Fried chicken is one of those comfort foods that tastes incredible when it’s fresh—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
But what happens when you have leftovers?
Many people wonder if fried chicken can be safely reheated without losing its crispy texture or developing a rubbery, soggy coating.
In this guide, you’ll learn the safest reheating methods, how to maintain crispiness, what to avoid, and how to store fried chicken properly.
Can You Reheat Fried Chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely reheat fried chicken—as long as it has been stored safely and reheated to the correct temperature.
Reheating fried chicken the right way can restore its crispy coating and juicy interior, making it enjoyable for a second meal.
However, not all reheating methods are equal. Some will make the coating soggy, while others may dry out the meat. Knowing the correct method can help you enjoy leftovers without sacrificing taste or texture.
Is It Safe to Reheat Fried Chicken?
Reheating fried chicken is safe if:
- It was refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking
- It has been stored properly in an airtight container
- It’s reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- It has not been sitting out at room temperature for too long
As long as these guidelines are followed, reheated fried chicken poses no safety concerns.
Best Methods for Reheating Fried Chicken
Below are the most effective and reliable ways to reheat fried chicken while keeping it crispy.
1. Reheating Fried Chicken in the Oven (Best Overall Method)
The oven method gives the most consistent results. It reheats the chicken evenly and crisps up the breading without drying out the meat.
How to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a wire rack over a baking sheet (this allows hot air to circulate).
- Arrange the chicken pieces on the rack, leaving space between them.
- Heat for 12–18 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Why it works:
The dry heat of the oven revives the crunchy exterior while warming the inside evenly.
2. Reheating Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer (Fast & Crispy)
If you want fast, consistent crispiness, an air fryer is your best friend.
How to do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Place chicken inside in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why it works:
The rapid hot air circulation crisps the coating without using additional oil.
3. Reheating Fried Chicken on the Stovetop (Good for Maintaining Crunch)
This method works well for those without an oven or air fryer.
How to do it:
- Add a small amount of oil to a skillet (just enough to lightly coat the bottom).
- Heat over medium heat until the oil is hot.
- Add chicken pieces and heat for 3–4 minutes on each side.
- Cover lightly with a lid for the last minute to ensure the interior is heated.
Why it works:
The stovetop mimics shallow frying, bringing back crispiness, but you must be careful not to burn the coating.
4. Reheating Fried Chicken in the Microwave (Least Recommended)
The microwave is fast, but it tends to make fried chicken mushy because it steams the coating.
If you must use it:
- Heat for 30 seconds at a time
- Transfer immediately to an oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes to crisp it up
Why doesn’t it work well?
Microwaves heat food unevenly and create moisture, which softens the coating.
How to Store Fried Chicken Properly
Proper storage keeps fried chicken fresh and safe to reheat later.
Short-term storage:
- Place chicken in an airtight container
- Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days
Freezing fried chicken:
- Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic
- Store in a freezer-safe bag
- Freeze for up to 4 months
To reheat frozen fried chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the oven or air fryer.
Conclusion
Reheating fried chicken is not only safe—it’s easy when done correctly.
Whether you use an oven, air fryer, or stovetop, you can restore crispy texture and juicy meat without much effort.
The key is using dry heat, reheating to the proper temperature, and storing leftovers safely.
So the next time you have leftover fried chicken, you don’t have to settle for soggy or rubbery pieces. With the right method, your reheated chicken can taste almost as good as fresh.