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How To Reheat Orange Chicken

How To Reheat Orange Chicken: Beginner’s Guide (Updated)

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

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Orange chicken is a popular dish enjoyed worldwide, consisting of fried chicken coated in a deliciously sweet and tangy orange sauce. Its irresistible taste and rich flavor are highly praised by many.

While it is best served fresh and hot, sometimes you may have leftovers that need to be reheated. So how do you reheat orange chicken?

Reheating orange chicken can be tricky, as you want to ensure that the chicken is heated through without overcooking it and that the sauce remains delicious and flavorful. 

We will review some simple and effective methods for reheating orange chicken so you can enjoy this tasty dish again without compromising its quality.

How To Reheat Orange Chicken In The Oven

Bowl of Orange Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Take your leftover orange chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Place your leftover orange chicken [1] on a baking sheet.
  4. Cover the baking sheet with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  5. Heat the chicken in the oven for 15-20 minutes until heated.
  6. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How To Reheat It In The Microwave

  1. Place your leftover orange chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying.
  3. Microwave the chicken on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the amount of chicken.
  4. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
  5. If the chicken is not heated, microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  6. Remove the chicken from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How To Reheat Orange Chicken On The Stove Top

Orange Chicken on a Pan
  1. Add a small amount of oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add your leftover orange chicken and sauce to the pan.
  3. Stir the chicken and sauce frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until it is heated through.
  5. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
  6. If the chicken is not heated through, continue to cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Read: Does Panda Express Have Beyond Orange Chicken?

How To Reheat It On The Grill

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Take your leftover orange chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Once the grill is hot, place your leftover orange chicken on the grill.
  4. Brush some extra sauce on the chicken while it’s on the grill to enhance its flavor.
  5. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until heated.
  6. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer [2] to ensure it has reached 165°F.
  7. If the chicken is not heated, cook it on each side for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

“I’m not a cooking person, so there’s not much in the fridge. On the rare occasion that I do cook, I make myself breakfast. Eggs are my go-to in the morning for some protein. Orange juice as well. You have to start your day with that.”

– Eugenie Bouchard, Canadian Tennis Player

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eCan you eat leftover orange chicken?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, you can eat leftover orange chicken if it has been stored correctly and reheated to the correct temperature. u003cbru003eu003cbru003ePlace leftover orange chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

u003cstrongu003eHow do you keep the orange chicken from getting soggy?u003c/strongu003e

To keep the orange chicken from getting soggy when reheating, use methods that maintain its crispy texture, such as using the oven, stovetop, grill, or air fryer.

u003cstrongu003eHow to thaw frozen orange chicken?u003c/strongu003e

The safest method to thaw frozen orange chicken is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis slow and steady process ensures that the chicken is thawed evenly and at a safe temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Final Thoughts

Reheating orange chicken is a great way to enjoy this flavorful and delicious dish, even if you have leftovers. 

Whether you choose to reheat it in the oven, microwave, stovetop, air fryer, or grill, it’s essential to ensure that the chicken is heated to the proper temperature of 165°F to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. 

Following the simple and effective methods outlined in this guide, you can enjoy your leftover orange chicken while maintaining its crispy texture and flavorful taste. 

Additionally, it’s essential to properly store and thaw frozen orange chicken to ensure its safety and quality. 

With these tips, you can enjoy the full flavor of your favorite orange chicken dish without having to worry about it losing its quality or texture.

References:

  1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/61024/asian-orange-chicken/
  2. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/thermometer/
Shari Mason

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