TUCKING into a KFC takeaway is a treat enjoyed by many, but often our eyes are bigger than our stomachs and we order way too much.
Here’s our guide to reheating your leftover KFC chicken.
Reheating leftover KFC chicken is safe as long as you take a few simple precautions[/caption]
Can you reheat KFC?
It is good news because yes, you can reheat KFC.
If you realise that you have way too much chicken in your bucket, simply put it in a container and store it in your fridge.
As long as your takeaway is stored the right way, it is safe to reheat it the next day.
We do not advise reheating your KFC in the microwave though.
This is because the quality of the chicken coating will not remain the same — it will become soggy and soft, and the chicken might also turn rubbery.
But if you’re at work and a microwave is all that’s available, we still have some handy tips for you.
What is the best way to reheat KFC?
Ideally, you should reheat your KFC in the oven or air-fryer.
For the oven, place your chicken pieces on a baking tray covered in foil.
Dash some cooking oil over the chicken so that it does not stick to the foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at a temperature of about 180 degrees Celsius.
If you only have access to a microwave when reheating your KFC, put the chicken on a plate covered in kitchen roll, and also cover the chicken with it.
This is to absorb the moisture coming out of the chicken, meaning your leftovers will not be so soggy.
The time taken to reheat the chicken depends on how many pieces you have.
If you have one piece, it should take one-to-two minutes.
Whereas if you have two pieces, it should take three minutes — keep adding a minute for each extra piece you have.
For the air-fryer, place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook it for a brief four minutes.
At this point, your leftover fried chicken will come out warm and crispy.
According to The Spruce Eats, a minimum temperature of 160 degrees Celsius is required.
How many times can you reheat KFC?
KFC should be heated only once.
It is worth remembering that fast food is sometimes precooked, and a lot of time has passed since you ordered it.
It is best to reheat KFC just the once and within a day of purchasing.
Leaving it outside at room temperature — or even in the fridge for a long time — could lead to the growth of bacteria, which can result in food poisoning.
