Chicken parmesan is one of my favorite comfort foods The crispy, breaded chicken cutlet smothered in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella is simply delicious. I love making a big tray of chicken parmesan to feed a crowd or to have leftovers for a few days However, properly reheating a chicken parmesan tray can be tricky. You want to make sure the chicken and cheese are heated through without becoming dried out or rubbery.
In this article, I’ll share my tips for perfectly reheating a tray of chicken parmesan using the oven, microwave, or stove top. With a little care, you can revive those leftovers to be just as tasty as the original meal
Why Proper Reheating is Important for Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan has a delicate balance of textures and flavors The breaded chicken cutlet needs to remain crispy on the outside while the interior stays juicy The cheese also needs to melt smoothly without becoming tough.
If you don’t reheat the dish properly, here’s what can happen:
- The breading can become soggy.
- The chicken can dry out and become chewy.
- The cheese doesn’t fully melt and remains clumped.
- The sauce can separate or turn watery.
Taking steps to gently reheat the chicken parmesan will help preserve that straight-from-the-oven taste and texture.
Reheating Chicken Parmesan in the Oven
The oven is my preferred method for reheating a tray of chicken parmesan. It heats the food evenly from all sides and helps keep the breading crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove any plastic wrap or foil from the chicken parmesan tray. Keep the food in the original baking dish.
- Cover the tray loosely with aluminum foil. This traps in some heat and moisture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
- Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes to brown the cheese.
The gentle, indirect heat of the oven prevents the chicken parm from drying out. Just be careful not to overbake it or the breading can toughen.
Reheating in the Microwave
The microwave can also reheat chicken parmesan fairly well. The key is using lower power and short cooking times.
- Remove any foil or plastic from the tray.
- Cover loosely with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid. This prevents splatters.
- Microwave at 50% power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through.
- Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
Stirring halfway and allowing standing time helps prevent hot and cold spots. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Reheating on the Stove Top
For smaller amounts of chicken parmesan, I like reheating on the stove top in a nonstick skillet.
- Heat the skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a bit of tomato sauce or cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the chicken parmesan pieces in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
- Cover and allow to rest before serving.
The skillet lets you reheat the chicken parmesan quickly while keeping the crust crisp. You may need to add a splash of milk or sauce if the cheese isn’t melting well.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips no matter which reheating method you use:
- Always reheat fully until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use lower heat and cook for longer times to prevent drying out.
- Cover loosely with foil or lids to retain moisture.
- Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes after reheating so flavors can blend.
- Add a spoonful of sauce or milk if needed to improve texture.
Enjoy Your Leftovers!
With proper reheating, you can enjoy leftover chicken parmesan nearly as much as the fresh-cooked version. The oven is ideal for larger trays. For smaller amounts, the microwave or stove top also work well.
Just be sure to use gentler heat and monitor it closely. Now you can reheat that chicken parm to crispy, cheesy perfection. Mangia!
Kitchen Myths to Rethink
There is a common misconception that reheating chicken parmesan in the microwave is the best and quickest way to go. While the microwave is certainly fast, it can result in soggy chicken and rubbery cheese. By taking the time to reheat your chicken parmesan in the oven, you can ensure that it retains its crispy coating and gooey cheese.
Exact Steps or Recipe Instructions
To reheat chicken parmesan in the oven, follow these steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the leftover chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish.
3. Cover the dish with foil to trap in moisture and heat.
4. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
| Chicken Parmesan Reheating Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Maintains crispiness, melts cheese | Takes longer than microwave |
| Microwave | Quick and convenient | Can make chicken soggy |
| Stovetop | Allows for crispy chicken | Requires more attention |
| Air Fryer | Crispy chicken, quick cooking | Not everyone has an air fryer |
How to Reheat Perfect Chicken Parm [Jersey Joe # 776]
FAQ
How to heat up a tray of chicken parm?
Reheat by placing it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps the chicken stay crispy.Oct 17, 2024
How to cook pre-made chicken parmigiana?
- Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
- Remove frozen meal from carton. Pierce film lid in two places with a fork. Place on a cold oven tray, on middle shelf of oven.
- Cook for 30 – 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven (on oven tray). Carefully peel off film lid.
- Stand for two minutes.
How to reheat breaded chicken without drying it out?
How to reheat chicken parmesan?
You’re about to find out. The best way to reheat chicken parmesan is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the chicken on a wire rack with a drip tray underneath. Cover with foil and heat for 5-10 minutes, then remove the foil and heat for a further 5 minutes.
How do you cook chicken parmesan in the oven?
Steps: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the chicken parmesan in an oven safe dish. If it is still in the original dish, you can put that in the oven Cover with foil. Place in oven and allow the chicken parm to heat up for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to reheat chicken parmesan with marinara sauce?
To reheat chicken parmesan with marinara sauce, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Place the chicken parmesan in a baking dish. 3. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken parmesan. 4. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. 5. Heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. 6.
How do you reheat frozen chicken parm?
Cover with foil. Place in oven and allow the chicken parm to heat up for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This time could be a lot longer if you are reheating something that was frozen. 5 minutes before you are set to take it out, remove the foil and allow the cheese to melt and everything to get slightly crispy.
Can You reheat chicken parmesan in a microwave?
(Microwaved food doesn’t reheat very well more than once; it’s usually edible, but the quality goes down the more it’s reheated.) Put the dish in your microwave, cover with a paper towel or lid and set it to medium heat or 50% power. Reheat the chicken parmesan for about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Uncover and stir pasta and sauce, if any.
How long to reheat chicken parmesan in air fryer?
Note: How long it takes to reheat chicken parm in the air fryer depends on how thick and large the pieces of chicken are. Start with 6-8 minutes and add additional cooking time if needed. Preheat your oven to a medium heat of 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken Parmesan on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, pan, or skillet.