Can chicken pot pie be reheated? here’s the truth (and how to do it right)
What To Know
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to crisp up the crust.
- Store reheated chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To prevent a soggy crust, reheat the chicken pot pie in the oven with the crust side up.
Yes, chicken pot pie can be reheated safely and effectively. This beloved dish, with its creamy filling and flaky crust, can be enjoyed again and again with proper reheating techniques.
Why Reheat Chicken Pot Pie?
Reheating chicken pot pie provides several benefits:
- Convenience: Allows you to enjoy leftovers without starting from scratch.
- Time-saving: Heating leftovers is quicker than preparing a fresh meal.
- Reduce waste: Prevents food from going to waste and promotes sustainability.
Safe Reheating Methods
To ensure the safety and quality of reheated chicken pot pie, follow these methods:
Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken pot pie in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for 30-45 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through.
Microwave
- Place chicken pot pie in a microwave-safe container.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- Heat on high power for 2-3 minutes per serving, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Stovetop
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of water or broth to the skillet.
- Place chicken pot pie in the skillet and heat through, stirring occasionally.
- Cover the skillet to prevent splattering.
Reheating Tips
- Check for doneness: Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Reheat in small portions: Divide large portions into smaller containers for quicker and more even heating.
- Add moisture: If the filling becomes dry, add a splash of milk, broth, or gravy.
- Avoid overcooking: Overheating can dry out the filling and toughen the crust.
Reheating for Different Textures
Depending on your preference, you can reheat chicken pot pie to achieve different textures:
Crispy Crust
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to crisp up the crust.
- Brush with melted butter before reheating to enhance flavor.
Creamy Filling
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the filling from curdling.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.
Flaky Crust
- Reheat in the oven covered with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the crust.
- Serve immediately for the best flaky texture.
Storing Reheated Chicken Pot Pie
- Refrigerator: Store reheated chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze reheated chicken pot pie in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Can I reheat chicken pot pie from frozen?
Yes, you can reheat chicken pot pie from frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above.
Is it safe to reheat chicken pot pie multiple times?
It is not recommended to reheat chicken pot pie more than once. Multiple reheating can compromise its safety and quality.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy when reheating?
To prevent a soggy crust, reheat the chicken pot pie in the oven with the crust side up. Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to protect them from over-browning.
