How to Warm Up a KFC Chicken Pot Pie: 4 Foolproof Methods That Keep It Delicious

Have you ever found yourself with leftover KFC pot pie and wondered how to get it tasting fresh again? I’ve been there too! There’s nothing worse than a soggy crust or dried-out filling when all you wanted was that same delicious comfort food experience you had the first time around.

The good news is that warming up your KFC chicken pot pie doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite methods that’ll have your leftover pot pie tasting almost as good as when you first got it from KFC.

Why Proper Reheating Matters

Before diving into the methods, let’s talk about why proper reheating is so crucial for KFC pot pies. These delicious treats have two main components that need different treatment:

• The flaky, buttery crust that should stay crispy
• The creamy, savory chicken filling that needs to be heated thoroughly

Using the wrong reheating method can result in a soggy mess or dried-out filling that ruins the entire experience. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!

Method 1: Oven Reheating (The Gold Standard)

The oven is hands-down the best way to reheat your KFC pot pie It ensures even heating and helps maintain that crispy crust we all love

What You’ll Need:

• Oven
• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
• Aluminum foil
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Fork or toothpick

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Let your pot pie sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes if it’s been in the fridge.
3. Place the pot pie on a baking sheet (you can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
4. Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
5. Use a fork or toothpick to poke a few small holes in the crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling reaches 165°F internal temperature.
7. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the top crust.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying!

Pro Tip: If you’re reheating a frozen KFC pot pie, increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the crust isn’t burning.

Method 2: Air Fryer Reheating (Quick & Crispy)

If you’re in a bit more of a hurry but still want that crispy crust the air fryer is your friend! This method is fantastic for getting that perfect texture in less time.

What You’ll Need:

• Air fryer
• Cooking spray (optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the filling is hot and the crust is crispy.
4. Check halfway through and adjust the time as needed.

Pro Tip: Give the top of the pot pie a light spritz with cooking spray for extra crispiness. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt or garlic powder on top for added flavor!

The only drawback to this method is that some air fryer baskets might be too small for a whole KFC pot pie, so you may need to reheat it in portions.

Method 3: Microwave Reheating (The Quick Fix)

When you’re super hungry and just can’t wait, the microwave method works in a pinch. It won’t give you the same crispy crust, but it’ll get the job done fast.

What You’ll Need:

• Microwave
• Microwave-safe plate
• Damp paper towel

Steps:

1. Place the pot pie on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
4. Halfway through, pause and rotate the pot pie 180 degrees for even heating.
5. Check if the filling is hot; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

Pro Tip: Start with a lower reheating time and increase in small increments to avoid overheating, which can make the crust soggy.

Method 4: Stovetop Reheating (The Low-Maintenance Option)

The stovetop method is great if you don’t have access to an oven or microwave.

What You’ll Need:

• Saucepan with lid
• Water
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil

Steps:

1. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place your KFC pot pie in the pan, making sure it’s not touching the water.
3. Place parchment paper or aluminum foil between the pot pie and the pan to prevent sogginess.
4. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the filling is hot and the crust is crispy.

This method takes a bit more patience but creates a steamy environment that heats the filling nicely while keeping the crust from getting too soggy.

Storage Tips for Your KFC Pot Pie

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about proper storage, which is just as important as the reheating process:

• Refrigeration: Store your leftover KFC pot pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It should be good for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you need to store it longer, wrap the pot pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can last up to 2-3 months frozen.
• Room Temperature: Never leave your pot pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Which Method Should You Choose?

To help you decide which reheating method is best for your situation, here’s a quick comparison:

Final Thoughts

I’ve reheated my fair share of KFC pot pies over the years, and I gotta say, the oven method is almost always worth the extra time. There’s just something about that perfectly crispy crust combined with the piping hot filling that makes it taste almost as good as fresh!

But hey, we’re all busy sometimes, and any of these methods will work depending on what equipment you have available and how much time you can spare. The important thing is to monitor your pot pie as it reheats to make sure it reaches a safe temperature without drying out or becoming soggy.

Now go enjoy that delicious KFC pot pie – reheated to perfection!

FAQs About Reheating KFC Pot Pies

Can I reheat a KFC pot pie more than once?
While technically possible, I don’t recommend it. Each reheating cycle degrades the quality and texture. It’s better to reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

How do I know when my pot pie is thoroughly reheated?
The filling should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a food thermometer, make sure the filling is steaming hot throughout.

My pot pie crust got soggy. How can I fix it?
If your crust turned out soggy, you can try placing it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp it up. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Can I reheat a frozen KFC pot pie without thawing it first?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time significantly. For the oven method, you might need 40-45 minutes instead of 15-20.

What sides go well with reheated KFC pot pie?
A simple side salad or some fresh vegetables make great accompaniments to balance out the richness of the pot pie. Some people also enjoy having mashed potatoes on the side!

Now you’re all set to enjoy your KFC pot pie leftovers just as much as when they were fresh. Happy reheating!