The Ultimate Guide: How to Reheat Korean Fried Chicken
Introduction
Korean fried chicken (KFC) has gained significant popularity in recent years, with its crispy and flavorful coating paired with tender meat. If you have leftovers or want to enjoy KFC at a later time, reheating it properly is essential to maintain its deliciousness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to revive your leftover Korean fried chicken perfectly.
Gather Your Supplies
Before starting the reheating process, gather these supplies:
- A microwave or an oven
- A baking sheet (if using an oven)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (if using an oven)
- Tongs for handling the chicken pieces
Reheating in the Microwave
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pieces
If your KFC is refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before reheating. Take out the desired amount of chicken from the fridge and let it sit for around 20 minutes.
Step 2: Arrange on a Microwave-Safe Dish
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Avoid overcrowding as this may result in uneven heating.
Step 3: Cover with Damp Paper Towels or Microwave-Safe Lid/Wrap
To prevent your KFC from drying out during microwaving, cover it with damp paper towels or use a microwave-safe lid/wrap that allows steam escape while retaining moisture.
Step 4: Heat Gradually and Check Internal Temperature
Set your microwave to medium power and start heating the chicken in short intervals, typically 1-2 minutes at a time. After each interval, check the internal temperature using a food thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Reheating in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the chicken pieces.
Step 2: Line Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
To minimize sticking and make cleaning easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken Pieces on Baking Sheet
Place the KFC on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece for even heat distribution.
Step 5: Reheat in Oven
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and portion size. Typically, reheating KFC takes around 15-20 minutes. However, it’s crucial to monitor the chicken closely starting from around the eight-minute mark to avoid overcooking or drying out.
Serving Suggestions for Enjoying Reheated Korean Fried Chicken
- Add extra flavor by brushing lightly with a glaze of soy sauce or gochujang sauce before reheating in either method listed above.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added pop of color and freshness after reheating.
- Serve alongside pickled radishes, kimchi coleslaw, or steamed rice to complete your delicious meal experience!
Conclusion
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to reheat Korean fried chicken to perfection, you can enjoy this finger-licking dish anytime without compromising its taste and texture. Whether you choose the microwave or oven method, following these steps will ensure your KFC is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Remember, reheating only goes so far. For ultimate satisfaction, aim to consume leftover Korean fried chicken within 1-2 days.