Traditional Chinese food, Barbecue Smoked Whole Chicken
Ivan/Moment/GettyImages

Smoking chicken is a great way to enhance flavor in this most classic white meat. The process happens to extend the shelf life of the cooked chicken, too. You can safely freeze and store smoked chicken for up to half a year. Here's how to reheat it properly so you can enjoy the same moist, tender meat that you experienced the first time around.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the smoked chicken from the freezer or refrigerator.

Remove any plastic or paper wrapping.

Wrap the chicken in heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving a small opening at one end.

Pour 1 tablespoon of water through the opening in the aluminum foil. (The water in the foil wrapper keeps the meat moist and allows steam to heat the chicken faster.)

Close the opening by squeezing the edges of the foil together tightly.

Place the smoked chicken in the oven.

Check the temperature of the chicken periodically using a clean meat thermometer. Remove the chicken when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip

To ensure the quality of leftover smoked chicken, wrap it in plastic wrap, heavy-duty aluminum foil or a plastic bag before freezing. This helps prevent air from reaching the food.