5 Best Ways To Reheat Your Rotisserie Chicken
Got leftover rotisserie chicken in your fridge? Don’t let that golden, juicy bird go to waste! Reheating store-bought rotisserie chicken can be tricky – microwave it wrong and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery meat that’s a far cry from its former glory.
Let me share six foolproof methods to bring your leftover chicken back to life with all its delicious flavor intact.
1. Air Fryer Revival
Speed demons, rejoice! Your air fryer is a rotisserie chicken’s best friend. Set the temperature to 350°F and place chicken pieces in the basket with a little space between them.
For cold pieces, cook 5-7 minutes; slightly warm ones need just 3 minutes. The hot circulating air crisps the skin beautifully while keeping the meat juicy.
Check that internal temperature hits 165°F before serving. This method gives you that satisfying crunch without turning your kitchen into a sauna.
2. Oven Magic
Nothing beats the oven for restoring that just-bought taste. Preheat to 350°F, place your chicken in an oven-safe dish, and add about a cup of chicken broth to create steam.
Cover tightly with foil and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. For that irresistible crispy skin, uncover and crank the heat to 400°F for the final five minutes.
Last Thanksgiving, I saved our family feast by reheating a forgotten rotisserie chicken this way – everyone thought it was freshly made!
3. Microwave Express
When hunger strikes and patience is thin, the microwave comes to the rescue. Remove meat from bones and cut into smaller, even pieces for consistent heating.
Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or broth. Cover with a damp paper towel to trap moisture and prevent that dreaded rubber-chicken texture.
Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. I once had to feed my hangry five-year-old using this method – crisis averted in under two minutes flat!
4. Steamy Instant Pot
Your Instant Pot isn’t just for cooking – it’s a reheating powerhouse! Place the trivet inside the pot and add half a cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom.
Set your chicken on the trivet, seal the lid, and select the ‘Steam’ function for just 5 minutes. The pressurized environment gently reheats without stealing moisture.
My family potluck contribution was saved when I reheated last night’s rotisserie chicken this way – everyone thought I’d made it fresh that morning! Perfect when you need moist meat but don’t care about crispy skin.
5. Slow Cooker Salvation
The slow cooker method is perfect for the patient planner. Wrap your chicken in aluminum foil with the seam facing up, then place in your slow cooker with a cup of chicken broth poured around (not over) the foil package.
Set to low heat for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The gentle, moist heat works while you’re busy with other things.
This hands-off approach yields incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone. Great for meal prep when you know you’ll want warm chicken later in the day.