Chicken breast is a lean, healthy protein that’s perfect for meal prepping. It’s low in fat and calories, high in protein, and so versatile. You can grill, bake, saute, or pan fry chicken breast for endless recipes from chicken salads to casseroles, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
But when it comes time to eat your leftovers, reheated chicken breast often turns out dry and stringy. Nothing ruins a meal faster than chewing on rubbery dried out chicken!
So how do you reheat chicken breast to keep it juicy and delicious? Follow these tips and tricks to revive refrigerator or freezer-stored chicken breast perfectly every time.
Why Chicken Breast Dries Out When Reheated
Chicken breast is prone to drying out when cooked due to its low natural fat content. Without skin or dark meat, white breast meat doesn’t have much moisture.
Reheating cooked chicken breast makes it even more likely to dry out for a few reasons:
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Uneven heating dries the outer portions first. Dense, thick chicken breast takes longer to heat through than thin meats. The exterior can overcook and dry out before the inside is hot.
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Lack of moisture. Chicken breast needs added liquid to rehydrate and prevent drying as it reheats.
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Overcooking. It’s easy to overdo it trying to fully heat chicken. Going past 165°F overcooks the proteins and expels moisture.
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Improper storage. Chicken breast that wasn’t stored airtight can dry out in the fridge before reheating.
Follow these simple tricks to prevent your chicken breast from drying out when you reheat it.
Tips to Keep Chicken Breast Moist When Reheating
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Cut it smaller. Slice chicken breast in half horizontally before reheating smaller pieces.
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Add liquid. Put chicken in a dish with broth, water, or sauce to add moisture.
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Wrap it Cover chicken tightly in foil to steam and keep moisture in,
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Heat gently. Use medium-low oven or stove temperatures. High heat dries it out.
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Rest it, Let chicken rest 5 minutes after reheating so juices redistribute,
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Store properly. Keep chicken in a sealed container or bag before reheating.
Best Methods to Reheat Chicken Breast
Follow these methods to reheat refrigerated or frozen chicken breast perfectly.
In the oven:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Place chicken in a baking dish and add broth, water, or sauce.
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Seal dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Heat 15-20 minutes until 165°F internal temperature.
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Rest 5 minutes before serving.
On the stovetop:
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Add chicken and 1-2 tbsp liquid to a skillet over medium-low heat.
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Cook chicken, flipping occasionally, 6-12 minutes until 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes after reheating.
In the microwave:
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Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and add liquid.
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Cover dish with a lid or vented plastic wrap.
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Microwave 2-3 minutes, check temp, then 30 seconds at a time until 165°F.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before eating.
In the air fryer:
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
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Place chicken in fryer basket lightly brushed with oil.
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Cook at 350°F 8-10 minutes until 165°F.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes after air frying.
On the grill:
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Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium heat.
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Place chicken on greased grates.
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Grill 4-6 minutes per side with lid closed until 165°F.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Breast
Proper storage is key to preventing chicken from drying out before you reheat it. Here are some storage tips:
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Let chicken cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store chicken breast in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Remove any bones, skin, or fat which can turn rancid quicker.
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Refrigerate chicken within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days.
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Freeze chicken up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
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Put reheated chicken into a clean storage container. Don’t mix with raw chicken.
Common Chicken Reheating Questions
How do you know when reheated chicken is done? Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for 165°F minimum internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
Can you reheat chicken more than once? It’s not recommended. Reheat leftovers just once for food safety. Eat or toss additional chicken.
Is it safe to eat cold leftover chicken? Yes, as long as it was fully cooked to a safe internal temperature before refrigerating.
Can you microwave raw chicken to fully cook it? No. Microwaves cook food unevenly. Always fully cook chicken first using recommended methods.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge? Cooked chicken stays fresh 3-5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Enjoy Perfectly Reheated Chicken Breast Every Time
Chicken breast is easy to dry out, but so delicious and versatile in meals. Follow these simple reheating methods to bring refrigerated or frozen leftover chicken breast back to juicy perfection.
The keys are using even, gentle heat, adding liquid, keeping it covered, and monitoring the internal temperature. With the right technique, you can reheat chicken breast to enjoy in all your favorite recipes without it turning dry and stringy.
