As someone who loves growing and cooking with chili, there’s nothing more satisfying than a hearty bowl of homemade chili. In a previous post, we learned how long chili is good for in the fridge. Now, it’s time to learn how to reheat the chili we have stored in the fridge so we can enjoy it all over again.
Table of Contents
| Method | Steps | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Microwave | Transfer chili to microwave-safe bowl, cover, heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stir, continue heating in 30-second intervals | Quick, convenient, perfect for small portions | May not heat evenly |
| Stove | Pour chili into pot, set stove to medium heat, stir occasionally | Ideal for larger quantities, ensures even heating | Takes more time |
| Oven | Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), transfer chili to oven-safe dish, cover with foil, heat for 20-25 minutes | Even heating, enhances flavors, hands-off approach | Takes longer, uses more energy |
How to Reheat Chili from the Fridge: 3 Methods
Here’s how you can reheat chili:
1. in the Microwave
Reheating chili in the microwave is a quick and convenient option, especially if you have only a portion or two and are in a hurry. I simply transfer the amount of chili I need into a microwave-safe bowl. Then, I cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chili is hot throughout. To check if it’s evenly heated, I typically feel the bottom of the bowl to ensure it’s hot in the middle. This method is perfect for a quick lunch, even if you’re enjoying a vegan chili variant.
2. in a Pot on the Stove
If you have a larger quantity of chili, reheating it in a pot on the stove is a great method. I typically pour the chili into a pot and set the stove to medium heat. Then, I stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. This method might take a bit more time, but it’s ideal to have beef chili with chunks, as you can ensure they are warmed through completely. This way of reheating is also best if you have a lot of leftovers of your chili with Worcestershire sauce, which I previously described in another post.
3. in the Oven
I sometimes reheat the chili I have stored in the fridge in the oven. This is a great option, I think, if I have a large batch and prefer a hands-off approach. I preheat my oven to 175°C (350°F). Then, I transfer the chili to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. I heat it for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chili is hot throughout. While the oven method ensures even heating and can enhance the flavors, it takes longer than the microwave or stove methods and uses more energy.
Summary
Reheating chili from the fridge is straightforward with these methods. Each has its own advantages depending on your time constraints and the amount of chili you need to reheat. I encourage you to try these methods and see which one works best for you. Share your experiences, tips, and tricks in the comments below. Please share the post on social media, and let’s continue the conversation about how to enjoy our favorite chili dishes to the fullest.