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How to Reheat Chicken for Best-Ever Leftovers

There’s nothing worse than heating up delicious leftovers from the night before, only to discover that the chicken is dry, the skin is like rubber or the breading is soft.

Thankfully, following this guide will make your leftover chicken tender and oh-so-flavorful.

How to Reheat Chicken in the Oven

Heating chicken up in the oven is a great method for bone-in or breaded chicken leftovers. After all, there’s nothing better than the crispy coating of fried chicken—and there’s no better way to. keep it crispy than to toss those leftovers in the oven. That’s right: Skip the microwave!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F

You want the oven to heat up fully before you attempt to reheat the chicken. Your food cooks faster in a preheated oven!

Step 2: Fit a wire rack over a baking sheet

Take your chicken out of the fridge; let it come to room temp. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet.

This setup allows the hot air in the oven to circulate all around the chicken (unlike when it’s on top of a foil-lined baking sheet). This will help create a super-crispy crust.

Step 3: Bake for 15 minutes

The internal temp of reheated chicken should still be 165°. You can check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer.

How to Reheat Chicken on the Stove

Reheating chicken on the stove is best for meat that has been removed from the bone, like a recipe with boneless, skinless chicken breast, or leftover rotisserie chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

For a boneless, skinless chicken breast, slice the meat into strips that are about an inch thick, and set aside. For a rotisserie chicken, pick the meat off the bone, and set it aside.

Step 2: Prep a skillet

Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Once the water starts to simmer, add the chicken in a single layer. Lower the heat and stir the chicken until it’s nice and hot. Use the leftover chicken to top a salad, make wraps or serve with pasta and vegetables for a simple meal.

How to Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer

Your air fryer is capable of making food that’s both crisp and healthy. That magical power makes this countertop appliance a secret weapon for reheating takeout fare—like chicken wings.

Step 1: Prep the chicken wings

First, let your chicken wings come to room temperature on the counter. Then, spray the wings with a light coating of nonstick spray. (The Taste of Home Test Kitchen uses PAM cooking spray.)

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F

Place your wings in a single layer in the basket. Set the timer to bake for four minutes.

Step 3: Turn up the heat to 400°F

Then, bake the wings for another five minutes.

How to Reheat Chicken in the Microwave

It is possible to reheat chicken in the microwave with mouth-watering results (here’s a microwaved Parmesan chicken recipe to prove it). But before you zap those leftovers, remember that this method is best for non-breaded chicken.

Step 1: Arrange the chicken on a plate

Place the chicken in a single layer on a large, microwave-safe plate. You want to have smaller pieces of chicken near the center of the plate and bigger pieces near the edge. This is the secret to properly using a microwave!

Step 2: Add oil and water

Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil and a teaspoon or two of water over the chicken. This will help keep the meat moist. (You can also use water and salsa or chicken broth for extra flavor.)

Step 3: Cover the chicken and reheat

Cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat for two minutes. If the chicken isn’t hot enough, flip it over and heat 30-second intervals.

Recipes to Make with Your Leftover Chicken
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Chicken Salad Croissants

This tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
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Baked Egg Rolls

These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup

Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup

Cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Golden Chicken Potpie

Golden Chicken Potpie

The golden crust and creamy sauce make this veggie-packed pie a surefire hit. Mild and comforting, the family favorite has convenient freezer instructions for a night when there's no time for prep. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chili Chicken Enchiladas

This meal's a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and a wonderful pick-me-up to take to friends who need a little help. —Alicia Johnson, Hillsboro, Oregon
Champion Chicken Puffs

Champion Chicken Puffs

My guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on Champion Chicken Puffs. These tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream-cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
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Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake

I've taken this hot dish to potlucks and it's received rave reviews. There's never a morsel left. Best of all, it's a simple, healthy and hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Chicken and Dumplings

Perfect for chilly winter nights, this main course is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
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Lemony Chicken Soup

