How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken dries out fast the second time around because it's already been fully cooked once. The fix is adding back moisture and reheating gently rather than blasting it with high heat, which is what turns the meat rubbery and the skin tough.
Steps
- 1Take the chicken out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before reheating so it's not going into the oven ice cold.
- 2Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 3Cut the chicken into pieces or joints if it's still whole, this helps it heat evenly instead of staying cold in the center.
- 4Place the pieces in a baking dish and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water over them.
- 5Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam.
- 6Reheat for 15-20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.USDA safe minimum for poultry: 165°F (74°C)
- 7Uncover for the last 3-5 minutes if you want the skin to crisp back up slightly.
Common mistakes
- Reheating without any added liquid: the chicken has already lost moisture once, and dry heat pulls out more of it.
- Using the microwave on high power for a long stretch: it heats unevenly and turns the outer meat rubbery before the center is even warm.
- Reheating a whole chicken instead of cutting it into pieces first: the breast overcooks by the time the thighs reach temperature.
- Skipping the resting time out of the fridge: cold-to-hot straight from the fridge means longer cook time and drier results.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Instant-read thermometer
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
FAQ
What's the best way to reheat rotisserie chicken to keep it moist?
Covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a splash of broth or water underneath foil. The steam keeps the meat from drying out while it reheats.
Can I reheat rotisserie chicken in the microwave?
Yes, cut it into smaller pieces, add a spoonful of broth or water, cover loosely, and microwave in 30-second bursts at 50% power to avoid rubbery spots.
Is it safe to reheat rotisserie chicken twice?
It's safe as long as it's been refrigerated within 2 hours of the first cooling and reheated to 165°F (74°C) each time, but each reheat dries the meat out further.
How long does rotisserie chicken last in the fridge before reheating?
3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If it smells off or feels slimy, don't reheat it.
Can I reheat rotisserie chicken in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes, for shredded or sliced meat, warm it in a covered skillet over low heat with a few tablespoons of broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Need exact temperatures or timing? Check our Time & Temperature Guide →