There is something undeniably comforting about a KFC chicken pot pie. Between the flaky, golden-brown crust and the savory filling packed with chunks of chicken, peas, carrots, and potatoes in a creamy gravy, it is a fan favorite for a reason. However, these savory pies are quite substantial, and often, you might find yourself with leftovers.
The challenge with reheating a pot pie lies in the physics of the dish itself. You have a delicate, buttery pastry on top and a dense, liquid-heavy filling underneath. If you heat it too quickly, the center stays frozen while the crust burns. If you use the wrong method, that beautiful flake turns into a soggy, chewy mess. To help you recapture that “fresh from the bucket” magic, this guide covers every method available to bring your meal back to life.
The Gold Standard: Reheating in the Oven
If you have the time, the oven is the absolute best way to reheat a KFC chicken pot pie. The dry heat of the oven allows the fats in the crust to crisp up again, ensuring you get that satisfying crunch when your fork hits the pastry.
- To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is warming up, take your pot pie out of the refrigerator. Letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes helps the interior warm up more evenly once it hits the heat.
- Keep the pot pie in its original foil tin, as this protects the bottom and sides. To prevent the edges of the crust from burning before the center is hot, you can loosely cover the top with a piece of aluminum foil. Place the tin on a baking sheet to make it easier to slide in and out of the oven.
- Bake the pie for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, remove the foil from the top to allow the crust to crisp up for the final few minutes. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety. Once it is bubbling and the crust is golden, remove it from the oven and let it sit for two minutes before diving in.
The Quick Fix: Using the Microwave
We have all been there: you are hungry right now and don’t want to wait 20 minutes for an oven to preheat. While the microwave is the fastest method, it is also the most dangerous for texture. Microwaves work by vibrating water molecules, which can lead to a “steamed” crust that feels soft or rubbery.
- To get the best results from a microwave, you must first remove the pot pie from the metal tin. Never put the KFC foil tin in the microwave, as this is a fire hazard. Transfer the pie to a microwave-safe plate.
- Use a knife to make a small slit in the center of the top crust. This allows steam to escape from the filling so the pressure doesn’t turn the pastry into mush. Set your microwave to 50% power. Heating at a lower power level for a longer time (about 2 to 3 minutes) allows the heat to migrate toward the center without overcooking the outer edges of the chicken.
- If you want to save the crust while using the microwave, try the “Paper Towel Trick.” Place a dry paper towel over the pie to absorb excess moisture. Once heated, let it stand for a minute. The crust won’t be as crispy as the oven version, but it will be hot and ready in a flash.
The Air Fryer Method: The Best of Both Worlds
The air fryer has become a kitchen staple for a reason. It acts like a high-powered convection oven, circulating hot air rapidly around the food. For a KFC chicken pot pie, this means a very crispy crust in about half the time of a traditional oven.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F. It is better to use a slightly lower temperature than the oven because the fan in an air fryer is very efficient and can burn the pastry quickly. Keep the pie in its foil tin and place it in the air fryer basket.
- Heat the pie for 8 to 10 minutes. Because the heat source is usually very close to the top of the food in an air fryer, keep a close eye on the crust. If it starts to look too dark after 5 minutes, place a small piece of foil over the top. The result is usually a crust that is even crunchier than the original, with a piping hot center.
Toaster Oven: The Convenient Alternative
For those who don’t want to heat up their entire kitchen with a full-sized oven, the toaster oven is a fantastic middle ground. It provides the same dry heat as a standard oven but in a more compact, efficient space.
- Set your toaster oven to 350°F. Just like the standard oven method, keep the pie in its tin and cover it loosely with foil. Since the heating elements in a toaster oven are much closer to the food, the risk of burning is higher. Check the pie after 12 minutes.
- The toaster oven is particularly good at reviving the bottom of the crust, which can sometimes get a bit damp in the fridge. By the time the filling is bubbling, the pastry should have regained its structural integrity.
Stovetop Reheating: The “Skillet” Hack
This is an unconventional method, but it works surprisingly well if you prefer a very hot filling and a crispy bottom. If you find the bottom of your KFC pot pie has become soggy, you can use a skillet to fix it.
- First, microwave the pie (out of the tin) for about 1 minute to take the chill off the filling. Then, place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tiny bit of butter or a spray of oil. Carefully slide the pot pie (without the tin) into the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid. The lid traps the heat to warm the filling, while the direct contact with the pan crisps up the bottom of the pie. Do this for about 4 to 5 minutes. This won’t do much for the top crust, but it is a great way to handle a pie that has “bottom-sog.”
Essential Tips for Food Safety and Quality
- When reheating any dish containing poultry and dairy-based gravy, safety is paramount. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for the gravy to be bubbling at the edges and steam to be rising steadily from the center.
- Avoid reheating the same pot pie more than once. Every time you heat and cool the chicken and cream, you increase the risk of bacterial growth and degrade the texture of the vegetables. Only reheat what you plan to eat in one sitting.
- If your pot pie has been in the freezer, it is highly recommended to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before attempting any of these reheating methods. Attempting to reheat a rock-solid frozen pie usually results in a burnt exterior and an icy middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reheat a KFC pot pie in the original cardboard box?
- No, you should never reheat the pot pie in its cardboard packaging. The box often contains coatings or adhesives that are not heat-safe and could catch fire or release fumes. Furthermore, the pie is sitting in a metal foil tin inside that box; the metal tin is safe for the oven but will cause sparks and potential damage in a microwave. Always remove the box before heating, and remove the foil tin if using a microwave.
- How long does a KFC chicken pot pie stay good in the fridge?
- A KFC chicken pot pie will typically stay safe and tasty for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best quality, try to reheat it within 48 hours. The longer it sits, the more the moisture from the gravy will soak into the crust, making it harder to achieve that signature flakiness during the reheating process.
- Why did my pot pie crust turn out chewy after reheating?
- Chewy or rubbery crust is almost always the result of using a microwave at high power for too long. The microwave heats the water molecules in the fat and flour of the pastry, essentially steaming it from the inside out. To avoid this, use the oven or air fryer. If you must use a microwave, use a lower power setting and wrap the pie in a dry paper towel to help manage the moisture levels.
- Can I freeze a leftover KFC chicken pot pie?
- Yes, you can freeze a leftover pot pie. To do so, wrap the pie (still in its foil tin) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to 2 months. For the best results when you are ready to eat it, thaw it completely in the fridge before following the oven reheating instructions.
- Do I need to add water or butter when reheating?
- Usually, you do not need to add anything to a KFC pot pie when reheating. The gravy inside is quite moisture-rich, and the crust already contains a high amount of shortening or butter. Adding water will only make the crust soggy. However, if you notice the top crust looks particularly dry before putting it in the oven, a very light brush of melted butter can help it regain its golden luster and add a bit of extra flavor.