How to Reheat Chicken Pot Pie: A Comprehensive Guide
Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. With its flaky crust and creamy chicken and vegetable filling, it’s no wonder it’s a go-to meal for many. However, reheating chicken pot pie can be a challenge, as it often results in a soggy mess with a loss of the crust’s flaky texture. In this article, we will explore several methods for reheating chicken pot pie to perfection, whether you have leftovers or a frozen pie from the store.
Ways to Reheat Chicken Pot Pie
When it comes to reheating chicken pot pie, there are several methods you can try. Each method has its pros and cons, but rest assured that you can achieve a steaming hot, ready-to-eat chicken pot pie with any of these techniques. The most common ways to reheat chicken pot pie include using a conventional oven, an air fryer, the stove, or the microwave.
Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in the Oven
Reheating chicken pot pie in the oven is widely considered the best method. It may be more time-consuming, but it ensures that your cold pie tastes just as delicious as when it was freshly baked, with a crisp crust and piping hot filling. Follow these step-by-step instructions to reheat chicken pot pie in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Cover the thin edges of the pie with aluminum foil to prevent overheating and burning.
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, checking every 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pie. It should be at least 165°F.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in the Air Fryer
An air fryer can also be an effective way to reheat cold or frozen chicken pot pie. Follow these steps to reheat chicken pot pie in an air fryer:
- Preheat the fryer to 360°F.
- Cut a slice or small piece of the pie and place in the basket of the fryer.
- Allow to reheat for 4-8 minutes, depending on desired temperature.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Reheating Chicken Pot Pie on the Stove
If you’re short on time or don’t want to use the oven, you can reheat chicken pot pie on the stove. This method works best for smaller pies or larger pies cut into smaller portions. Follow these steps to reheat chicken pot pie on the stovetop:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Cut the chicken pot pie into portions and place one at a time in the pan.
- Heat each piece for about 4-5 minutes before flipping to heat the other side.
- Once heated through, remove from the heat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in the Microwave
While the microwave is the quickest method of reheating chicken pot pie, it is not recommended because it can result in a soggy pie with altered flavor and texture. However, if you must use this method, follow these steps:
- Cut the chicken pot pie into smaller portions and place on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the plate with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Microwave the pie on the lowest power setting for 1-2 minutes.
- Check to see if the filling is heated to your liking. If not, microwave an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
The best way to reheat chicken pot pie
Of all the methods discussed, using a conventional oven is considered the best way to reheat chicken pot pie. The dry heat of the oven helps maintain the moisture in the pie and results in a fluffy crust without overcooking. Low heat reheating is essential to ensure thorough heating without burning the crust.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to watch the pie closely to avoid burning, especially the edges. The edges are farthest from the moist parts of the pie, which generate steam and help keep the center tender.
Additional questions
In addition to reheating methods, you may have other questions about chicken pot pie. Here are some frequently asked questions:
How long does chicken pot pie keep in the refrigerator?
Chicken pot pie will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To prevent spoilage, cover with foil or place in an airtight container before refrigerating.
Can you freeze chicken pot pie?
Yes, Chicken Pot Pie can be frozen for later consumption. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It is recommended to consume the frozen pie within 2-3 months for the best quality.
How do I thaw frozen chicken pot pie?
To thaw a frozen chicken pot pie, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above to enjoy a delicious, warm pie.
Can I reheat individual slices of chicken pot pie?
Absolutely! If you have individual slices of Chicken Pot Pie, you can reheat them using any of the methods above. Adjust the reheating time accordingly, depending on the size of the slice.
Conclusion
Reheating chicken pot pie can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right methods, you can enjoy a warm and delicious meal without compromising its texture and flavor. Whether you choose to reheat in the oven, air fryer, stove or microwave, following the proper instructions and closely monitoring the pie will ensure the best results. Remember to handle leftovers and frozen pies safely, and enjoy the comfort of a reheated chicken pot pie whenever the craving strikes.
FAQS
How long does chicken pot pie keep in the refrigerator?
Chicken Pot Pie will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To prevent spoilage, cover with foil or place in an airtight container before refrigerating.
Can you freeze Chicken Pot Pie?
Yes, Chicken Pot Pie can be frozen for later consumption. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It is recommended to consume the frozen pie within 2-3 months for the best quality.
How do I thaw frozen chicken pot pie?
To thaw a frozen Chicken Pot Pie, remove it from the freezer and place in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above to enjoy a delicious, warm pie.
Can I reheat individual slices of chicken pot pie?
Absolutely! If you have individual slices of chicken pot pie, you can reheat them using any of the methods mentioned in the article. Adjust the reheating time accordingly, depending on the size of the slice.
What is the best way to reheat chicken pot pie?
Of all the methods discussed in the article, using a conventional oven is considered the best way to reheat chicken pot pie. The dry heat of the oven helps maintain the moisture in the pie and results in a fluffy crust without overcooking. Low heat reheating is essential to ensure thorough heating without burning the crust.
Can I reheat chicken pot pie in the microwave?
While the microwave is the quickest method of reheating chicken pot pie, it is not recommended because it can result in a soggy pie with altered flavor and texture. However, if you choose to use this method, follow the instructions in the article and keep in mind that the results may not be as optimal as using other reheating methods.