Q: I order a lot of curry takeout and often have leftovers. What are the best ways to reheat it? Сan you reheat chicken curry?
A: Chicken curry is absolutely a reheatable dish. In fact, there are many different conventional and unconventional ways that you can reheat it.
The Microwave
One of the most common ways available to reheat chicken curry is by doing so in the microwave. To begin, place your chicken curry into a microwave safe dish or bowl. Next, cover the dish with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel to prevent splattering. Set your heat setting to medium-high, then begin heating the dish for 5-10 minutes. Every 2-3 minutes stop the microwave and stir the dish contents, especially if the chicken has lots of curry sauce. Once the dish is thoroughly and evenly heated to your liking, remove it from the microwave unit. Please bear in mind that you do not need to heat the dish to the full 10 minutes if it becomes adequately heated beforehand.
The Stove Top
Many people often ask, can you reheat chicken curry on the stove top? The answer is yes. The process is actually extremely easy. Knowing how to reheat chicken curry on the stove top just takes a little common sense.
To begin the process, take out a skillet or frying pan that is large enough to fit all of the chicken curry. Add a no-stick agent to the vessel, such as butter, margarine, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Once the skillet or frying pan has adequately heated over a medium-high heat setting, add in the chicken curry. Place a lid over the vessel and allow it to heat for 7-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the contents from burning. Once the curry sauce and chicken have cooked thoroughly and evenly, allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes. Serve the dish immediately and enjoy.
The Oven
Many of you would love to know, can you reheat chicken curry in the oven. The answer is yes, absolutely. Like other aforementioned reheating options, it is how to reheat chicken curry that matters the most.
To get started reheating, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is hot, place your chicken curry into the oven, making sure that you are using a covered oven-safe dish. The cover on the dish is important, as this will ensure that the chicken doesn’t become overly dry. Allow the chicken curry to heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is evenly heated throughout. You can check the chicken temperature by using an ovenproof meat thermometer or you can just eyeball the dish. Once the dish has been sufficiently reheated, allow it to cool for at least 4-5 minutes before serving it.
An Electric Wok
An electric wok is another quick and easy way to reheat any chicken curry dish. To get started, adequately oil the dish, unless of course, it has a non-stick surface that does not require pre-greasing. Plug the wok in and set the temperature to medium or medium-high. Place the chicken curry into the wok and then cover it with a lid. While the curry is cooking, stir the dish frequently so that it reheats evenly. Always remember, if your wok has a non-stick teflon surface, then only stir the contents with a wooden or plastic utensil, as using a metal object can badly damage the wok’s non-stick surface.
The Steaming Method
Another effective method of reheating chicken curry is by steaming the dish. While this method is not quite as popular as the others already mentioned, it is arguably one of the most effective. A steamer adds moisture to the meat, rather than taking it away as is the case with more conventional reheating methods. The end result is always a much juicer and tender chicken curry that you and your whole family will greatly appreciate. It should be noted, that only the chicken can be reheated this way. If you have curry sauce to go with the chicken, then that will need to be reheated separately in the microwave or on the stove top.
To get started with the steaming method, add water to a double boiler and then bring it to a nice rolling boil. Next, place the chicken into the upper basket and let it cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until it has been adequately reheated. Be sure to cover the chicken while it is cooking.
To heat the curry sauce, place it into a skillet or microwave-safe bowl and reheat it over a medium heat setting. Stir it frequently while it is heating to prevent the sauce from burning or splattering. Once the sauce has been adequately heated, pour it over the steamed chicken. You will find that this method of reheating chicken curry is one of the best.
The Campfire Method
Nothing is more delicious and soothing than reheating a chicken curry dish over a campfire. The next time that you and your family are out enjoying the wilderness, bring along your favorite curry dish and a few simple cooking utensils, allowing you to enjoy a fine home-cooked meal without needing to be in your home.
To get started, start a medium size campfire and then slowly reduce it to hot ambers with a little flame. Place your chicken curry dish into a thick bottomed cast iron skillet and then cover the top of it with aluminum foil. It is strongly advisable to add a bit of oil to the skillet to ensure that the reheating dish does not stick. The cover will prevent any ash or fire debris from soiling your delicious curry dish. Using a campfire cooking stand, place the thick cast iron skillet over the hot embers. Allow the dish to reheat for approximately 10 minutes, checking the dish occasionally to ensure that it is evenly cooking. Once the dish is hot, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving it.