Ever grabbed a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store only to find yourself wondering later, “how do I reheat a rotisserie chicken without turning it into a dry, sad shadow of its former delicious self?” Well, you’re not alone!
As someone who practically lives on these convenient pre-cooked birds (seriously, my local grocery store cashiers know me by name), I’ve perfected the art of bringing that juicy, flavorful chicken back to life. Whether you’ve got leftovers from last night’s dinner or you’re meal prepping for the week ahead, I’m gonna share all my tried-and-true methods to reheat rotisserie chicken while keeping it moist and tasty.
Why Rotisserie Chicken is a Kitchen Superstar
Before we dive into reheating methods, let’s take a second to appreciate the humble rotisserie chicken. These babies are:
- Ready-to-eat time-savers
- Budget-friendly protein options
- Incredibly versatile (tacos, salads, soups, sandwiches—you name it!)
- Often healthier than many fast food alternatives
Now, let’s get to the main event—reheating that bird properly!
Method 1: Reheating Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven (The Gold Standard)
The oven is hands-down my favorite way to reheat a whole rotisserie chicken. It takes a bit longer than other methods, but the results are worth the wait.
What You’ll Need:
- Oven-safe dish with lid (or aluminum foil)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (optional but recommended)
- Instant-read meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Take the rotisserie chicken out of its packaging and place it in an oven-safe dish.
- Pour about a cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the dish (this is my secret weapon against dryness!).
- Cover the dish with its lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
- Roast the chicken for approximately 25 minutes.
- For crispy skin (because who doesn’t love crispy skin?), remove the cover and continue roasting for another 5 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and enjoy your rejuvenated chicken!
Pro tip: If your chicken has been in the fridge, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before reheating. This brings it to room temperature and helps it heat more evenly.
Method 2: Microwave Method (The Quick Fix)
When I’m hangry and need food ASAP, the microwave comes to the rescue. It’s not gonna give you crispy skin, but it’ll get hot food on your plate in minutes.
What You’ll Need:
- Microwave-safe plate
- Damp paper towel
- Knife for cutting (if using pieces)
Steps:
- Remove the chicken from packaging.
- If you’re reheating a whole chicken, consider cutting it into smaller pieces first—this speeds up the process considerably.
- Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in (trust me, don’t skip this step!).
- Set your microwave to medium power (about 70%).
- Heat for 1½ minutes for pieces or 2-5 minutes for larger portions.
- Check to see if it’s heated through. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals.
Pro tip: Adding a tablespoon of chicken broth to the plate before microwaving helps maintain moisture even better!
Method 3: Air Fryer Method (For Crispy Skin Lovers)
Got an air fryer? You’re in luck! This method gives you that amazing crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. (If it’s a whole chicken, make sure it fits without touching the heating element.)
- Heat for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove and serve immediately for maximum crispiness!
Method 4: Stovetop Sautéing (Great for Shredded Chicken)
This method works best for chicken that’s already been taken off the bone and shredded or cut into pieces.
What You’ll Need:
- Skillet
- 1-3 teaspoons oil or a non-stick spray
- Spatula for stirring
Steps:
- Heat 1-3 teaspoons of oil (I usually use vegetable or olive) in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add your chicken pieces to the pan. Make sure they’re in small enough pieces (1-2 inches) to heat evenly.
- Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is steaming hot.
- Some edges might get crispy, which adds a nice texture!
Pro tip: This method is perfect for chicken you plan to use in tacos, quesadillas, or pasta dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Rotisserie Chicken
How long can I keep rotisserie chicken in the fridge?
You can safely store rotisserie chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, either freeze it or toss it.
Can I freeze rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! I do this all the time. Remove the meat from the bones, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep for up to 4 months. Just remember to label it with the date!
Is it safe to reheat rotisserie chicken more than once?
While technically safe if done properly (heating to 165°F each time), the quality decreases with each reheating. I recommend only reheating what you plan to eat right away.
Can I put a warm rotisserie chicken directly in the refrigerator?
It’s better to let it cool down first. Dividing it into smaller portions helps it cool faster. Putting hot food directly in the fridge can raise the temperature inside, putting other foods at risk.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken without drying it out?
Adding moisture (like broth) and covering the chicken during reheating are your best bets for keeping it juicy.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Don’t just reheat and eat plain! Here are some of my fave ways to transform leftover rotisserie chicken:
- Chicken Soup: Simmer the carcass with veggies for an amazing homemade broth, then add shredded chicken back in.
- Chicken Salad: Mix with mayo, grapes, nuts, and celery for a classic chicken salad.
- Tacos or Quesadillas: Season the reheated chicken with taco seasoning for a quick Mexican meal.
- Chicken Pot Pie: Use as filling for a comforting pot pie.
- Pasta Dishes: Toss with your favorite pasta, sauce, and veggies.
- Rice Bowls: Add to rice with veggies and your favorite sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Mix with cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce for game day!
Tips for Buying Rotisserie Chicken
Since we’re talking about reheating these convenience foods, here are some quick tips for selecting the best rotisserie chicken in the first place:
- Look for chickens that are fresh out of the rotisserie when possible
- Choose ones that look plump and juicy, not shriveled
- Check the time stamp to get the freshest option
- Consider buying late in the day when some stores discount them
The Bottom Line
Reheating rotisserie chicken doesn’t have to result in dry, flavorless meat! Whether you choose the oven method for whole chickens, the microwave for a quick fix, the air fryer for crispy skin, or the stovetop for shredded meat, following these simple techniques will ensure your leftover chicken is almost as good as when it was fresh off the rotisserie.
Remember the key principles: add moisture, don’t overheat, and for the love of chicken, cover it up during reheating (except when you’re crisping up that skin at the end!).
Until next time, happy reheating!
P.S. Don’t forget to save the bones to make homemade chicken stock! Just simmer them with some carrots, celery, onion, and herbs for about 4 hours. It’s practically free and tastes way better than the store-bought stuff!
