Reheating leftover barbecue chicken in the oven is a great way to revive it to nearly fresh-out-of-the-smoker quality. With a few simple steps, you can make those leftovers taste like you just picked them up from the barbecue joint.
Benefits of Reheating BBQ Chicken in the Oven
Reheating barbecue chicken in the oven has several advantages over using the microwave:
- Preserves texture – The oven allows the chicken skin to get crispy again without over-drying the meat. Microwaves often make chicken rubbery.
- Enhances flavor – Heating the chicken evenly in the oven warms up the spices and sauce, allowing the flavors to blend again.
- Avoids sogginess – Microwaves add moisture and make the skin soggy. The dry heat of the oven crisps up the skin.
- Easy to make a whole meal – You can easily reheat other sides in the oven at the same time.
How to Reheat BBQ Chicken Pieces in the Oven
Reheating bone-in barbecue chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, legs, or wings in the oven is simple:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This relatively low temperature will gently reheat the chicken without drying it out.
2. Place Chicken Pieces on a Baking Sheet
Take your leftover chicken pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
Leave a little space around each piece to allow the heat to circulate.
3. Bake Until Heated Through
Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. The thicker the chicken pieces, the longer they may need.
Chicken breasts may only need 15 minutes, while chicken quarters may need closer to 20 minutes.
4. Increase Heat for Crispy Skin
If you want crisper skin, turn the oven up to 400°F and bake for 5 minutes more to crisp up the skin.
5. Add BBQ Sauce
During the last 2-3 minutes of baking, you can brush some leftover barbecue sauce over the chicken. This glazes the skin for extra flavor.
6. Allow to Rest Before Serving
Once heated through, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
And your barbecue chicken is ready to serve and enjoy again! The oven heating gives it new life.
How to Reheat Pulled or Shredded BBQ Chicken in the Oven
For leftover pulled or shredded barbecue chicken, follow these simple steps:
1. Place Chicken in Oven-Safe Dish
Take your shredded barbecue chicken and place it in an oven-safe baking dish. An 8×8 or 9×9 inch glass baking dish works well.
2. Add Extra Sauce
Mix in a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce to add moisture and flavor.
3. Cover and Bake at 325°F
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
4. Uncover and Bake 5 More Minutes
Remove foil and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes to slightly crisp the edges of the chicken.
5. Toss and Serve
Take the baking dish out, toss the shredded chicken to redistribute sauce, and you’re ready to serve!
The low and slow reheating lets the shredded meat reabsorb moisture. Tossing at the end ensures everything is coated with sauce.
Common Questions About Reheating BBQ Chicken in the Oven
What temperature should I reheat barbecue chicken at?
350°F is ideal for bone-in pieces – This allows the chicken to heat gradually without drying out. You can increase to 400°F at the end for crisper skin.
325°F for shredded chicken – The lower temp lets the shredded meat rehydrate and absorb sauce flavor.
Should I add more barbecue sauce before reheating?
For bone-in chicken, brushing a little extra sauce on during the last few minutes can enhance flavor and promote browning.
For shredded chicken, mixing a few tablespoons of sauce in before baking helps keep it moist and saucy.
Does covering with foil help?
Yes, cover shredded chicken – Covering traps in steam to rehydrate shredded meat. Uncover at the end for texture.
No, uncovered is best for bone-in – Leaving it uncovered allows the skin to crisp back up.
Can I reheat chicken straight from the fridge?
Yes, you can reheat refrigerated barbecue chicken straight from the fridge – no need to bring it to room temp first. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to account for it starting cold.
How long does reheated chicken last?
Reheated barbecue chicken should be eaten within 3-4 days and stored in the fridge. Reheating once is fine, but the quality declines after multiple reheatings.
Get the Most from Your Leftover BBQ Chicken
Reheating barbecue chicken in the oven lets you enjoy your leftovers almost like they just came off the grill. With the right technique, you can revive the texture and flavor of the meat, skin, and sauce.
Next time you have leftover barbecue chicken, skip the microwave. Use your oven and these tips to reheat it properly and make it taste freshly barbecued again.