How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken: 7 Easy Ways
If you know how to reheat rotisserie chicken, it can easily be reheated for an easy weeknight dinner, used for lunch wraps and sandwiches, and can even be incorporated into enchiladas and soups.
The uses for a cooked rotisserie chicken are endless. It’s the perfect high protein addition to so many meals!
Why you’ll love these methods
- Tender juicy meat: One of the reasons a rotisserie chicken is so delicious is its slow-roasted tender and juicy meat. When reheating, you want to keep that delicious quality.
- Quick meal: This is one of the easiest meals you can make since it is pre-cooked!
- No prep: There really is no prep work, so even your family could help out with this one.
- Family favorite: The flavorful chicken is a crowd pleaser in my house.
Here are few of my favourite chicken recipes using the oven, stove top and air fryer; Peri Peri Chicken Wings, Crispy Chilli Chicken and Easy Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Tips for the best result
Don’t let your chicken get wet. Whether it is from steam or broth, allowing moisture to get on the chicken directly will make the rotisserie chicken have soggy skin.
Don’t overcook it. Overcooking your chicken will cause it to dry out. Aim for an internal temperature of 74℃ (165℉) for the perfect reheat.
How to Reheat a Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven
Across the internet, you will find that most prefer the oven method as the best way to reheat rotisserie chicken. The method is straightforward and pretty hands off so you are free to make a few sides while your chicken reheats.
Preheat the oven to 350℉ (177℃)
- Place chicken in a dutch oven or other large dish with a lid. If you do not have a lidded dish you can place chicken in an oven safe pan and cover tightly with foil (Image 1).
- Add just enough broth to cover the bottom of the dish. The amount will vary depending on the size of the dish (Image 2).
3. Cook in the oven for 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken. (Internal temperature should be 165℉ (74℃). (Image 3).
The oven is a also a great way to reheat chicken thighs too, see my The BEST Crispy Bone-in Chicken Thighs recipe.
How To Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Air Fryer
I personally prefer the air fryer method for 2 reasons. First, it is fast, so I can use it for a quick lunch or dinner. And second, it keeps the skin crispy. Which, if you have ever eaten soggy chicken skin, you know why this is so important!
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 350℉ (177℃).
Step 2: Place whole chicken in the basket.
Step 3: Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165℉ (74℃).
Step 4: Carefully remove and serve.
Love your airfryer? Try cooking from frozen: Frozen Fish Fingers in Air Fryer, Cooking Frozen Sausages in an Air Fryer or How to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Microwave
The microwave is another fast option for reheating a rotisserie chicken. The meat will stay moist, however don’t expect a great skin. It normally gets a little rubbery.
Step 1: Cut off the desired amount of chicken.
Step 2: Place piece/pieces on a microwave safe dish.
Step 3: Cover with parchment paper or a moist paper towel.
Step 4: Heat for 30-90 seconds depending on the size of the piece of chicken. Internal temperature should be 165℉ (74℃).
Step 5: Remove and serve.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken on the Stove Top
Reheating on the stove top can be used for small pieces or larger sections like a whole breast or thigh. To make sure the skin crisps up, be sure to place the chicken skin side down in the oil for a minute to two.
Step 1: Cut the desired amount of chicken off the whole rotisserie chicken.
Step 2: Preheat a skillet to medium low heat.
Step 3: Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil to the pan.
Step 4: Place the chicken pieces or section in the skillet.
Step 5: Cook pieces until heated through, turning once. Internal temperature should be 165℉ (74℃). Then shred to your desired piece size- as shown below.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in an Instant Pot
The instant pot method for reheating rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy solution.
Step 1: Set chicken on trivet.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken drippings and add ½ cup water.
Step 3: Close lid and seal.
Step 4: Choose the steam option for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Do a quick release and check that the internal temperature is 165℉ (74℃).
Step 6: Remove and serve.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in a Slow Cooker
If you have a lot of time on your hands or need time to prepare other dishes, then heating up a rotisserie chicken in the slow cooker may be the method for you.
1: Wrap chicken tightly in foil. Place chicken foil seam side up in the crock pot (so the liquid does not get inside). Place 1 cup of broth in the bottom of the pot.
2. Cook for 3-4 hours on low depending on the size of the chicken. (Internal temperature should be 165℉ (74℃).
If you have a lot of time on your hands or need time to prepare other dishes, then heating up a rotisserie chicken in the slow cooker may be the method for you.
Step 1: Wrap chicken tightly in foil
Step 2: Place chicken foil seam side up in the crock pot (so the liquid does not get inside).
Step 3: Place 1 cup of broth in the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Cook for 3-4 hours on low depending on the size of the chicken. (Internal temperature should be 165℉ (74℃).
Other slow cooker recipes for you to try; Simple Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, Slow Cooker Gammon Joint (Best honey roast ham!) and Spanish Chicken and Chorizo Stew
How to Reheat a Rotisserie Chicken on the Grill
During the summer this is a great option for warming up a rotisserie chicken. Due to being on the grill, the clean up is minimal. Plus you can grill your sides at the same time.
Step 1: Preheat your grill to 375℉ (191℃).
Step 2: Wrap chicken tightly in foil.
Step 3: Place chicken foil seam side up over indirect heat.
Step 4: Cook for 30-60 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165℉ (74℃).
You can also grill pieces and sections of a rotisserie chicken by placing them directly on the grill grates and grilling until their internal temperature is 165℉ (74℃).
How long does it take to reheat a whole rotisserie chicken?
The length of time it takes to reheat a whole rotisserie chicken depends on which method you use for reheating. In a slow cooker, the time to reheat will be around 3-4 hours. However, in an airfryer, you can reheat in about 5 minutes.
Other Options for Store Bought Rotisserie Chicken
- Shred it to make Pulled Chicken BBQ
- Use pieces of the chicken in soup or stew
- Use the chicken to make enchiladas
- Make wraps/salads for lunches.
FAQs
The temperature that you reheat your chicken will change based on the method or reheating you choose. The key thing to remember is always heat your chicken to an internal temperature of 74℃ (165℉).
No. First remove the chicken from the container and then reheat.
Adding moisture to the pan and covering the chicken can help keep the chicken from drying out during reheating.
Yes. It is quite delicious. You can make things like chicken wraps and Grinder Salad with cold rotisserie chicken.
For other reheat resources, check out my articles:
The Best Ways To Reheat Salmon, How to Reheat Chicken Wings in the air fryer , How to Reheat Baked Ziti