Chicken is one of the most versatile and flavorful proteins, but reheating it, especially fried or crispy chicken, can be a real challenge. If done incorrectly, it can lead to soggy breading or dry, rubbery meat that no one wants to eat. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can reheat chicken in the microwave while preserving its crispiness and juiciness.
Whether it’s fried drumsticks from yesterday’s dinner or crispy chicken tenders you saved for lunch, this guide will help you master the art of reheating chicken. By the end, you’ll know the best way to reheat chicken in the microwave without compromising on flavour or texture.
Why Reheating Chicken in the Microwave Can Be Tricky
The microwave is undoubtedly the go-to appliance for quick and easy reheating, but it does have its challenges—especially for foods like chicken that rely on their crispy exterior. Here’s why:
- Moisture Retention: Microwaves heat food by creating steam. While this can keep chicken tender inside, it often causes the outer layer to lose its crispiness.
- Uneven Heating: Microwaves can heat food unevenly, leaving you with some pieces that are too hot and others that are still cold.
- Overcooking: Without proper technique, it’s easy to overcook chicken in the microwave, resulting in a dry and chewy texture.
But don’t worry—with the right steps, you can overcome these challenges and reheat chicken like a pro.
The Best Way to Reheat Chicken in the Microwave
Reheating chicken in the microwave doesn’t have to spell disaster for its crispiness. Here’s our tried-and-tested process for achieving the best results:
Prepare the Chicken
Before popping your chicken into the microwave, take it out of the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. Reheating cold chicken straight from the fridge can lead to uneven heating, as the outer layer cooks faster than the inside.
Pro Tip: If any sauces or dips on the chicken could make it soggy, gently pat it dry with a paper towel before reheating.
Use a Microwave-Safe Plate and Rack
To maintain the crispiness, elevate the chicken on a microwave-safe rack or place it on a plate with a paper towel underneath. This allows excess moisture to escape and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. If you don’t have a microwave-safe rack, you can create a makeshift rack by placing a microwave-safe bowl upside down on the plate and resting the chicken on top.
Cover with a Damp Paper Towel
While crispiness is important, you don’t want your chicken to dry out during reheating. Covering it with a damp (not wet) paper towel helps keep the chicken moist on the inside while still allowing the exterior to regain some crunch.
Microwave in Short Bursts, Flip, and Check
Set your microwave to medium power (not high!) and heat the chicken in short, 30-second bursts. After each burst, flip the chicken pieces and check the temperature. This ensures even reheating and prevents the exterior from becoming rubbery.
Finish with a Quick Blast of High Heat
Once the chicken is warm throughout, give it a quick 10–15-second blast on high heat. This step helps restore some of the crispiness to the exterior by eliminating any remaining moisture.
And voilà ! You’ll have reheated chicken that’s warm, juicy, and pleasantly crispy using your microwave.
Tips for Reheating Different Types of Chicken in the Microwave
The method above works for most fried or crispy chicken pieces, but different types of chicken require slight adjustments.
Reheating Fried Chicken
- Follow the steps mentioned earlier, but if you’re dealing with particularly thick fried chicken pieces, consider microwaving them in 20-second intervals instead of 30 seconds to avoid overcooking the exterior.
- For extra crunch, you can also briefly crisp up the chicken in a toaster oven or skillet after microwaving.
Reheating Grilled or Roasted Chicken
Crispiness isn’t a concern for grilled or roasted chicken. Instead, focus on retaining the juices and flavour. Cover grilled chicken with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it with microwave-safe plastic wrap to keep it moist while reheating.
Reheating Breaded Chicken
Breaded chicken behaves much like fried chicken. Be sure to use a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and give it that quick, high-heat finish for a slightly crispy coating.
Common Microwave Reheating Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure perfect reheated chicken every time:
Mistakes:
- Reheating on high power for too long.
- Place chicken directly on a plate with no paper towel or rack.
- Not flipping the chicken during reheating.
Solution:
- Always elevate the chicken or use a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Always use medium power and short bursts to avoid overcooking.
- Flip the chicken between intervals to ensure even heating.
Alternative Methods to Reheat Chicken
While the microwave is convenient, it’s not the only option. Here are some other methods to try if you have extra time:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and reheat for 10–15 minutes. This method ensures even heating and restores crispiness, making it ideal for fried chicken.
- Air Fryer: Reheat chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This method works wonders for maintaining crunch.
- Skillet: Use a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of oil to help revive the crispiness as you gently heat the chicken on both sides.
Why Microwaving Is Still a Popular Option
Despite its challenges, the microwave remains a favourite for reheating chicken because:
- Speed: It’s by far the quickest reheating method, ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
- Convenience: No need to preheat appliances or wash extra pans.
- Energy Efficiency: It uses less energy compared to ovens, making it an eco-friendly choice for quick reheating.
Final Thoughts
Reheating chicken while keeping it crispy in the microwave may not be as effective as using an oven or air fryer, but with the right techniques, you can still achieve satisfying results. By using a paper towel, reheating in short bursts, and incorporating additional crisping methods, you can enjoy leftover chicken without compromising its texture.