While living in California, I enjoyed a delicious chicken-lemon soup at a local restaurant. When I returned to Texas, I experimented with many versions before landing on this one. —Brenda Tollett, San Antonio, Texas
Orange Chicken Spinach Salad

Orange Chicken Spinach Salad

For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
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Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup

We live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Zippy Chicken Enchiladas

Zippy Chicken Enchiladas

Leftover chicken gets an awesome makeover in this rich and creamy casserole. This colorful dish is loaded with flavor. It's a nice change of pace from beef enchiladas. —Julie Moutray, Wichita, Kansas
Mom's Paella

Mom's Paella

I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota
Broccoli & Chicken Cheese Strata

Broccoli & Chicken Cheese Strata

On our dairy farm, chores often delay dinner. That's when this strata comes in handy. I'll prepare it beforehand and pop it in the oven for a quick and easy meal.
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Chicken and Wild Rice Bake

This recipe is a great example of Midwest food! Its ingredients, including the wild rice, can all be found in Minnesota. The dish is good for larger groups since the cook doesn't need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. —Suzanne Greenslit, Merrifield, Minnesota
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Chicken Corn Fritters

I've always loved corn fritters, but they weren't satisfying as a main dish. I came up with this recipe and was thrilled when my husband and our three young boys gave it rave reviews. The chicken and zesty sauce make these a wonderful brunch or lunch entree. -Marie Greene, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
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Chicken Broccoli Shells

This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Pear Chicken Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Pear Chicken Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Classic pear salad gets an innovative makeover with chicken and maple vinaigrette. We like to serve it over crisp romaine for a refreshing experience. —Chrysa Duran, Cambridge, Minnesota
Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

A must for any Mexican meal at my house, try these enchiladas as a main dish or include them as part of a buffet. —Cheryl Pomrenke, Coffeyville, Kansas
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Classic Chicken Potpie

Our neighbors and a friend from back home are always after me to make "those yummy potpies". That's all the encouragement I need, since we really like 'em, too! —Ada May Smith, Citrus Springs, Florida.
Chicken and Chiles Casserole

Chicken and Chiles Casserole

This casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead if you have a busy day coming up. It makes good use of leftover meat and is very filling. —Lois Keel, Alburquerque, New Mexico
Turkey a La King

Turkey a La King

This is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan

This tasty chicken divan recipe was given to me by a friend years ago, and it's been a family favorite ever since. My daughters enjoy making this dish in their own homes and get the same enthusiastic compliments I always do! —Mary Pat Lucia, North East, Pennsylvania
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Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

A good friend made us this rich, comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
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Chicken Tortilla Bake

Mother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix.—Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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Chicken Biscuit Potpie

This hearty meal in one takes just 10 minutes to assemble before popping it in the oven. Plus, a chicken potpie with biscuits combines two of my family's favorite dishes, making this recipe a slam dunk. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
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Chicken Brunch Bake

Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa
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Ham 'n' Swiss Chicken

This saucy casserole allows you to enjoy all the rich, traditional flavor of Cordon Bleu with less effort. It's a snap to layer the ingredients and let them cook all afternoon. Just toss a salad to make this meal complete. —Dorothy Witmer Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Crescent Chicken Bundles

Crescent Chicken Bundles

When I was expecting our third child, this was one of the meals I put in the freezer ahead of time. We now have four kids and they all like these rich chicken pockets. I've also made them with ham or smoked turkey. —Jo Groth, Plainfield, Iowa
Turkey Puff Pancake

Turkey Puff Pancake

Your family or guests are sure to say 'Wow!' when you present them with this dish that rises so high and browns so beautifully. I sometimes add water chestnuts for crunch. —Patricia Millmann, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Chicken Burritos

Chicken Burritos

This mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
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Chicken Taco Quiche

