The Best Way To Reheat Orange Chicken: Can You Do It Safely?

Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines the tangy flavor of oranges with tender and crispy chicken. But what if you have leftovers? Can you reheat orange chicken without compromising its taste and texture? The answer is yes, and this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to do it.

Methods for Reheating Orange Chicken

Microwave

• Pros: Quick and easy
• Cons: Can make the chicken soggy

1. Place the orange chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover the plate with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out.
3. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.

Oven

• Pros: Even heating, crispy skin
• Cons: Takes longer than other methods

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the orange chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crispy.

Skillet

• Pros: Quick and easy, crispy skin
• Cons: May require additional oil

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add a small amount of oil and place the orange chicken in the skillet.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the skin is crispy.

Tips for Reheating Orange Chicken

• Use a low-heat setting: Reheating orange chicken at a high temperature can burn the sauce and make the chicken tough.
• Cover the chicken: Covering the chicken while reheating helps prevent it from drying out.
• Reheat in small batches: Reheating large batches of orange chicken can lead to uneven heating.
• Add a bit of water or orange juice: If the sauce has thickened, add a small amount of water or orange juice to thin it out.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooking orange chicken can make it dry and tough.

How to Store Orange Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Orange Chicken from Frozen

• Microwave: Thaw the orange chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in the microwave as described above.
• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen orange chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and place the frozen orange chicken in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until heated through.

Avoiding Foodborne Illness

• Reheat orange chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C): This temperature kills harmful bacteria that may have grown during storage.
• Discard any leftover orange chicken that has been stored for more than 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheat orange chicken only once: Repeated reheating can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I reheat orange chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can reheat orange chicken in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Q: How can I prevent the sauce from splattering when reheating in a skillet?
A: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to prevent splattering.

Q: Can I reheat orange chicken in a toaster oven?
A: Yes, you can reheat orange chicken in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Q: How do I know if orange chicken has gone bad?
A: Signs of spoilage include an off smell, slimy texture, and mold growth.

Q: Can I freeze orange chicken with the sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze orange chicken with the sauce. However, the sauce may separate upon thawing, so you may need to reheat it and stir it well before serving.