Can You Reheat Cooked Chicken Bought from the Supermarket?
Leftovers from supermarket-bought cooked chicken are always a welcome sight in many households. They provide us with a quick and easy meal without having to put in much effort. However, there is one question that keeps popping up – “Can you reheat cooked chicken bought from the supermarket?” The answer is yes, but with proper guidelines and precautions to avoid any health risks associated with improperly reheated chicken.
Reheating Cooked Chicken: The Basics
Cooked chicken found in supermarkets or grocery stores is typically prepared by professional chefs using industrial-grade equipment that recognizes safe cooking temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Once prepared, cooked chicken has a shelf-life of up to four days if stored correctly within the recommended temperature range of 40°F (4°C) or less.
It’s generally safe to eat leftover cooked chicken within two days after being refrigerated, but this may vary depending on individual storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity. For assurance and safety reasons, leftover cooked chicken should be reheated appropriately before consuming.
Tips for Storing Cooked Chicken
- Ensure the cooked chicken is cooled before storing it in an airtight container.
- Preferably store the cooked chicken at the bottom of the fridge to prevent any drippings onto other foods.
- Avoid storing cooked chicken near fresh vegetables or fruits because they may absorb the flavors of the meat.
Health Risks Associated with Improperly Reheated Cooked Chicken
Improperly reheated cooked chicken can lead to foodborne illness that may cause discomfort or serious health complications such as dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases, hospitalization.
Chicken is a protein-rich food that is vulnerable to bacterial growth when stored at room temperature. The bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses associated with improperly reheated cooked chicken include salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
Symptoms of Foodborne Illnesses Caused by Reheated Cooked Chicken
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dehydration
Guidelines for Reheating Cooked Chicken from the Supermarket
Reheating cooked chicken from the supermarket comes with specific guidelines that ensure it’s safe for consumption. The following are simple steps to follow when reheating your cooked chicken:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and place it in a shallow dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid if available.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or use a microwave to reheat your cooked chicken according to its wattage instructions.
- If using an oven, place the dish inside and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
- If using a microwave, set the timer to 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Check if your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by inserting a meat thermometer into its thickest part. If below this temperature, return the chicken back to the oven or microwave for further heating.
- Discard any uneaten portions immediately after serving.
Dos and Don’ts When Reheating Your Supermarket-Bought Cooked Chicken
- Do: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Do: Reheat in an oven or microwave, which ensures the chicken is evenly heated without drying out or overcooking.
- Do: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, maintaining a temperature range of 40°F (4°C) or less.
- Don’t: Reheat cooked chicken more than once because this increases the risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illnesses.
- Don’t: Leave your cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerate within this timeframe to preserve freshness and keep it safe for consumption.
Different Ways to Reheat Cooked Chicken from the Supermarket
The following are common methods used to reheat cooked chicken bought from the supermarket:
Oven
The oven is an ideal way to reheat large portions of chicken. Pre heat the oven to 350°F (180°C), place your chicken on a baking tray or a dish, cover it with foil and heat it up for about 20 minutes. Since heat penetrates slower through foil, we recommend taking off the cover during the last few minutes so that your chicken can brown and crisp up slightly in texture. Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Microwave
A microwave, being fast and convenient, comes in handy when reheating smaller portions of chicken. To reheat, put your chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it and heat it up for about one-two minutes on high heat as per the power output of your microwave. Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer
An air fryer can be useful when reheating crispy cooked chicken as it keeps it moist while ensuring that the crispiness is retained. Pre-heat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C), place chicken pieces in the basket, spray lightly with cooking oil spray, and heat for approximately ten minutes until heated through and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Best Practices For Reheating Cooked Chicken Bought From The Supermarket
Here are some best practices you can follow to ensure that your reheated cooked chicken lasts longer:
- Do not leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Only reheat leftover cooked chicken once to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
- If you have large portions of leftover chicken, divide them into smaller serving sizes to enable even heating during reheating.
- Reheat in smaller portions as required and discard any uneaten leftovers.
By following these best practices, you reduce the risk of harmful bacteria growing on your cooked chicken, ensuring safe consumption even after reheating.
The Difference Between Reheated And Freshly Cooked Chicken
There might be noticeable differences between freshly prepared and reheated cooked chicken. Generally speaking, freshly prepared meals taste better compared to heated ones because they’re prepared using fresh ingredients. One way of minimizing the difference is through proper storage and reheating techniques.
Cooked chicken that has been stored correctly should look, smell, and taste almost as good as freshly prepared chicken. Properly reheated cooked chicken should still be moist, soft, and juicy without any noticeable difference in texture from freshly cooked chicken.
Storing Leftover Cooked Chicken From The Supermarket
Storing leftover cooked chicken from the supermarket is the best way to ensure it maintains its freshness for future consumption. It’s highly recommended that you store it in an airtight container at a temperature range of 40°F (4°C) or less in a fridge. This will help prevent any drippings onto other foods while keeping your kitchen free of unwanted odors.
Cooked chicken can last between three to four days when stored in an airtight container within the appropriate temperature range. However, if it emits an unusual smell or has mold growth on it, then it’s time to dispose of it immediately.
What To Do With Any Leftovers
If you have leftover cooked chicken from the supermarket, it’s best not to waste it but instead transform them into delicious meals to enjoy later. Here are some ideas:
- Chicken salad: Cut up the cooked chicken into small pieces and toss it with vegetables and dressing for a delicious salad.
- Sandwiches: Pile cooked chicken on bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and any other vegetables you prefer
- Soups: Use your leftover cooked chicken as an ingredient when making homemade soups or stews.
- Pizza: Cut your leftover chicken into small pieces and use as topping.
Conclusion
Reheating cooked chicken bought from the supermarket is safe if done correctly. Follow the guidelines we’ve discussed above, ensure it’s adequately stored, and follow best practices to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with reheated food. If leftover cooked chicken sits in your fridge for more than four days, discard it immediately as it may have harmful bacteria that could lead to food-related illnesses.
By adhering to guidelines, following best practices, and being creative with any leftovers, you can continue enjoying the delicious flavors of supermarket-bought cooked chicken without any worry about foodborne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I safely reheat cooked chicken from the supermarket?
To safely reheat cooked chicken from the supermarket, make sure to use a thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a microwave, oven, or stove-top to reheat your chicken, but make sure to keep it covered to prevent moisture loss and reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
Can I reheat cooked chicken multiple times?
It’s not recommended to reheat cooked chicken multiple times since each reheating process reduces its quality and increases the risk of bacterial growth. It’s best to store your leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and consume it within 3-4 days.
Is it safe to eat cold cooked chicken from the supermarket?
Yes, it’s generally safe to eat cold cooked chicken as long as it has been refrigerated properly and consumed within 3-4 days after cooking. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage such as foul odor, slimy texture, or discoloration before eating.
What are some alternative ways I can use leftover cooked chicken from the supermarket?
You can use leftover cooked chicken from the supermarket in a variety of ways such as making sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, stir-fries, quesadillas, or casseroles. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and cuisines to transform your leftover cooked chicken into a delicious meal.
