Discover How Long Should You Reheat BBQ Chicken In Oven

BBQ chicken is delicious fresh off the grill — smoky, tender, and dripping with flavor.

But what about leftovers?

If you toss them in the oven without a plan, you risk ending up with dry, rubbery meat.

The good news is you can bring back that backyard BBQ magic by reheating the right way.

Here’s exactly how long you should reheat BBQ chicken in the oven for the best taste and texture.

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Why Use the Oven Instead of the Microwave?

Microwaves are quick, but they heat unevenly and can leave chicken chewy.

The oven, on the other hand, gently warms the meat from all sides, helping it stay moist.

This is especially important for BBQ chicken that’s been glazed with sauce — oven heat lets the flavors soak back in instead of steaming them out.

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If you’re curious about how BBQ chicken is made from scratch before it even gets to the reheating stage, check out our guide: BBQ Chicken Done Right: How to Grill Juicy, Crispy Meat.

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The Ideal Oven Temperature for Reheating BBQ Chicken

For the perfect balance of safety and flavor, set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This temperature is hot enough to heat the chicken to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it.

If you go hotter, the sauce might burn before the inside is warm.

Go lower, and you’ll wait forever while the chicken slowly dries out.

How Long Should You Reheat BBQ Chicken in the Oven?

The time depends on whether your chicken is bone-in or boneless.

• Bone-in BBQ chicken (like drumsticks, thighs, or wings): 20–25 minutes

• Boneless BBQ chicken (like breasts or tenders): 15–20 minutes

For both types, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

This is the USDA-recommended safe temperature for reheated poultry.

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If you’re reheating chicken thighs and don’t have a grill handy, you can also follow our tips here: How Long to BBQ Chicken Thighs Without Grill

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Step-by-Step: Reheating BBQ Chicken the Right Way

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Place chicken in an oven-safe dish.

• Add moisture — a splash of chicken broth or water in the pan keeps meat juicy.

• Cover with foil to trap steam and prevent drying.

• Bake for the recommended time based on your chicken type.

• Check with a meat thermometer before serving.

Pro tip: If you want the sauce to get a little sticky again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

Keep Your Grill Clean for the Best BBQ Flavor

Great BBQ starts long before reheating — it begins with a clean grill.

Built-up residue can make food taste bitter.

That’s why tools like the Easy Function Grill Scraper are a game-changer.

It’s a safe, bristle-free way to scrape grates so your chicken tastes fresh every time, whether hot off the grill or after reheating.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering how long you should reheat BBQ chicken in the oven, remember:

• 350°F is your magic number.

• 15–20 minutes for boneless, 20–25 for bone-in.

• Always check for 165°F inside.

This method keeps your BBQ chicken moist, flavorful, and safe to eat — just like the day you grilled it.

Click the image below to check out our full range of BBQ tools and make every cookout (and reheat) taste like the first bite.