The Best Ways to Reheat Orange Chicken Without Losing Flavor: Beginner’s Guide

Orange chicken is a favorite dish around the world. It features fried chicken covered in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Its irresistible taste and rich flavor are highly praised by many.

While it is best served fresh and hot, sometimes you may have leftover chickens that need to be reheated. So how do you reheat orange chicken?

Reheating orange chicken can be tricky. You want the chicken hot all the way through, but not overcooked. Also, keep the sauce tasty and flavorful. 

Let’s look at easy ways to reheat orange chicken. This way, you can savor this delicious dish again while keeping its quality intact.

Why Need to Reheat Orange Chicken Properly?

Reheating orange chicken properly is key to keeping its great flavor and texture. When done correctly, you can enjoy the same crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior as when it was freshly made. Proper reheating ensures the sauce stays rich and flavorful, while the chicken retains its crunch instead of turning soggy.

However, many people make common reheating mistakes that can ruin the dish. Microwaving orange chicken can cause problems. If not prepared right, some parts may stay cold. Meanwhile, other parts can turn rubbery. Overheating can also cause the sauce to separate or dry out, losing its signature tangy-sweet taste.

To avoid these pitfalls, consider these key tips:

• Use an oven or air fryer for even heating and crispiness.
• Add a splash of water or sauce to keep the dish moist.
• Reheat in small batches to maintain consistency.

You can enjoy your leftover orange chicken like it’s fresh from your favorite Chinese restaurant by using these methods.

How To Reheat Orange Chicken In The Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (ca. 177 °C).
2. Take your leftover orange chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Place your leftover orange chicken [1] on a baking sheet.
4. Cover the baking sheet with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
5. Heat the chicken in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated.
6. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat cooking thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (ca. 74 °C).
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Check out: Best Ways to Reheat Orange Chicken Without Losing Flavor

How To Reheat It In The Microwave

1. Place your leftover orange chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying.
3. Microwave the chicken on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the amount of chicken.
4. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (ca. 74 °C).
5. If the chicken is not heated, microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. Remove the chicken from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How To Reheat Orange Chicken On The Stove Top

1. Add a small amount of oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add your leftover orange chicken and sauce to the pan.
3. Stir the chicken and sauce frequently to prevent burning.
4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until it is heated through.
5. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (ca. 74 °C).
6. If the chicken is not heated through, continue to cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Read: Does Panda Express Have Beyond Orange Chicken?

How To Reheat It On The Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Let your leftover orange chicken sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to warm up.
3. Once the grill is hot, place your leftover orange chicken on it.
4. Brush some extra sauce on the chicken while it’s on the grill to enhance its flavor.
5. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until heated.
6. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer [2] to ensure it has reached 165°F.
7. If the chicken is not heated, cook it on each side for 1-2 minutes.
8. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

“I’m not a cooking person, so there’s not much in the fridge. On the rare occasion that I do cook, I make myself breakfast. Eggs are my go-to in the morning for some protein. Orange juice as well. You have to start your day with that.”

– Eugenie Bouchard, Canadian Tennis Player

FAQs on Reheating Orange Chicken

Final Thoughts

Reheating orange chicken is a great way to enjoy this flavorful and delicious dish, even if you have leftovers. 

Whether you choose to reheat chicken in the oven, microwave, stovetop, air fryer, or grill, it’s essential to ensure that the chicken is heated to the proper temperature of 165°F to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. 

By using the easy tips in this guide, you can savor your leftover orange chicken. This way, it stays crispy and tasty. 

Additionally, it’s essential to properly store and thaw frozen orange chicken to ensure its safety and quality. 

These tips help you enjoy the full flavor of your favorite orange chicken. You won’t have to worry about losing quality or texture.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/61024/asian-orange-chicken/
2. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/thermometer/