If you’ve bought a delicious rotisserie chicken from the store but it has gone cold, don’t worry – you can easily warm it up in the oven to regain its juicy and flavorful taste! While you could use a microwave for a quick fix, using the oven ensures that the chicken will be heated evenly and retain its crispy skin. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a piping hot rotisserie chicken ready to serve.
To warm up a rotisserie chicken in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, remove any packaging or stuffing from the chicken and place it in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. To prevent the chicken from drying out, you can drizzle some chicken broth or water over it and cover the dish loosely with foil.
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and let it warm up for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. To ensure that the chicken is fully heated, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Once the chicken is heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
When serving, you can consider adding some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon over the chicken to enhance its flavors. You can also pair it with your favorite sides or use the warmed-up rotisserie chicken in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. Enjoy the succulent and perfectly heated rotisserie chicken!
Preparing a Rotisserie Chicken for the Oven
Rotisserie chickens are a convenient and delicious option for a quick meal. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken that you want to warm up in the oven, here are a few steps to ensure that it stays moist and flavorful:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the rotisserie chicken from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- If desired, brush the chicken with a little olive oil or melted butter to enhance its flavor and to help it retain moisture.
- Cover the pan or dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Following these simple steps will result in a perfectly warmed up rotisserie chicken that is juicy and ready to enjoy. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Remove the Chicken from the Packaging
Before you can start warming up your rotisserie chicken in the oven, you need to remove it from the packaging. Make sure to handle the chicken with clean hands and utensils to maintain proper hygiene.
First, carefully take the rotisserie chicken out of its packaging. Be cautious of any juices that may have accumulated in the bottom of the container. It’s a good idea to have a plate or tray ready to transfer the chicken onto.
Inspect the chicken to ensure it is still fresh and hasn’t developed any unusual odors or discoloration. If there are any concerns about the quality or safety of the chicken, it’s best to discard it and not consume it.
Once you have checked the chicken and determined it is safe to eat, place it on a clean plate or tray. This will make it easier to handle and prepare for warming up in the oven.
Remember to always follow proper food handling and safety guidelines when dealing with rotisserie chicken or any perishable food items. This will help prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure a delicious and safe meal.
Preheat the Oven to the Right Temperature
Before warming up the rotisserie chicken, it’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This ensures that the chicken heats up evenly and retains its moisture.
The ideal temperature for reheating rotisserie chicken in the oven is 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven to this temperature will help prevent the chicken from drying out while also ensuring that it reaches a safe internal temperature.
To preheat the oven, simply turn the dial or press the buttons to set the temperature. Once it reaches the desired temperature, give it a couple of minutes to stabilize before placing the rotisserie chicken inside.
It’s essential not to set the oven temperature too high, as this can lead to the chicken becoming overly dry and potentially burnt. On the other hand, setting the temperature too low will not adequately warm up the chicken, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
By preheating the oven to the appropriate temperature, you can ensure that your rotisserie chicken is heated through without compromising its taste or texture.
Place the Chicken on a Baking Tray
Before heating up your rotisserie chicken, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by placing the chicken on a baking tray. Make sure the tray is large enough to accommodate the entire chicken without overcrowding it. Additionally, lining the tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper can make clean-up easier.
If the chicken came with any extra juices or drippings, be sure to pour them onto the baking tray as well. These juices will help keep the chicken moist during the reheating process.
Position the chicken with the breast side up on the baking tray. This will help the breasts retain their moisture while they are being warmed up in the oven.
Once the chicken is placed on the tray, you can move on to the next step of reheating it in the oven.

Heat the Chicken in the Oven
When it comes to reheating a rotisserie chicken, the oven is one of the best options. It helps to maintain the juiciness of the meat while giving it a nice crispy skin. Follow these steps to heat your rotisserie chicken in the oven:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the chicken to heat through evenly without drying out.
Prepare the Chicken
Take the rotisserie chicken out of its packaging and remove any additional pieces or string if necessary. Place the chicken on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. If desired, you can brush the chicken with a little bit of olive oil to help crisp up the skin.
Pro tip: If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken, you can season it with herbs, spices, or your favorite rub before placing it in the oven.
Reheat in the Oven
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and allow it to heat through for about 25-30 minutes. To ensure that the chicken is heated evenly, you can rotate the dish or baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
Note: The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remember to always discard any leftover reheated chicken after 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.
FAQ
What is the best way to warm up a rotisserie chicken in the oven?
The best way to warm up a rotisserie chicken in the oven is to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and then place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and bake it in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through.
Can I warm up a rotisserie chicken in the oven without drying it out?
Absolutely! To avoid drying out a rotisserie chicken when warming it up in the oven, you can follow a few tips. First, make sure to cover the chicken loosely with foil before baking it. This will help to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Additionally, you can drizzle a little bit of chicken broth or water over the chicken before baking to add extra moisture. Finally, avoid overcooking the chicken by keeping a close eye on it and removing it from the oven as soon as it is heated through.