Keeping It From Getting Dry
There’s nothing more disappointing than rubbery, overcooked chicken, here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen- ever:
Add liquid Adding water or chicken broth to whatever dish you are reheating the chicken in will create steam and helps add moisture to the meat.
Cover Tinfoil if you’re using the oven, a skillet lid on the stove-top, or a damp paper towel in the microwave, all three trap the liquid/steam in the dish.
Don’t cut The smaller the piece of chicken, the higher chance it has of drying out. If possible, keep the chicken cuts intact until after reheating. If you are reheating cubed or sliced chicken, be sure to watch it carefully and check the internal temperature periodically so it won’t overcook and dry out.
Do you find tips like these helpful for making perfectly cooked chicken? Then be sure to check out the Chicken. It’s What’s for Dinner ebook.
It has helpful pointers like the best ways to cook each cut of chicken, how to safely defrost chicken, and 70+ recipes your family will love.
Best Way to Reheat Cooked Chicken
I’m a major advocate for baking/cooking chicken ahead for quick meals later in the week. When it comes to properly reheating the chicken, there are a few ways to do it without drying out the meat; on the stove-top, in the oven, or microwave. Each method comes with pros and cons, which I’ve listed for you below:
| Oven Pros | Oven Cons |
|---|---|
| Best for bone-in, skin-on cuts, and breaded cuts | Takes longer |
| Keeps chicken skin crispy | |
| Evenly reheats the meat |
| Microwave Pros | Microwave Cons |
|---|---|
| Best for non-breaded cuts of chicken | Easy to dry out the chicken |
| Fast | Unevenly reheats the meat |
| Stovetop Pros | Stovetop Cons |
|---|---|
| Best for boneless, skinless chicken cuts | Loss of seasonings |
| Retains the most moisture | Not suitable for breaded or basted chicken |
| Evenly reheats the meat |
If you’re looking at your chicken and trying to decide if it’s worth reheating or not, check out this article to know if cooked chicken has gone bad, before you reheat!
How to Reheat Chicken Without Making It Dry | 4 Quick & Easy Methods | So You Wanna Know…
FAQ
How to reheat chicken breast and keep it moist?
How to avoid dry chicken when reheating?
Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken on a baking tray and cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out.Jan 3, 2025
How to moisten an already cooked chicken breast?
Add leftover chicken to a soup. Over low heat, add the chicken to a few tablespoons of water or broth and simmer for a few minutes to allow the liquid to penetrate into the meat. Another rule: if the meat is dry, please don’t reheat it again in the microwave or oven!
Can You reheat chicken breast in the oven?
Chicken breast reheats best in the oven because it warms slowly and evenly, preventing it from drying out. Wrap or cover it with aluminum foil, then heat for 15-20 minutes. The stovetop, Air Fryer, and microwave all work well, but it also helps to cut the chicken in half or into smaller pieces so it will heat more evenly and stay juicy.
How to reheat chicken without drying it out?
The sous vide method is a popular technique for reheating chicken without drying it out. This method involves sealing the chicken in an airtight bag and immersing it in a water bath at a precise temperature. The low and controlled heat helps to retain moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming dry.
What is the best way to reheat chicken?
The best way to reheat chicken depends on what type you’re cooking. If you’re reheating restaurant chicken wings, go with an air fryer for a crispy bite. Smaller pieces of chicken like sliced chicken breast and rotisserie off the bone do well on the stovetop.
Can You reheat boneless chicken?
Cover and reheat boneless chicken breasts or thighs on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to help retain moisture. Bone-in chicken pieces or whole chicken: Bone-in chicken requires more time to heat through, making the oven the best method. Cover with foil to keep the meat moist while reheating.
What temperature should chicken be reheated?
And of course, the most important thing is to reheat it safely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating, per the USDA. Does the Type of Chicken Matter? The best way to reheat chicken depends on what type you’re cooking.
Can You reheat rotisserie chicken?
The oven is a great option for reheating bone-in chicken or breaded cutlets. Freshly cooked chicken is moist and delicious — but after reheating, that crispy, succulent bird often becomes tough, dry and flavorless. Whether you’re reheating a rotisserie or home-cooked chicken, warming up poultry properly retains its flavor and texture.