Food reheating
How to reheat chicken casserole in the oven
A chilled chicken casserole needs 165°F (74°C) throughout on reheating, including dense mixed-food centers.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Confirm the casserole was cooled in shallow containers and refrigerated within the safe window.
- Use an oven-safe covered dish; divide an especially deep batch so the center can heat evenly.
- Check the thick center and another spot near a different ingredient or edge, then continue heating if any location is below 165°F.
Conditions and limits
- A bubbling sauce or browned topping is not a center measurement.
- Follow package instructions for a purchased prepared meal and treat a frozen casserole as needing longer heating and final checks.
Source and scope
Primary reference: USDA FSIS Leftovers and Food Safety. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.