How to Keep Chicken Juicy When Reheating

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Things You'll Need

  • Baking sheet

  • Foil

Reheat chicken in individual portions.

Previously cooked chicken needs to be reheated if leftover food is being served or if it was prepared ahead of time for a planned meal. One method of heating precooked chicken is called "flash" cooking, where the short heating time helps preserve the moisture in the meat. Flash cooking only takes a few minutes and helps cooks prepare part of a meal ahead of time without having to worry about some of the food being cold.

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Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will quickly warm the chicken without cooking it further and drying it out.

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Step 2

Slice or separate the chicken so it is in smaller pieces or in individual sections. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. By making the chicken smaller, even the center of the meat will heat, making it safer to eat.

Step 3

Heat the chicken in the oven for two to 10 minutes. The length of time will depend on the size and quantity of the chicken. Most chicken will heat in under five minutes.

Step 4

Remove the chicken when it is thoroughly heated and serve.

Tip

Add a broth or gravy to the chicken while it is being heated to add moisture.

Warning

Even cooked chicken can carry harmful bacteria if it wasn't handled properly or cooked thoroughly the first time. By cooking smaller pieces, it will heat through to the center and eliminate bacteria. The core temperature of meat, whether it's cooked or reheated, should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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