How to Reheat General Tso’s Chicken in the Oven: Crispy Leftovers Every Time!

Let’s face it – General Tso chicken is one of those dishes that’s almost impossible not to over-order. That perfect balance of crispy, sweet and spicy goodness is just too tempting! But what happens when you can’t finish it all? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to reheating those delicious leftovers.

As someone who regularly orders too much Chinese food (no regrets!) I’ve perfected the art of bringing General Tso chicken back to life. The oven method is hands-down my favorite way to restore that wonderful crispy texture while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Why Choose the Oven for Reheating General Tso Chicken?

While there are several methods to reheat General Tso chicken (microwave air fryer stovetop), the oven stands out as one of the best options. Here’s why

• Maintains the crispy texture of the chicken coating
• Provides even heating throughout
• Prevents the chicken from becoming soggy
• Helps the sauce thicken back to perfect consistency
• Makes leftovers taste nearly as good as when fresh

The microwave might seem quicker, but it often leaves General Tso chicken soggy and flavorless. Trust me, those extra few minutes using the oven are totally worth it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating General Tso Chicken in the Oven

What You’ll Need:

• Your leftover General Tso chicken
• Baking dish or baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil
• Oven

The Process:

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and give it some time to fully warm up. This moderate temperature is perfect – hot enough to crisp things up without drying out or burning the chicken.

2. Prepare Your Baking Dish
   Lightly grease a baking dish or baking sheet with cooking spray or a tiny bit of oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking as it reheats.

3. Arrange the Chicken Properly
   Place your General Tso chicken pieces in a single layer on the baking dish, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for even heating and helps restore crispiness all around. If the sauce is separate, keep it aside for now.

4. Cover with Foil
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Don’t seal it completely tight – you want to create more of a tent over the chicken. This traps enough heat and moisture while still allowing some air circulation.

5. Reheat the Chicken
   Place the covered dish in the middle of your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. The exact time depends on how much chicken you’re reheating.

6. Remove Foil for Crisping
   After 15 minutes, check if the chicken is heated through. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes. This final uncovered heating is crucial for getting that crispy exterior back!

7. Heat the Sauce Separately
   While the chicken is in its final crisping stage, reheat any sauce separately in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds, stirring halfway through.

8. Combine and Serve
   Once everything is hot, toss the crispy chicken with the heated sauce and serve immediately. Don’t let it sit too long after reheating, as the crispy texture will start to soften.

Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Reheated General Tso Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks through my many attempts at reheating this popular dish:

• Store Smart: If possible, store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy before you even reheat it.

• Don’t Leave the Foil On: Be sure to remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating. If you leave it on too long, the moisture will make the chicken soggy.

• Watch Your Time: Don’t reheat for longer than necessary. About 15-20 minutes covered plus 5 minutes uncovered is usually perfect. Overcooking will dry out the chicken.

• Give It Space: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish. If you have a lot of chicken to reheat, use multiple dishes or do it in batches.

• Oil Sparingly: A very light coating of oil can help restore crispiness, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with greasy chicken.

• Check Temperature: For food safety, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Use a meat thermometer if you have one, especially for larger pieces.

What If My Chicken and Sauce Are Already Mixed?

No worries! If your General Tso chicken is already combined with the sauce, you can still reheat it in the oven. Here’s what to do:

1. Follow the same process of preheating your oven to 350°F.
2. Place the mixed chicken and sauce in a baking dish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes.

The results might not be quite as crispy as with separated components, but it’ll still be delicious and properly heated!

Alternative Methods for Reheating General Tso Chicken

While the oven is my preferred method, there are other ways to reheat this dish:

Air Fryer Method

The air fryer is excellent for restoring crispiness and takes less time than the oven:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C)
2. Line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking
3. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer
4. Reheat for 4 minutes, then flip pieces
5. Reheat for another 4 minutes
6. Heat sauce separately in microwave for 30 seconds
7. Combine and serve

Stovetop Method

Quick and effective in under 5 minutes:

1. Spray a pan or skillet with cooking spray or add a teaspoon of oil
2. Heat over medium flame
3. Add the General Tso chicken
4. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until evenly heated
5. Serve immediately

Microwave Method (When You’re Really in a Hurry)

Not ideal for texture but works in a pinch:

1. Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish
2. Cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap (with a few small holes)
3. Heat for 30 seconds at 50% power
4. Stir and check temperature
5. Continue heating in 10-15 second intervals until hot throughout

Remember that microwaving will make the chicken softer and less crispy, but the flavors will still be there!

Is It Safe to Reheat General Tso Chicken?

Absolutely! General Tso chicken is safe to reheat as long as:

• It’s been stored properly in the refrigerator
• It hasn’t been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• It’s been in the fridge for no more than 3-4 days
• It’s reheated until piping hot throughout (165°F)

For best quality and safety, I recommend enjoying your leftovers within 2-3 days of the original meal.

Bonus Idea: Make a Complete Meal

Want to turn your leftover General Tso chicken into a brand new meal? Try this quick stir-fry method:

1. Heat a wok or large pan with a teaspoon of oil
2. Stir-fry fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for 5-7 minutes
3. Halfway through cooking the vegetables, add your General Tso chicken
4. The chicken will reheat while the vegetables cook
5. Serve over fresh rice for a complete, revitalized meal!

Wrapping It Up

Reheating General Tso chicken in the oven is definitely the way to go if you want those leftovers to taste almost as good as when they were fresh. The extra few minutes it takes compared to microwaving makes a world of difference in texture and flavor.

I hope these tips help you enjoy your General Tso chicken the second time around! There’s no need to let those delicious leftovers go to waste when they can be just as satisfying reheated properly.

Happy reheating!

To reheat General Tso’s chicken in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 10-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

To reheat Chinese food in the oven and maintain its texture, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or 400°F (200°C) for crispy items. Spread food evenly on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, adding a tablespoon or two of water for rice dishes or a small amount of broth/sauce for other items to prevent drying. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and cook until heated through, typically 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.

To reheat chicken without drying it out in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish, add a shallow layer of chicken stock or water, and cover tightly with foil to create steam.

You can repurpose leftover General Tso’s chicken by turning it into chicken quesadillas, wraps, or even a stir-fry with added vegetables.