How to Reheat Chicken Shawarma: A Quick Guide

If you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you are probably familiar with chicken shawarma.

This popular dish is made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices and cooking it on a spit.

The result is a juicy and flavorful meat that can be served in a variety of ways.

However, if you have leftovers, you might be wondering how to reheat chicken shawarma without drying it out or losing its taste.

The good news is that reheating chicken shawarma is not difficult, and there are several methods you can use depending on your preferences and equipment.

In this article, we will guide you through the different ways to reheat chicken shawarma, from using an oven to a microwave or a stovetop.

We will also provide tips to ensure that your chicken shawarma tastes as good as new, whether you are having it as a sandwich, salad, or wrap.

How to Reheat in a Conventional Oven

If you have leftover chicken shawarma and want to reheat it in a conventional oven, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Take the chicken shawarma out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
3. Wrap the chicken shawarma in aluminum foil, making sure it is fully covered.
4. Place the wrapped chicken shawarma in the middle of your oven and let it reheat for 10-15 minutes.
5. After 10-15 minutes, remove the chicken shawarma from the oven and check the internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F to ensure it is fully reheated.
6. Unwrap the chicken shawarma and enjoy!

If you want to add some extra moisture to the chicken shawarma while reheating, you can place a small dish of water in the oven to create some steam. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out.

It’s important to note that reheating chicken shawarma in a conventional oven can take longer than other methods, but it is a great option if you want to reheat a larger quantity of chicken shawarma at once. Additionally, this method allows the chicken to heat evenly, resulting in a more consistent texture throughout.

Remember to always use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature before consuming.

How to Reheat in the Microwave

Reheating chicken shawarma in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy your leftovers. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by placing your chicken shawarma on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Make sure to space them out evenly so that they can heat up evenly.
2. Cover the plate or dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. This will help to trap the steam and keep the chicken moist as it reheats.
3. Set your microwave to medium heat and reheat the chicken for 1-2 minutes. The exact time will depend on the strength of your microwave and the amount of chicken you are reheating.
4. After the first minute, check the chicken to see if it’s heated through. If it’s not hot enough, continue reheating in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
5. Once the chicken is heated through, let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any hot spots.

When reheating chicken shawarma in the microwave, it’s important to keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out. If you notice that the chicken is starting to dry out, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to the plate before reheating. This will help to keep the chicken moist and juicy.

It’s also important to note that reheating chicken shawarma in the microwave may result in slightly soggy bread. If you want to avoid this, you can try reheating the chicken separately from the bread and then assembling it once it’s heated through.

How to Reheat Chicken Shawarma in a Skillet

Reheating chicken shawarma in a skillet is a quick and easy way to get your leftovers back to their original deliciousness. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start by heating up a skillet on medium heat. You want the skillet to be hot, but not so hot that it burns the chicken.
2. Cut the chicken shawarma into bite-sized pieces. This will help it heat up more evenly and quickly.
3. Place the chicken shawarma in the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that all sides of the chicken are heated evenly.
4. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can drizzle some olive oil or lemon juice over the chicken while it’s cooking. This will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Once the chicken is heated through, it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it on its own, or use it as a topping for a salad or sandwich.

When reheating chicken shawarma in a skillet, it’s important to keep an eye on it and stir it frequently. This will help to prevent it from burning or drying out. If you find that the chicken is getting too dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to help keep it moist.

How to Reheat by Searing

To reheat chicken shawarma by searing, you will need a frying pan and some oil. Here’s how to do it:

1. Take the chicken shawarma out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.
2. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken shawarma to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and crispy on the outside.
4. Use tongs to flip the chicken shawarma and cook the other side. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle some spices or herbs on the chicken while it’s cooking.
5. Once the chicken is heated through and crispy on both sides, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Reheating chicken shawarma by searing is a quick and easy way to get crispy, flavorful chicken without drying it out. This method works well for leftover chicken shawarma that has already been cooked, but it can also be used to cook raw chicken shawarma from scratch.

Just be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken if you’re not sure.

How to Reheat in an Air Fryer

Reheating chicken shawarma in an air fryer is an excellent way to bring back its crispy texture and juicy flavor. Follow these simple steps to reheat your chicken shawarma in an air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place your chicken shawarma in the air fryer basket.
3. Reheat for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken shawarma.
4. Flip the chicken shawarma halfway through to ensure even heating.
5. Check the internal temperature of the chicken shawarma with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F to be safe to eat.

