How to Reheat Chicken Curry

0.0 from 0 votes

Written By Ross Young

Published:

Chicken curry comes in many forms, whether it’s a restaurant-bought chicken tikka masala or a homemade Thai red curry. If you’re keen to make your curry last a little longer, you might be wondering if you can reheat it after storing it in the fridge or freezer? 

To reheat chicken curry, the best thing to do is to place it in the microwave with a splash of water for a few minutes. It can also be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop.

How to Reheat Chicken Curry

The quickest and easiest way of reheating chicken curry is in the microwave, but you can also reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven. We introduce each of the three methods in detail below:

How to Reheat Chicken Curry in the Microwave

Reheating curry in the microwave is super simple; you just need to make sure it’s covered! Here are the steps you need to take: 

  1. Place in a Microwave-Safe Bowl
    Add your chicken curry to a microwave-safe bowl, ensuring the chicken is evenly spread out. 
  2. Add Moisture (If Required)
    Most curries won’t require additional moisture, but if yours is looking a little dry, it’s a good idea to add a splash of moisture at this stage so the curry doesn’t dry out in the microwave. 
  3. Cover
    If you have microwave wrap, cover your bowl of chicken curry well. If not, opt for paper towels. This is such an important step, as curry splatter is disastrous for the interior of your microwave! 
  4. Reheat
    On your microwave’s medium setting, reheat your chicken curry for two minutes before removing, stirring, and returning the curry to the microwave for the same amount of time. 
  5. Check the Temperature
    When you’re reheating chicken curry, you need to check that it’s at least 75C or 165F before serving. 
  6. Serve and Enjoy
    Providing your chicken curry is up to temperature, serve it alongside basmati rice, and fresh naan bread, and enjoy!

How to Reheat Chicken Curry on the Stovetop

If you don’t have a microwave in your kitchen, no problem! You can reheat chicken curry on the stovetop by following these steps: 

  1. Heat Pan
    Add a splash of cooking oil to the bottom of a suitably sized pan and place it on the stove for 30-60 seconds over medium heat. 
  2. Add Chicken Curry
    Empty your chicken curry into the pan and begin stirring it. 
  3. Reheat
    Stirring consistently, reheat your chicken curry on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes. You can add some water to the curry if you think it’s looking a little dry. 
  4. Check the Temperature
    When you’re reheating chicken curry, you need to check that it’s at least 75C or 165F before serving. 
  5. Serve and Enjoy
    Ladle your curry onto a bed of steaming Jasmin rice and enjoy!

How to Reheat Chicken Curry in the Oven

The third and final way to reheat chicken curry is in the oven. Although this method takes the longest, it’s an excellent way of bringing out all of the flavours of your curry. Here’s how to reheat chicken curry in the oven: 

  1. Preheat Oven
    Turn on your oven and heat it to 180C or 350F. 
  2. Place Chicken Curry in a Dish
    Add your chicken curry to a casserole dish or something similar before covering it with a lid if it has one. If not, wrap it tightly with tin foil. 
  3. Reheat
    Place your chicken curry on the middle shelf of your oven, and allow it to reheat for twenty minutes. 
  4. Check the Temperature
    When you’re reheating chicken curry, you need to check that it’s at least 75C or 165F before serving. 
  5. Serve and Enjoy
    When your chicken curry is up to the necessary temperature, you can serve it up and enjoy it as you please!

How to Reheat Chicken Curry Successfully

Below we’ve got 3 vital tips to stick with if you want to have success when reheating chicken curry at home:

  • Reheat Curry and Rice Separately – If you have curry leftover from the night before, it can be tempting to throw your rice and curry together in the same bowl to make your life easier. However, it’s much better to reheat your curry and rice separately, even in the microwave, as this ensures they will both reheat evenly. 
  • Freeze It – Whether you’ve made your chicken curry at home or ordered it from your favourite takeaway, you can wrap it up and place it in the freezer to preserve it for several months. Chicken curry will only keep in the fridge for a few days, so freezing it is a great way to keep it for even longer. 
  • Make Sure it’s Covered – If you’re reheating your chicken curry in the microwave, don’t forget to cover it well. The last thing you want is for curry sauce to splatter all over the inside of your microwave, as it’s incredibly difficult to clean! 

Is It Safe to Reheat Chicken Curry?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe to reheat curry. Providing you have stored your leftovers in the fridge or freezer and defrosted them before reheating, you should have no problem.

You also need to make sure the chicken is at least 75C or 165F before you eat it. You should use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is up to temperature. Otherwise, you can reheat your chicken curry safe in the knowledge that you’re about to enjoy a delicious meal! 

Reheating Chicken Curry FAQs

Below are a few additional questions and answers about reheating chicken curry which might help you out a little further:

What is the Best Way to Reheat curry?

The best way to reheat curry is in the microwave because it is quick, efficient and fairly foolproof.

Can You Reheat Takeaway Chicken Curry?

Yes, it is possible to reheat takeaway curry if you are careful with the way it has been stored. Ultimately, you will always take a small risk when reheating any dish from a takeaway.

How Many Times Can You Reheat Chicken Curry?

Although it can be safe to reheat chicken curry multiple times, it’s something you should avoid doing. The more times you cool, store and cook something, the greater the chance of bacteria growing.

Leave a Comment