How to Reheat a Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven Perfectly

Reheating a rotisserie chicken in the oven is one of the best ways to enjoy juicy and flavorful leftovers. Whether you picked up a whole chicken for a quick dinner or have some saved from a party, warming it up properly ensures it stays tender and delicious.

Using the oven helps maintain the crispy skin and evenly heats the meat without drying it out. With just a few simple steps, you can bring your rotisserie chicken back to life and savor every bite like it’s freshly cooked.

In this guide, you’ll learn the easy techniques to reheat your chicken perfectly every time. No more soggy or overcooked leftovers—just mouthwatering chicken ready to enjoy.

Why Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven?

Reheating rotisserie chicken in the oven preserves its original texture and flavor better than other methods. The dry heat evenly warms the chicken, preventing sogginess that microwaves often cause. You retain crispy skin, a key feature of rotisserie chicken, by using moderate oven temperatures. The oven method locks in juices, so the meat stays moist and tender throughout. If you want consistent results without overcooking, reheating in the oven offers precise temperature control. Using this technique, your leftover chicken tastes close to freshly roasted, making it a reliable choice for quality and convenience.

Preparing the Chicken for Reheating

Proper preparation of your rotisserie chicken enhances reheating results, ensuring even warmth and retained juiciness.

Removing Packaging and Trimming

Start by taking off any plastic wrap, bags, or containers. Discard excess juices to avoid sogginess. Trim off parts like skin or bones if you prefer, but leaving the skin on helps preserve moisture and crispiness when reheated.

Bringing the Chicken to Room Temperature

Allow your chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before reheating. This step promotes uniform heating and reduces cooking time, preventing dry spots or overcooked areas during oven warming.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating in the Oven

Follow these detailed steps to reheat your rotisserie chicken evenly while preserving its juiciness and crispy skin.

Preheating the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures consistent heat, which prevents uneven cooking and keeps the chicken moist.

Wrapping the Chicken for Moisture Retention

Wrap the chicken loosely in aluminum foil. This retains moisture without trapping steam that makes the skin soggy. Leave a small vent for air circulation to maintain crispiness.

Reheating Time and Temperature

Place the wrapped chicken on a baking sheet in the preheated oven. Heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure safety and optimal texture. Adjust time slightly for larger or smaller portions.

Tips for Keeping the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety without overcooking. Baste the chicken with its own juices or a small amount of olive oil before wrapping it in foil to seal in moisture. Avoid reheating at temperatures above 350°F (175°C), as higher heat can dry out the meat quickly. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after reheating, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance flavor. Keep the skin on during reheating to lock in moisture, removing it only after warming if preferred. Reheat individual portions faster by slicing the chicken first, preventing overexposure to heat and preserving tenderness.

Alternative Methods to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken

You can use these alternative reheating methods when the oven is not available or when you need faster results.

• Microwave reheating: Place sliced or shredded chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, flipping or stirring in between. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid reheating whole pieces to prevent uneven heating and rubbery texture.
• Stovetop reheating: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Place shredded or cut chicken in the skillet, cover with a lid, and warm for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check that the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use this method for crisping skin by removing the lid near the end.
• Instant Pot or pressure cooker reheating: Add ½ cup of water or chicken broth to the pot. Place the chicken on a trivet or in a steamer basket to avoid direct contact with liquid. Use the “Steam” or “Manual” mode for 5 minutes at high pressure. Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes before serving. This method prevents drying and retains juiciness.
• Air fryer reheating: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place individual pieces in the basket without overcrowding. Heat for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use this method to achieve crispy skin quickly while preserving moisture inside. Check temperature with a meat thermometer.

Each alternative method works best for different portion sizes and time constraints, offering options beyond oven reheating while maintaining optimal flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Reheating your rotisserie chicken in the oven gives you the best chance to enjoy juicy meat with crispy skin every time. By controlling the temperature and using simple prep steps, you avoid drying out your leftovers and keep the flavors intact.

With the right technique, your reheated chicken will taste almost as good as when it was freshly cooked, making your mealtime both satisfying and convenient. Whether you’re reheating a whole bird or just a few pieces, the oven method ensures consistent results you’ll appreciate.