What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to reheat orange chicken on the stove, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
- Place the orange chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it is heated through.
- To make your reheated orange chicken crispier, add a splash of water or orange juice to the skillet before adding the chicken.
Orange chicken, a beloved dish with its crispy exterior and tangy orange sauce, is often enjoyed as a takeout treat. But what happens when you have leftovers and want to savor the flavors again? Reheating orange chicken on the stove is the perfect solution to bring back its crispy texture and delicious taste. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to reheat orange chicken on the stove, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Leftover orange chicken
- Non-stick skillet or wok
- Vegetable oil (optional)
- Orange juice or water (optional)
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. If desired, add a drizzle of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Orange Juice or Water (Optional)
For a crispier result, you can add a splash of orange juice or water to the skillet. This will create steam, helping to re-crisp the chicken.
Step 4: Add the Orange Chicken
Once the skillet is hot, add the leftover orange chicken. Spread it out evenly in the pan.
Step 5: Cook and Stir
Cook the orange chicken, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until it is heated through. The chicken should become crispy and the sauce should be hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings (Optional)
If desired, you can adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add a pinch of salt or pepper, or a squeeze of fresh orange juice, as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the reheated orange chicken to a serving dish and enjoy it immediately. It will be crispy, flavorful, and just as delicious as when it was first made.
Tips for Perfect Reheated Orange Chicken
- Use a non-stick skillet: This will prevent the chicken from sticking and burning.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat: This will help to re-crisp the chicken.
- Cook the chicken in batches: If you have a lot of leftovers, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Stir the chicken frequently: This will ensure that it heats evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry.
- Serve immediately: Orange chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet.
Alternatives to Reheating on the Stove
If you don’t have access to a stove, there are other methods you can use to reheat orange chicken:
- Microwave: Place the orange chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it is heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the orange chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I reheat orange chicken from frozen?
A: Yes, you can reheat orange chicken from frozen. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. Then, follow the steps outlined above to reheat it on the stove.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil to reheat orange chicken?
A: Yes, you can use any type of oil that you have on hand. However, vegetable oil or canola oil are preferred because they have a neutral flavor and won’t overpower the taste of the orange chicken.
Q: How can I make my reheated orange chicken crispier?
A: To make your reheated orange chicken crispier, add a splash of water or orange juice to the skillet before adding the chicken. This will create steam, which will help to re-crisp the chicken.
