How To Reheat A Rotisserie Chicken Without Drying It Out

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights — juicy, flavorful, and ready to go. But when you're dealing with leftovers, the challenge becomes keeping that same moist, tender texture. Reheating chicken can often lead to something that's dry, rubbery, or worse — flavorless. The good news is, with the right method, you can bring that bird back to life so it tastes almost like it just came off the rotisserie.

If you've ever grabbed a leftover piece and taken a bite only to feel like you're chewing on cardboard, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s why learning how to reheat a rotisserie chicken the right way matters. It's not just about convenience — it's about preserving taste, texture, and the joy of eating something that still feels homemade, even if it came from the grocery store.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or just trying to stretch dinner into lunch the next day, knowing the best reheating method can save you time, money, and disappointment. Let's walk through how to do it right — and avoid the usual pitfalls of leftover chicken.

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Table of Contents

• Why Reheating Rotisserie Chicken Is Tricky
• Best Methods to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken
• Oven Method: Step-by-Step
• Microwave Method (When You're in a Hurry)
• Stovetop Option for Shredded Chicken
• How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Properly
• FAQ Section

Why Reheating Rotisserie Chicken Is Tricky

Rotisserie chicken is roasted slowly, often basted in its own juices, which gives it that rich, tender flavor. Once it's cooled and refrigerated, though, the moisture starts to escape — especially if it's not stored properly. When you try to reheat it using the wrong method, you risk drying it out even more.

Think about it: chicken skin that used to be crispy now feels rubbery. The white meat becomes dry and chalky. The dark meat, which is usually juicy, turns rubbery and tough. That’s the problem with most reheating methods — they don’t mimic the slow, even heat of the rotisserie. Instead, they blast the chicken with heat, pulling out the moisture and leaving you with something less than satisfying.

So, how do you avoid that? It comes down to choosing the right method and applying a few smart techniques. Let's take a look at the best ways to reheat rotisserie chicken without sacrificing flavor or texture.

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Best Methods to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken

There are a few common ways to reheat rotisserie chicken: oven, microwave, stovetop, or even a toaster oven. Each has its pros and cons, and which one you choose depends on time, equipment, and how many servings you're reheating.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• Oven: Best for even heating and keeping moisture in the chicken
• Microwave: Fastest method, but can easily dry things out if you're not careful
• Stovetop: Great for shredded chicken or if you're planning to add it to a dish like soup or stir-fry

Let’s dive into each method and see how you can get the best results every time.

Oven Method: Step-by-Step

Reheating rotisserie chicken in the oven is arguably the best way to preserve both flavor and texture. The slow, even heat helps warm the chicken without drying it out. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) – give it time to fully heat up before putting the chicken in.
2. Wrap the chicken in foil – this helps trap moisture and prevents it from getting too crispy or dry.
3. Place on a baking sheet – no need for a rack unless you want the skin to crisp up more. If you're worried about dryness, skip the rack.
4. Reheat for 15–20 minutes – or until the internal temperature reaches 130–140°F (54–60°C). You don’t want to overdo it — once it’s warmed through, take it out.
5. Let it rest for a few minutes – just like a freshly cooked chicken, letting it rest helps redistribute the juices.

Pro tip: Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the foil packet before sealing. That extra moisture will steam the chicken slightly, helping it stay juicy and tender.

Microwave Method (When You're in a Hurry)

If you're short on time, the microwave is your go-to option. It’s fast, but it can also dry out chicken if you're not careful. Here’s how to reheat rotisserie chicken in the microwave without turning it into a rubbery mess:

1. Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate – ideally one with a cover or a microwave-safe lid.
2. Drizzle with a bit of chicken broth or water – this helps keep the moisture in during reheating.
3. Cover the plate – covering it prevents moisture from escaping and helps the chicken steam instead of just drying out.
4. Microwave on medium power (50–70%) for 2 minutes – then flip the chicken and microwave for another 1–2 minutes, depending on size.
5. Let it sit for a minute – the chicken will continue to warm through as it rests.

If you're reheating just a few pieces, this method works great. But if you're warming up the whole bird, stick with the oven for better results.

Stovetop Option for Shredded Chicken

Let’s say you want to use leftover rotisserie chicken in a wrap, soup, or stir-fry. In that case, reheating it on the stovetop might be the way to go. Here’s how to do it:

1. Shred the chicken – using two forks or your hands if it’s already cooled enough.
2. Heat a skillet or pan on medium-low heat – add a splash of oil, butter, or broth.
3. Add the chicken – stir occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning.
4. Reheat for 3–4 minutes – until warm and slightly sizzling.

This method works especially well if you're planning to add spices, sauces, or other ingredients to the chicken. It gives you the chance to infuse more flavor as it reheats.

How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Properly

Before you even think about reheating, it’s important to store the chicken correctly. If you leave it out too long or refrigerate it improperly, the quality drops fast.

Here’s how to store it right:

• Refrigerate within two hours – bacteria can start to grow if the chicken sits out too long.
• Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil – this keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days – after that, it’s best to freeze it.
• To freeze – wrap well in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 4 months.

When you’re ready to reheat frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight first. Then follow the reheating methods above for best results.

FAQ Section

Can I reheat rotisserie chicken more than once?

Technically, you can reheat chicken multiple times as long as you're reheating it to a safe internal temperature each time. That said, the more you reheat it, the drier and less flavorful it becomes. So, it’s best to reheat only what you plan to eat.

Is it safe to reheat rotisserie chicken in the microwave?

Yes, it’s safe to reheat chicken in the microwave. Just make sure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) and use a bit of moisture to prevent it from drying out.

How do I keep the skin crispy when reheating chicken?

If you're a fan of crispy skin, skip the foil when reheating in the oven. Instead, place the chicken directly on a rack and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes. This method helps crisp the skin while warming the meat underneath.

If you're looking for more food storage and reheating tips, you can check out this guide on safe food storage from Food Network.

For more kitchen hacks and recipe ideas, be sure to explore our rotisserie chicken recipe collection. You’ll find creative ways to use your leftovers and never waste a bite.

And if you're just starting out with meal prep, don't forget to check out our beginner’s guide to meal prep — it’s packed with tips to help you save time and eat better every day.