Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. You grab one of those amazing $4.99 rotisserie chickens from Costco (or maybe two!), enjoy some for dinner, and then face the dilemma of what to do with the leftovers. The struggle is REAL when it comes to reheating that chicken without turning it into a dry, sad version of its former juicy self.
I’ve experimented with pretty much every reheating method possible over the years, and I’m excited to share what actually works to bring your Costco chicken back to life. No more disappointing leftovers!
Why Costco Rotisserie Chicken is Worth Reheating Properly
Before we dive into the reheating methods, let’s be honest about why we care so much. Costco rotisserie chickens are:
- Incredibly affordable at just $4.99
- Pre-seasoned and ready to eat
- Bigger than most grocery store options
- Juicy and flavorful when fresh
But when reheated incorrectly? They become dry, tough, and nothing like the chicken you originally purchased. The good news is that with the right technique, you can enjoy that delicious chicken for days!
How Long Does Rotisserie Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Before we talk reheating, let’s talk food safety. According to the USDA, cooked chicken (including rotisserie) stays good in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored at 40°F or below
Pro tip: Store your chicken at the back of the fridge, not in the door, as this is the coldest area and will keep it fresher longer.
If you won’t use it within that timeframe, consider removing the meat from the bones and freezing it for later use. I’ve done this many times and it’s a great way to have ready-to-use chicken for soups, salads, and casseroles!
The Oven Method: My #1 Recommendation
If you want results that most closely resemble a fresh rotisserie chicken, the oven method is hands-down the winner. Yes, it takes a bit more time, but trust me – it’s worth it!
What you’ll need:
- Your leftover Costco rotisserie chicken
- An oven-safe baking dish (9×13 works great)
- Aluminum foil
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
- Kitchen tongs or oven mitts
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle.
- Transfer the chicken from its plastic container to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Pour 1 cup of chicken broth, stock, or water into the bottom of the dish. This is the SECRET to keeping the chicken moist!
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam inside.
- Heat the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes. (A large Costco chicken might need closer to 30 minutes)
- For crispy skin (optional): Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
The chicken will come out juicy inside with a nicely crisped exterior – almost as good as when you first bought it!
The Microwave Method: When You’re in a Hurry
I get it – sometimes you just don’t have 30 minutes to wait for dinner. The microwave method is quick and convenient, though it won’t give you that same crispy skin.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover rotisserie chicken
- Microwave-safe plate or dish
- Damp paper towel
- Microwave-safe cover or inverted bowl (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Place your chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate. (I recommend removing the meat from the bone first, but if you’re in a super rush, you can microwave a whole chicken).
- Add about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
- Optionally, cover with a microwave-safe lid or inverted bowl to prevent splattering.
- Heat on medium-high power (70%) for about 2-3 minutes per pound of chicken.
- Halfway through, rotate or rearrange the chicken for even heating.
- Check the temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. If not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.
- Let it rest for a minute before serving.
While this method won’t give you crispy skin, it’s the fastest way to get hot chicken on your plate when hunger strikes!
The Stovetop Method: Great for Chicken Pieces
This method works best for chicken that’s already been removed from the bone or cut into smaller pieces.
What you’ll need:
- Deboned rotisserie chicken pieces
- Non-stick pan or skillet
- Oil or cooking spray
- Small amount of broth or water
Step-by-step instructions:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken pieces in the pan.
- After about a minute, add a splash of water or broth to create steam and add moisture.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve immediately.
This method is great when you’re reheating chicken to add to another dish like pasta, tacos, or a stir-fry!
Air Fryer Method: For Crispy Skin Lovers
I’ve found that the air fryer isn’t ideal for reheating a whole rotisserie chicken, but it works AMAZING for pieces when you want that crispy skin back!
What you’ll need:
- Rotisserie chicken pieces
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Remove and enjoy immediately.
While this method is quick, it can dry out the chicken if left too long, so keep a close eye on it!
My Personal Preference and Tips
After trying all these methods countless times, I definitely prefer the oven method for whole chickens and the air fryer for smaller pieces when I want crispy skin. The microwave is my go-to when I’m just too hungry to wait!
Here are some additional tips I’ve learned through trial and error:
- Always add moisture – Whether it’s broth, water, or even a bit of butter, moisture is key to preventing dry chicken.
- Don’t overcook – Reheating doesn’t mean cooking again. You just want to bring it to a safe temperature (165°F).
- Reheat in small batches – If you’re not reheating the whole chicken, just heat what you need to avoid repeatedly reheating the same pieces.
- Save the bones! After you’ve enjoyed all the meat, don’t throw away the carcass – make homemade chicken stock! Just simmer the bones with some veggies and herbs for a few hours. It’s magical.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Sometimes the best way to enjoy leftover rotisserie chicken is to transform it into something new! Here are some of my fave quick meals using leftover Costco chicken:
- Chicken salad sandwiches – Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, and grapes for a quick lunch
- Chicken soup – Add shredded chicken to broth with veggies and noodles
- Chicken tacos or fajitas – Season with taco seasoning and warm up for a quick Mexican meal
- Chicken alfredo pasta – Add to pasta with jarred alfredo sauce for a quick dinner
- Chicken fried rice – Mix with leftover rice, veggies, soy sauce, and an egg
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to reheat rotisserie chicken more than once?
It’s best to only reheat what you’ll eat in one sitting. Repeatedly reheating food increases the risk of foodborne illness and degrades quality.
Can I reheat rotisserie chicken in its original container?
Most Costco rotisserie chicken containers are made from food-grade #5 plastic, which is generally considered microwave-safe. However, I personally prefer transferring to a dish to be on the safe side, especially for oven reheating.
Why does my chicken dry out when reheated in the microwave?
Microwaves heat food unevenly and can cause moisture to evaporate quickly. Using a damp paper towel and adding water to the dish helps prevent this. Also, don’t microwave for too long!
How do I know when my reheated chicken is safe to eat?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the meat is steaming hot all the way through.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – multiple ways to reheat your Costco rotisserie chicken without turning it into a dry, disappointing mess! The oven method with added liquid and foil cover is my top recommendation for whole chickens, while the microwave works in a pinch when you’re short on time.
What’s your favorite way to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas!
Until next time, happy reheating!
