You can reheat your rotisserie chicken without drying it out with one of the methods -pick the one based on how much time you have!
Whether you’re in a hurry and will microwave it or have a bit more time and let the oven do the work, below I share all the tips to keep the juices in!
Table of contents
How Long Does Rotisserie Chicken Last in the Fridge
According to the USDA, Rotisserie chicken, just like any cooked chicken in the fridge, can stay in the refrigerator at (40F or less) for 3 to 4 days.
The best place to keep it is at the top and back of the fridge since that’s the furthest away from the door and the coldest place.
While sometimes we score a couple of these rotisserie chickens at Costco, Sam’s, or our local grocery and we feel like we just won the lottery, if you don’t think you’ll be using it within a couple of days, consider removing the meat and freezing the cooked chicken for later.
There are many ways to use up the meat from a rotisserie chicken, from Rotisserie Chicken Fajita Bowls to Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup, or cut it in pieces and build an epic chicken dinner!
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven
The reheating method that yields the juiciest chicken meat is the oven, and it’s worth the 25 to 30 minutes needed, which is great for making some sides to serve with it.
How Long to Reheat Chicken at 350
At 350F, an average 5 to 6-pound chicken will take approximately 25 minutes to heat through. When I reheat a Costco chicken in the oven, which is usually larger than the ones from the grocery, it can take up to 30 minutes.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Microwave
There are many nights when I’m in a hurry to get dinner on the table and I use the microwave to reheat the rotisserie chicken.
While everyone on the internet advises to remove the meat from the bones first, when you’re in a hurry and you have cold chicken, this process will take twice as long -and it’s super frustrating- and the reality is that most of us just want to reheat the whole chicken, right?
To reheat the whole rotisserie chicken in the microwave, you can transfer it into a microwave-safe dish –unless the plastic tray is microwave-safe (more below), add ½ cup of water or broth to the bottom of the dish and the gelatin from the chicken, cover the chicken with a wet/damp paper towel, and microwave it for 2 minutes. For large chickens, add 30-second increments. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
To reheat rotisserie chicken meat that has been separated from the bones in the microwave, place the meat in a microwave-safe dish, add ½ cup of water or broth to the bottom of the dish, cover it with a wet/damp paper towel, and microwave it for 2 minutes, stopping half-way through to move the chicken pieces around for even heating. Add reheating time in 30-second increments. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Are Rotisserie Trays Microwave-Safe?
There’s been a time that most of us have used the microwave to reheat our rotisserie chicken in the plastic tray from the store. Nearly all trays are made from food-grade number 5 plastic, which is generally considered microwave-safe.
Do with this information as you wish; microwave it for 2 minutes in the tray or transfer the chicken to a glass dish.
Should You Cover When Reheating in the Microwave?
The purpose of using a paper towel when reheating a rotisserie chicken in the microwave is to prevent grease and splatter from dirtying it and the damp/moisture will help retain some of the moisture.
Why Does Chicken Dry Out When Reheated in the Microwave?
It’s my experience that reheating a rotisserie chicken for too long or without any moisture in the dish is the culprit of dry chicken meat, which, luckily, it’s easy to avoid! Add water or broth at the bottom of the dish, and start at 2 minutes, for whole rotisserie, and add more time at 30-second increments if needed -and you’ll be good to go!
Reheating Rotisserie Chicken on the Stove
The stove is a great place for reheating rotisserie chicken meat that’s been removed from the bone, especially shredded chicken and smaller pieces, but not a whole chicken. Here is what to do:
Is it Safe to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken?
Reheating rotisserie chicken is completely safe within 4 days of purchase. Whether you have leftovers or didn’t get around to using it, the chicken can be reheated in the microwave, the stovetop, and the oven.
Can You Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Air Fryer?
The air fryer is my least favorite place to reheat rotisserie chicken because it tends to dry it up. However, it’s a great place to crisp up the skin, if that’s where you like. You can reheat it whole or in large pieces, at 350F for 3 to 4 minutes in the air fryer.
Using Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
The best part of buying a rotisserie chicken is the meals you can make with it! Leftover rotisserie chicken meat can be used in Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta, Shredded Chicken Enchilada Tacos, Chicken & Rice Soup or Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice.
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