment with spices, sauces, and serving options and enjoy the chicken in salads, sandwiches, or tacos.