How to Warm Up a KFC Chicken Pot Pie: Ultimate Reheating Guide

Are you staring at that leftover KFC chicken pot pie in your fridge and wondering how to bring it back to its former glory? I’ve been there! Nothing’s more disappointing than a soggy-crusted, unevenly heated pot pie. But don’t worry – I’m gonna share all my tried-and-true methods for warming up your KFC pot pie so it tastes almost as good as when you first got it.

The biggest challenge with reheating a pot pie is finding that perfect balance – getting the filling piping hot while keeping the crust flaky and crisp It’s a delicate dance, but totally doable with the right approach!

Understanding the Reheating Challenge

KFC chicken pot pies are a perfect comfort food with their

• Flaky, golden crust
• Creamy, savory filling
• Tender chicken chunks
• Vegetables in that signature gravy

But when reheating. we face two competing needs

1. Getting the filling thoroughly heated (for both taste and safety)
2. Preventing the crust from becoming a soggy mess

Let’s dive into the best methods to achieve pot pie perfection!

Method 1: The Oven Method (The Gold Standard)

If you’ve got the time, the oven is hands-down the best way to reheat your KFC pot pie. It gives the most consistent results with a crispy crust and evenly heated filling.

Step-by-Step Oven Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Take the pot pie out of its original container
3. Place it on a baking sheet (this helps prevent the bottom from getting soggy)
4. Optional: Cover just the crust edges with foil to prevent over-browning
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
6. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before digging in

Why the Oven Works Best:

The oven’s dry, even heat helps evaporate excess moisture while heating the filling thoroughly. This slow, steady approach gives the best texture contrast between the crust and filling.

We sometimes cover the crust with foil for the first part of reheating, then remove it for the final few minutes to allow for some crisping. This prevents the edges from burning while ensuring everything heats through properly.

Method 2: The Microwave Method (For When You’re Hangry!)

I get it – sometimes you just can’t wait 30 minutes when hunger strikes! The microwave is definitely the fastest option, though it does sacrifice some of that perfect crust texture.

Step-by-Step Microwave Instructions:

1. Remove the pot pie from its original packaging
2. Place on a microwave-safe plate
3. Cut a few slits in the top crust (this lets steam escape)
4. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 2-4 minutes
5. Check and rotate halfway through
6. Let stand for 1-2 minutes before eating

Tips to Prevent Microwave Sogginess:

• Use a microwave-safe crisping tray if you have one
• Place a paper towel under the pot pie to absorb excess moisture
• Don’t overcook! This makes the crust rubbery and the filling dry
• Consider using the “reheat” setting rather than full power

While the microwave won’t give you that perfect crispy crust, these tips help minimize sogginess and make for a decent quick meal.

Method 3: The Air Fryer Method (My Personal Favorite)

The air fryer has become my go-to for reheating pot pies! It gives nearly oven-quality results in much less time. It’s the perfect compromise between speed and quality.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C)
2. Remove the pot pie from its packaging
3. Place it in your air fryer basket
4. Optional: Cover the crust with foil for the first half of cooking
5. Air fry for 10-15 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving

Why the Air Fryer Rocks:

The circulating hot air crisps the crust while heating the filling evenly. It’s faster than the oven but gives way better results than the microwave. I’ve found this method gives me that perfect balance of convenience and quality!

Method 4: Toaster Oven Method (For Smaller Portions)

If you’re just reheating a single pot pie or a portion, the toaster oven is a great choice that doesn’t require heating up your entire kitchen.

Step-by-Step Toaster Oven Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F
2. Place the pot pie on the toaster oven tray
3. Cover edges with foil to prevent burning
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes (depending on size)
5. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F
6. Rest for a few minutes before serving

This method works particularly well for smaller portions and uses less energy than a full-sized oven.

Method 5: Stovetop Method (The Unconventional Approach)

This is a bit unconventional but works surprisingly well in a pinch!

Step-by-Step Stovetop Instructions:

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add a teaspoon of oil
3. Place the pot pie in the skillet
4. Cover with a lid
5. Cook for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently
6. Once golden brown and heated through, remove and rest

This method creates a nice crispy bottom crust but requires more attention to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reheat a KFC pot pie straight from the freezer?

It’s not ideal, but if you must, I’d recommend thawing it in the refrigerator overnight first. If reheating from frozen, you’ll need to significantly increase the cooking time and watch for uneven heating. Use a food thermometer to make sure the center reaches 165°F.

How do I know when my pot pie is fully heated?

The most reliable way is using a food thermometer – the filling should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, look for bubbling around the edges and steam escaping from the center.

Can I add extra ingredients before reheating?

Absolutely! I sometimes add a sprinkle of cheese on top during the last few minutes of reheating. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after reheating can also add a nice flavor boost.

Is it safe to reheat a KFC pot pie more than once?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Each time you reheat food, you increase the risk of bacterial growth. Better to portion out what you’ll eat and only reheat that amount.

My crust is getting too brown but the filling isn’t hot yet. Help!

Cover the crust with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the filling to continue heating.

Can I reheat the pot pie in its original container?

No! The original KFC containers aren’t designed for reheating. Always transfer your pot pie to an oven-safe dish, microwave-safe plate, or air fryer basket before reheating.

Storage Tips for KFC Pot Pies

Before we even talk about reheating, proper storage is crucial:

• Refrigerate your leftover pot pie within 2 hours of purchasing
• Store in an airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pot Pie

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these ideas with your leftover KFC pot pie:

1. Pot Pie Soup: Chop up the pie and simmer with additional broth for a quick soup
2. Pot Pie Quesadilla: Remove the filling, place in a tortilla with cheese, and grill
3. Pot Pie Empanadas: Use the filling to stuff empanada dough for a handheld treat

Final Thoughts

We all have those days when we crave comfort food, and a KFC chicken pot pie definitely hits the spot! When you’ve got leftovers, reheating properly makes all the difference between a disappointing soggy mess and a delicious second meal.

My personal ranking of reheating methods:

1. Oven (best quality)
2. Air fryer (best balance of speed and quality)
3. Toaster oven (good for single servings)
4. Stovetop (requires more attention)
5. Microwave (fastest but sacrifices texture)

Whatever method you choose, make sure your pie reaches that safe internal temperature of 165°F, and you’ll be enjoying that creamy chicken goodness in no time!