Smoked chicken can take a while to cook, so it makes sense to want to be able to enjoy leftovers. The key to reheating smoked meats is to prevent them from drying out during the warming process. There are a few tips and tricks to doing this, such as adding broth.
The best ways to reheat smoked chicken are to use the oven or the stovetop. These methods both ensure that the chicken heats up evenly. This decreases the likelihood that you’ll end up with dry and tough meat.
To reheat your leftover chicken in the oven, you’re going to want to break it down into smaller sections. This is beneficial because you won’t need to heat the chicken for a longer period.
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place your smoked chicken into an oven-safe dish.
3. Add a splash of water or ideally, broth, to prevent the chicken from drying out.
4. Bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through.
5. Remove the dish carefully and give the chicken a moment to cool before serving with your choice of sides.
The addition of a small amount of broth (or water) allows the chicken to retain moisture and tenderness. Nobody wants a dried-out piece of chicken after it’s been smoked to perfection.
If you don’t have time to preheat your oven, you can opt to use the stovetop. Ideally, you should use a heavy-bottomed skillet as this allows you more control over the heat. You don’t want to reheat the chicken on high, as this may burn the chicken.
1. Heat your cast-iron skillet with a small amount of neutral oil.
2. Add a splash of water or broth into the pan to keep the chicken moist.
3. Place your chicken into the pan and give it a few minutes to heat up.
4. Check a piece of the chicken to ensure it’s reheated. If not, continue heating for a couple more minutes.
5. Turn off the stove and carefully remove the chicken onto a plate before eating.
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This method takes less time than the oven and still gives great results. It’s important to keep an eye on the chicken as it won’t take long for it to overcook with this method.
How Long Does Smoked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
After you’ve smoked your chicken, you’re going to want to allow it to cool down completely before storing. Once it has cooled down, place it into a tightly sealed container to ensure it stays fresh.
You’ll want to consume your leftover smoked chicken within a few days for the best taste. After this point, the quality can begin to deteriorate. If you are afraid you won’t have time to eat it, you can always consider freezing it as well.
If you opt to freeze your chicken, you should wrap it tightly in plastic and foil to protect it from the cold. Always date your frozen foods, so you know when you should eat them.
When you go to reheat the frozen smoked chicken, you should allow it time to defrost in the fridge. If you proceed to cook frozen chicken without thawing it first, the texture can be unpleasant. After the chicken has thawed out, proceed to use the directions found above to reheat it.
Your smoked chicken should keep well for up to three months if it has been stored properly. After this point, the quality may decline a bit and it won’t be as tasty and moist. While you can eat thawed frozen cooked chicken, it’s recommended that you reheat it for the best experience.
In Conclusion
Smoked chicken is a delicious, time-consuming meal to make. However, the results can be worthwhile once you bite into a juicy and tender slice of meat. You can serve this chicken with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables or even mashed potatoes.
The two best ways to reheat smoked chicken are to use the oven or the stovetop. Both will result in a piece of chicken that stays moist and delicious. You should add a bit of broth to your chicken to ensure there’s no risk of it drying out.