I wanted to make a quiche but didn't want the usual flavors, so I used ingredients I had in my pantry and refrigerator to come up with this recipe. I was surprised at the great taste and how well the flavors came together. My neighbor asked for the recipe and had the same success! —Tamie Bradford, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Simple Chicken Enchiladas

Simple Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chilis to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Curried Chicken Corn Chowder

Curried Chicken Corn Chowder

This recipe is close to one my mom used to make for us kids when the weather turned cold. Hers called for heavy cream, but I came up with a slimmer version that I think is pretty true to the original! —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Cornbread Stuffing

At least 10 of us women made this old-fashioned dressing to feed over 1,500 people at our church's fall festival. Everyone thought it was wonderful. It's the best dressing I've ever made. —Patty Kierce, Weir, Texas
Easy Cheddar Chicken Potpie

Easy Cheddar Chicken Potpie

My kids love chicken potpie, and I really like that this is so quick and easy to put together with frozen veggies and store-bought gravy. To make it even simpler, my friend and I decided to top it with a biscuit crust instead of homemade pastry. It’s delicious! —Linda Drees, Palestine, Texas
Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad

Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad

This salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It’s easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks great. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
Gingered Spaghetti Salad

Gingered Spaghetti Salad

We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado
Slow-Cooked White Bean Chili

Slow-Cooked White Bean Chili

My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this delicious slow-cooked chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
Chicken Florentine Casserole

Chicken Florentine Casserole

Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Curried Chicken & Peach Salad

Curried Chicken & Peach Salad

This is a very healthy and simple salad to make; even my non-cooking husband can whip it together in minutes. We’ve served this to friends over the years, and they always ask for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake

Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake

This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
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Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-nice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa t
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Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms

Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Holiday Chicken & Sausage Wreath

Holiday Chicken & Sausage Wreath

Hearty enough to cut into larger slices as a main dish, this golden wreath brims with a delicious, ooey-gooey meat filling. You'll want to make this one year-round! —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Quick Chicken and Dumplings

Quick Chicken and Dumplings

Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
Chicken Enchilada Bake

Chicken Enchilada Bake

Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Curry Chicken and Rice

Curry Chicken and Rice

I updated this chicken and rice dish by adding veggies and cashews to give it fresh and crunchy appeal. The green chilies in the tomatoes give it just the right little kick, but if you really like spice, add fresh, diced jalapeño. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana
Cheesy Chicken and Leek Phyllo Pie

Cheesy Chicken and Leek Phyllo Pie

In our house, chicken potpie is a year-round staple. For a springtime feel, we use leeks and mushrooms and a lighter phyllo dough crust. If you don't have gruyere, try Parmesan. —Andrea Stewart, Toronto, Ontario
Chicken, Asparagus & Corn Chowder

Chicken, Asparagus & Corn Chowder

Chicken and asparagus make a light, comforting soup that’s easy to do with common ingredients. If we have rotisserie chicken, it goes into this soup. —Jennifer Vo, Irvine, California
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Sesame Chicken Veggie Wraps

I'm always on the lookout for fast, nutritious recipes that will appeal to my three little kids. They happen to love edamame, so this is a smart choice for those on-the-go days. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce

Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce

Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones

Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones

When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Garlicky Chicken Pizza

Garlicky Chicken Pizza

Tomatoes, olives and goat cheese really brighten up this white pizza. I like to cook extra chicken for this recipe while making another meal. Just make sure the tomatoes are well drained to keep the crust nice and crispy. —Teri Otte, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Simple Sesame Chicken with Couscous

Simple Sesame Chicken with Couscous

I created this dish after my three kids tried Chinese takeout and asked for more. To make things easy for myself, I typically use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Ring

Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Ring

A classic cordon bleu has chicken, cheese and ham. To change it up, roll everything inside crescent dough for a hand-held meal. —Stella Culotta, Pasadena, Maryland

The post How to Reheat Chicken for Best-Ever Leftovers appeared first on Taste of Home.



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