Randy Chandler
There are many ways to reheat frozen cooked chicken, including using a oven, stove, microwave, or air fryer. The best method depends on the cut of chicken and how it was originally cooked. For example, if the chicken is bone-in, the oven or air fryer is a good option, while boneless chicken can be reheated on the stove. To prevent the chicken from drying out, it's important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. When reheating chicken with cheese, it's important to consider the melting point of the cheese and choose a reheating method that will ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning.
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What You'll Learn
Using an oven
Reheating frozen cooked chicken with cheese in an oven is a great method, especially if your chicken is bone-in or breaded. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, it is important to note that you should only reheat frozen chicken once, to prevent any bacterial contamination. When you have cooked and frozen your chicken, make sure it is cooled as quickly as possible before freezing to prevent new bacteria from growing.
Now, to the reheating! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your chicken is in a casserole dish, simply pop it back in the oven, covered, and reheat until an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are reheating plain chicken, arrange the pieces in a single layer in a baking dish, just big enough to accommodate the chicken snugly. Add a small amount of water or stock to the bottom of the dish, and cover tightly with foil. This will create steam and prevent your chicken from drying out.
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake until the chicken is heated through. Again, use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to crisp up the skin, transfer the chicken to a broiler-safe pan and broil until browned.
Finally, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices settle, and you are left with moist, juicy chicken. Enjoy!
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Using a microwave
Reheating frozen cooked chicken with cheese in the microwave is a straightforward process. However, it's worth noting that some people dislike the taste and texture of microwaved chicken. For best results, it is recommended to thaw the chicken first. If you have time, leave it in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before cooking. This helps the chicken heat more evenly and improves the taste and texture.
If you're in a hurry, you can cook the frozen chicken directly in the microwave. Make sure to use a microwave-safe dish with a vented lid, which will help retain moisture and ensure even cooking. Lower the power level and cooking time to prevent overcooking the outside while the inside remains undercooked. Microwaves vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general guideline, cook for 9–10 minutes at a lower power level for a single 8-ounce chicken breast.
You can season the chicken before cooking to enhance its flavor. For example, try lemon herb, Italian style, Greek goddess, or pesto perfection. Add your chosen seasonings, spices, or sauces, then follow the microwave instructions.
To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74–75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you're reheating chicken, avoid doing so multiple times, as this can affect its texture, taste, and safety.
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Using an air fryer
Reheating frozen cooked chicken with cheese in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, let the frozen chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps the chicken reheat more evenly. If your chicken is in the fridge, do not skip this step, as chilled chicken may take longer to reheat than chicken at room temperature.
Next, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350 and 375°F (182 to 190°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken by brushing it with a thin layer of oil, such as olive or avocado oil. You can also use a cooking spray for this step. Adding a light coating of oil will help restore crispiness and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Now it's time to place the chicken in the air fryer. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there is enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and even cooking.
Once the air fryer is preheated, insert the basket with the chicken and set the timer. For chicken tenders, wings, and smaller pieces, reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. For larger pieces, reheat for 8-10 minutes, again flipping halfway through. If your chicken is at room temperature, start checking for doneness around the 5-minute mark and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
When the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should be 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's thoroughly reheated and safe to eat. If you like your chicken extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking.
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and safely reheated frozen cooked chicken with cheese. Enjoy!
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Using a stove
To reheat frozen cooked chicken with cheese using a stove, you will first need to partially thaw the chicken. It is recommended to thaw it in the fridge the night before or a few hours before you plan to cook it. This is important for both safety and ensuring even cooking.
Once your chicken is partially thawed, you can prepare it for the stove. If your chicken still has the skin on and you want to crisp it up, it is recommended to remove the skin before placing the chicken on the stove. Boneless and skinless chicken is best for reheating on the stove, as direct heat can dry out chicken with skin. If your chicken is bone-in, it is recommended to pick the meat off the bone and check for any cartilage. Slice the chicken into one-inch-thick pieces—thin enough to heat quickly but thick enough to prevent drying out.
Next, grab a skillet or small pot and add just enough water or broth to cover the bottom. Set the pan over medium heat, and once the water starts to simmer, add the chicken. You can also add some leftover braising liquid or sauce at this point for extra moisture and flavor. Lower the heat and gently stir the chicken, cooking until the meat has warmed through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finally, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, preventing them from spilling out when you cut into the chicken, which can lead to dry meat.
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Reheating without drying it out
Reheating frozen cooked chicken with cheese without drying it out requires careful attention to the reheating process. Here are some detailed instructions for various reheating methods:
Oven Method:
This method is suitable for bone-in chicken, larger cuts, skin-on chicken, or chicken casseroles. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). If reheating a casserole, cover the dish and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For plain chicken, arrange the pieces in a single layer in a baking dish, adding water or stock to cover the bottom. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Stove-top Method:
This method is ideal for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, leftover rotisserie chicken, or shredded chicken. Cut the chicken into 1-inch thick slices to prevent drying out. Add water to the bottom of a skillet or pot and place it over medium heat. Once the water simmers, add the chicken, lower the heat, and stir gently until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer Method:
Air fryers are excellent for reheating crispy chicken wings or breaded chicken pieces. Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C). Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. Spritz with a light coating of non-stick spray. Reheat for a total of 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Microwave Method:
Although the microwave can dry out chicken, it can be used in a pinch for small portions. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Reheat in short intervals of 10 seconds, checking after each interval, until the chicken is warmed through.
Toaster Oven Method:
Line a toaster oven baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a handful of chicken on a plate, cover with a paper towel, and microwave for 1-1.75 minutes. Then, transfer the chicken to the toaster oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remember, the key to preventing dryness is maintaining moisture and not overcooking the chicken. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reheat frozen cooked chicken with cheese, including using an oven, stove, microwave, or air fryer.
To reheat chicken in an oven, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Add water or stock to cover the bottom of the dish, then cover tightly with foil. Bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
To reheat chicken on a stove, add water to a skillet to cover the bottom and place over medium heat. Once the water is simmering, add the chicken and lower the heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
It is not recommended to reheat chicken in a microwave as it can become dry and rubbery. However, if you are in a hurry, you can place the chicken in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water and heat in 10-second increments until warmed through. Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the microwave on a lower power setting.
