You can reheat sesame chicken in multiple ways. Start by taking your frozen meal out of the fridge and checking the signs of bad chicken taste. Any funny smell or taste, get rid of the chicken. If it is in a good state, check the availability of the gadget you want to use and choose the method convenient to you.
When storing and reheating your sesame chicken, keep it and the sauce separate. Only sauce the chicken that you will eat right away. You can reheat the dry chicken using any of the methods below.
Microwave
A microwave is convenient to use when reheating sesame chicken. You can microwave your chicken with any rice or noodles in the same bowl. Covering the bowl with plastic wrap locks in moisture and helps the chicken stay juicy.
The microwave is ideal for use when in a real hurry. The food might be rubbery, and the texture may change slightly. Failure to follow instructions leaves you with a soggy coating.
Steps
- Place your sesame chicken in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pierce a few holes in it to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave your chicken in 30-second intervals. Let the chicken rest for 10 seconds in each break.
- Once hot, remove it from the microwave.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a minute before serving. The sauce will be hot.
Air fryer
An air fryer gives you a crunchy chicken. Spread your leftovers out as much as possible in the fryer basket for even heating. Sometimes you may have to warm it in batches.
An air fryer is best for crispy chicken, but that will be at the expense of the sauciness of the dish. Overcrowding the chicken will not give you crispy chicken. The air fryer heat can be drying, so if you have any extra sauce, this will keep the chicken sticky.
Cooking the sesame chicken from frozen gives you better results.
Steps
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place your leftover sesame chicken into the fryer basket.
- Heat it for 4-5 minutes.
- Serve once your chicken is hot and crispy
Skillet
A skillet is a fast way to reheat chicken for crispy results. Add a bit of water to the pan with chicken to help moisten the sauce. If the skillet is too full, the chicken will steam instead of fry, making the batter soggy.
You can add extra flavorings like more sesame oil or some spring onions with ease. The only downside is washing the pan, but the speed and convenience of the method are worth it. It is so easy to overcook the chicken that you need to be careful.
Steps
- Lightly oil a skillet.
- Heat the skillet over high heat on your stove.
- Once the oil is sizzling, add your sesame chicken.
- Toss it as it warms up, around 4-5 minutes.
- Once hot, serve.
Rice cooker
It is a versatile kitchen appliance. There is no need for a kitchen thermometer or preheat process as you do not control the temperature. The slow heating settings offer a selection to rewarm the dish and preserve the flavor. Rice cookers have a warming feature that keeps food heated without adding more water (ehow.co.uk).
Steps
- Open the rice cooker lid.
- Put your leftover sesame chicken inside and close the lid.
- Turn on cook mode.
- As it starts boiling, switch to keep warm mode.
- Take it out and enjoy.
Best method
Oven
An oven is a bit slow but convenient to use. As much as you want your chicken crispy, watch the sauce to avoid burning. The foil makes sure the chicken stays moist, but it has to be towards the end, or you will have a soggy batter.
When using the oven, take safety precautions. These involve washing hands and utensils in hot water and using a food thermometer to ensure proper temperatures before serving. Start at a low temperature and increase the heat.
Remember that chicken dries out quickly if you are not careful. Start by placing the chicken in an oven-safe pan and drizzling it with olive oil to help prevent sticking. The oil gives it some extra flavor. While reheating food in an oven is more time-consuming, it allows food to be heated simultaneously (Kitchensnitches).
Steps
- Your oven is 350°F.
- Spread out your chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
- Cover the chicken with foil.
- Heat the sesame chicken for 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes for a crunchy finish.
- Once hot, remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Storage
Cool the sesame chicken to room temperature before refrigerating it in an airtight container. The sesame chicken will last for four days. Keep the chicken and the sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy. Cooling the chicken before you store it stops too much condensation.
For best results, spread the chicken pieces out while cooling them to prevent the bits of chicken at the bottom of your dish from getting too mushy. Keep any extra sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge. Do not store the chicken in its takeaway container because they are not always airtight.
Safe Temperatures
The temperature to heat your Sesame chicken is 350°F (180°C).
FAQs
Can you freeze sesame chicken?
Yes, you can freeze sesame chicken. However, it will lose some of its crunchiness, and the meat will be a bit drier than with fresh sesame chicken. Sesame chicken lasts for 3-4 months in the freezer in an airtight container.
How to reheat frozen sesame chicken?
Thaw your frozen sesame chicken in the fridge overnight or defrost it in the microwave on the lowest heat setting. Once the chicken has thawed through, reheat it in a 350°F (180°C) oven or air fryer. Add extra sauce for a moist dish.
How do you reheat honey Sesame chicken?
Honey Sesame chicken has a lot of sauce, and you cannot reheat it in the microwave without some liquid drying up and becoming hard on the chicken due to the microwave’s heat. You can reheat on the stovetop with a bit of water or stock for better results.
Is it safe to eat a three-day-old Sesame dish?
Yes, cooked meat is safe to eat after 3 to 4 days of proper storage. It depends on your storage method. Check the flavor, texture, and smell before reheating because refrigerators are not similar.