Cecil Daugherty is passionate about all things BBQ. His favorite pastime is lighting up his grill and preparing meals for those he holds dear. Cecil holds the conviction that reheated BBQ can rival, and even surpass, the taste of freshly grilled food.
Hey there, hungry reader! I'm Ricky Grillmaster, and I'm here to help you bring that crispy, juicy fried chicken back to life. When it comes to reheating fried chicken in the oven, there are a few factors to consider. Let's dive in and find out how long it takes to achieve fried chicken perfection!
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze, and who doesn't love that?
Now, place your leftover fried chicken on the baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even heating. If you're reheating a large batch, you might need to use multiple baking sheets or reheat in batches.
Pro tip: If you want to keep the chicken extra crispy, elevate it by placing a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This prevents the chicken from getting soggy by allowing air to circulate underneath.
Once your oven is preheated and your chicken is ready to go, pop it in and set the timer for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces, so keep an eye on them. You want the chicken to be heated through and the skin to turn golden and crispy again.
While you're waiting, resist the temptation to open the oven door and peek at your chicken. Every time you open that door, you let out precious heat, which can affect the cooking time and result in less crispy chicken. Trust the process, my friend!
If you're reheating bone-in fried chicken, it may take a bit longer than boneless pieces. The bones can act as a heat barrier, so give it an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven.
Once the timer goes off, take a peek at your chicken. Is the skin golden and crispy? Is the meat heated through? If so, congratulations! You're just moments away from enjoying some finger-lickin' goodness. If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven until it reaches that perfect crispy, juicy balance.
When your fried chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness. And remember, safety first! Use tongs or oven mitts to handle the hot chicken.
Now, it's time to dig in and enjoy your reheated fried chicken. Serve it up with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. And if you're feeling extra saucy, drizzle some hot sauce or honey on top for an extra kick.
So, how long does it take to reheat fried chicken in the oven? On average, it'll take around 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Just remember to keep an eye on it and adjust the time accordingly. With a little patience and a whole lot of flavor, you'll have a plate of reheated fried chicken that'll make your taste buds dance!
Disclaimer: Reheating times may vary depending on your oven's performance and the size of your chicken pieces. Always ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.