How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is usually sold whole, so you’re likely to have leftovers. The rest of the chicken can easily be incorporated into your meals throughout the next few days, making it super useful for weekly meal prepping. In this post you’ll learn the best way to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken so it’s flavorful and juicy with every meal.

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option on those nights when cooking feels impossible. It’s an easy way to get a head start on a meal by already having cooked chicken. This versatile protein pairs well with anything else you may have at home and can be used to make everything from chicken salad to chicken noodle soup.

What Is the Best Way to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken?

It depends. If you want to make the effort to have chicken that tastes like you just picked it up from the store, the oven is the way to go. The downside of this approach is that it takes a longer time than other methods. If you’re short on time and taste is less of a factor, a microwave is definitely a good option.

Five Simple Ways to Reheat a Costco Rotisserie Chicken

1. Reheat a Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven

The oven isn’t the quickest method, but it’s well worth the extra time and is a great option when reheating a whole chicken. By using the oven, you’ll have moist, juicy chicken with crispy skins. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Pour a cup of chicken broth in the dish to help keep the chicken moist as it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and roast for 25 minutes.

2. Reheat in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a quick and convenient way to reheat rotisserie chicken and maintain its crispy skin. Turn your air fryer to 350°F and place the chicken in the air fryer. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until chicken is heated all the way through.

3. Reheat it in an Microwave:

The microwave remains undefeated as the quickest, most convenient way to reheat rotisserie chicken. Cut off your desired serving of chicken and place it on a microwave-safe tray, then cover with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist. Cooking time will be dependent on your microwave and how much chicken you’re heating.

4. Reheat the Leftover Rotisserie Chicken on the Stove Top

The stovetop is great for heating up smaller pieces of chicken. If you’re reheating strips of chicken for tonight’s tacos, a skillet is a hassle-free option. Lightly spray the skillet or saucepan with non-stick spray or add a teaspoon of oil to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, while tossing periodically to ensure even cooking.

5. Reheat it in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a super easy way to reheat a whole rotisserie chicken without having to use the oven. Pour a cup of water in the Pot and position the trivet. Place the chicken on the trivet, cover with the lid and seal the vent. Steam for 5 minutes and allow the pressure to slowly release before serving.

How Long to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken?

The time it takes to reheat rotisserie chicken is heavily dependent on the method you’re using and the amount of chicken. Reheating a small serving in the microwave may take only two minutes while it may take 25 minutes to reheat a whole chicken in the oven.

How to Freshen Up a Rotisserie Chicken?

Leftover rotisserie chicken seems to get less palatable the longer it’s in the fridge. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks to bring your leftovers back to life. If your leftovers are one day old, how about cutting it into chunks to be simmered in your favorite sauce? Pair with rice and veggies for a wholesome dinner. Day-old chicken can also be cut up and added to tacos, salads or pastas. If your leftovers have been in the fridge a couple of days, they’ll make an excellent addition to a comforting chicken noodle soup or ramen. You can find more recipes using leftover rotisserie chicken here.

How Do You Prevent Rotisserie Chicken from Drying Out?

Store your chicken in a sealed container in the fridge to help retain moisture. When reheating, there are a few things you can do to prevent chicken from drying out. If you’re using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. When using the oven, cover with tinfoil. For the Instant Pot or slow cooker, pour some broth or water into the pot to keep your chicken nice and juicy.

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Reheating Rotisserie Chicken Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup chicken broth optional
• Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and tarragon (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F, placing the oven rack in the lower middle position. Fit an oven-safe baking dish with a trivet or small wire rack (if available).
• Remove the rotisserie chicken from its package and place into the prepared pan. Add optional herbs on top and pour optional broth into the pan.
• Cover the chicken loosely with foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (15 to 20 minutes if using convection/forced air).
• Remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes more.
• Use kitchen tongs to transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Air Fryer Method: Make sure your air fryer is large enough to hold a rotisserie chicken. Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 4 to 5 minutes depending on size of the chicken. Note: You can also break the chicken into pieces before cooking if you prefer.
• Microwave Method: Place the rotisserie chicken in a shallow microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on 60% power for 4 minutes (3 minutes for a powerful microwave and 5 minutes for a low-power microwave).
• Stove Top Method: You will need a 6-8 quart dutch oven or heavy pot with lid. Place over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons oil. When hot, add the rotisserie chicken and cover. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated throughout. Note: You can also break the chicken into pieces if you prefer (in this case a large skillet will suffice).
• Instant Pot Method: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot. Add the broth followed by the rotisserie chicken. Cover and set to Low Pressure with 1 minute duration. Then do a quick steam release, following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid burns.