Here are a few tips to get the best results when reheating chicken shawarma in an air fryer:

• If your chicken shawarma is cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating it. This will help it cook more evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between the chicken shawarma pieces to allow for proper air circulation.
• For extra crispy skin, you can spray the chicken shawarma with a light coat of cooking spray before reheating it.
• If you have leftover sauce or toppings, you can add them to the chicken shawarma after reheating it.

How to Reheat Using a Toaster Oven

If you have a toaster oven, it can be a great tool for reheating your chicken shawarma. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F.
2. Wrap your chicken shawarma in aluminum foil. This will help keep it moist while it reheats.
3. Place the wrapped chicken shawarma in the toaster oven.
4. Reheat for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
5. Check the temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached at least 165°F.
6. Once the chicken is fully reheated, remove it from the toaster oven and let it cool for a few minutes before unwrapping it and enjoying.

Using a toaster oven is a great option for reheating chicken shawarma because it allows you to control the temperature and ensure the chicken is heated evenly. Plus, wrapping the chicken in foil helps keep it moist and prevents it from drying out.

Just be sure to keep an eye on the chicken as it reheats, as toaster ovens can vary in temperature and cooking times. And always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature before eating.

How to Reheat in a Broiler

If you want to reheat your chicken shawarma quickly and get that crispy texture back, using a broiler is a great option. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Take the chicken shawarma out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
3. Place the chicken shawarma on a broiler-safe pan or baking sheet.
4. Put the pan with the chicken shawarma on the top rack of the oven, about 6 inches from the broiler.
5. Broil the chicken shawarma for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s heated through and crispy on the outside.
6. Take the pan out of the oven and let the chicken shawarma rest for a minute or two before serving.

Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken shawarma while it’s broiling, as it can go from crispy to burnt quickly under the broiler. You can also use this method to reheat other types of food, such as leftover steak or vegetables.

How to Reheat in a Slow Cooker

To reheat chicken shawarma in a slow cooker, you will need to follow a few simple steps. This method is especially useful if you have a large amount of chicken shawarma to reheat, or if you want to keep the chicken warm for an extended period of time. Here’s how to do it:

1. First, make sure your slow cooker is clean and in good working condition. If it’s been a while since you’ve used it, give it a quick wash with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
2. Place the chicken shawarma in the slow cooker, making sure to spread it out evenly. If you have a lot of chicken, you may need to layer it.
3. Add a small amount of liquid to the slow cooker. This can be water, chicken broth, or even leftover marinade from the chicken shawarma. The liquid will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and turn it on to the low setting. Let the chicken shawarma heat up for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Once the chicken is heated through, you can turn the slow cooker down to the “keep warm” setting to keep it warm for an extended period of time. Just be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.

When reheating chicken shawarma in a slow cooker, it’s important to make sure that it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness. You should also only reheat chicken shawarma once, and discard any leftovers that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

If you’re short on time, you can also reheat chicken shawarma in the microwave or oven. However, using a slow cooker will give you the most evenly heated and moist chicken shawarma.

Is It Safe To Reheat?

When it comes to reheating chicken shawarma, safety is a top priority. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to reheat chicken shawarma, the answer is yes – but only if you do it correctly.

Firstly, it’s important to note that you should only reheat chicken shawarma if it has been refrigerated for no more than 24 hours. Any longer than that, and it’s best to discard it.

When reheating chicken shawarma, the chicken must be heated thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may have grown since it was first cooked. The rest of the shawarma’s ingredients may not respond well to such heat, but they are otherwise safe to reheat.

To ensure that your chicken shawarma is safe to eat, follow these guidelines:

• Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Reheat the chicken in a pan on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave.
• If using a microwave, stir, cover, and rotate the chicken for even heating.
• If using an oven, set the temperature no lower than 325°F.
• If using a pan on the stove, heat the chicken until it’s piping hot.

It’s important to note that reheating chicken shawarma more than once is not recommended, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

In summary, it is safe to reheat chicken shawarma if you follow the proper guidelines and ensure that the chicken is heated thoroughly. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your leftover shawarma without worrying about your health.