The Ultimate Guide: How to Reheat Fried Chicken in the Microwave
Introduction
We’ve all been there – you have some leftover fried chicken sitting in your refrigerator, and you’re craving its crispy goodness once again. But how do you reheat it properly without sacrificing its scrumptious taste and texture? Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of reheating fried chicken using a microwave.
Gather Your Tools
Before we dive into the reheating process, make sure you have everything you need:
– A microwave-safe plate
– Paper towels or napkins
– Aluminum foil (optional)
– Cooking oil spray (optional)
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by removing your fried chicken from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare other things. This allows the chicken to come closer to room temperature, ensuring more even reheating.
Step 2: Preparing the Plate
Take a microwave-safe plate and place a layer of paper towels or napkins on top. These absorbent materials help prevent moisture build-up during reheating, keeping your fried chicken crispy.
If desired, lightly coat another sheet of paper towel with cooking oil spray and cover the bottom side of each piece of chicken with it before placing them on top of the first layer. This additional step helps retain moisture and enhance flavor further.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken Pieces Strategically
Place your beloved pieces of fried chicken on top of the prepared plate in a single layer without overlapping them. By arranging them strategically apart from each other, they will heat more evenly throughout.
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For extra protection against dryness during microwaving, consider covering the plate with a loose layer of aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture, resulting in moist and succulent reheated chicken.
Step 4: Microwave Time
It’s time to let the microwave work its magic! Set the power level to medium-low or around 30-40% to prevent overheating and overly crispy results. Start by microwaving your fried chicken for about 2 minutes.
Afterward, carefully flip each piece over using tongs or a fork for even heating. Microwave for another 1-2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) – ensuring it’s safe to eat while maintaining great taste.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once done, remove the plate from the microwave (remember, it’ll be hot!) and allow your freshly reheated fried chicken pieces to rest for a minute or two before indulging.
Before serving, check that each piece is heated through evenly by cutting into one larger piece and inspecting its internal temperature. If necessary, return any undercooked areas back into the microwave briefly until fully cooked.
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For those who prefer an extra crunch on their reheated fried chicken skin, consider placing it under a preheated broiler for just a few moments after microwaving. But keep an eye on it – burnt skin can happen quickly!
Conclusion
Reheating fried chicken in the microwave may seem like a daunting task initially but following these simple steps will ensure you achieve perfectly crispy yet juicy results every time! By taking care with preparation and timing adjustments as needed, you can savor that delightful flavor combination without compromising convenience or quality. Enjoy your warm and delicious revived favorite – happy eating!