Imagine coming home with your chipotle takeout only to find that it has gone cold. Your plans to indulge in the heavenly burrito or enjoy the fulfilling bowl, all spoiled because it took a little time to get home. If that has ever happened to you, you know how disappointing it is.
But the good news is, you don’t need to eat the cold chipotle. With your trusted microwave, you can reheat your food, put on your favorite show, and enjoy.
If you’ve never reheated chipotle in a microwave before, keep reading, as this article includes everything you need to know.
Can you reheat chipotle in microwave?
Yes, you can reheat chipotle in a microwave. But the method of microwaving, the time duration, and the power will differ according to your meal. You can’t microwave a chipotle burrito bowl the same way you microwave a burrito.
If you add lettuce, guacamole, or sour cream to your chipotle, you know that reheating them ruins their flavor and texture. The lettuce tends to wilt, the guacamole turns brown, and the sour cream curdles if you’re not careful.
Similarly, you must be careful when reheating the tortilla chips or they can get soggy.
We recommend separating the different elements before microwaving chipotle to get the best results. Make sure you remove salsa, fresh vegetables, sour cream, and guacamole. And heat only rice, tofu, meat, and beans.
The reheating process might seem lengthy and tedious, but the results will be worth it.
How do you reheat chipotle in microwave?
To reheat a chipotle bowl, remove the aluminum foil lid. When reheating a burrito, remove the wrapper and take the chips out of the paper bag. Instead, use a microwave-safe plate or dish. Also, choose the right cooking time and power level according to what you’re heating. Heat your chipotle until the internal temperature is 165°F.
It might seem tricky to retain the texture and flavor of your chipotle, but it’s really not hard. With just a few tips, you can reheat your meal without spoiling its texture.
How to reheat a chipotle bowl in a microwave
Chipotle bowls are made using paper fibers and are safe for serving hot food. But they might not be safe for microwaving. This is because the wax lining and plastic might not be able to handle the high heat.
When reheating the bowl, remove the guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce to avoid the soggy taste. Then transfer the remaining content into a microwave-safe dish, and microwave it for a minute. Once the initial minute is over, stir the bowl and heat it for another minute.
If it’s still not hot enough, microwave the bowl in intervals of 15-20 seconds until it’s as hot as you like. Ingredients like tofu take more time to heat, so you might have to microwave the bowl for longer.
Make sure you stir the bowl after each interval to spread the heat evenly. Once the contents of the bowl are as hot as you like, take out the dish. Finally, add the lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole that you initially removed and enjoy!
How to reheat a chipotle burrito in a microwave
When reheating a chipotle burrito in a microwave, first take it out of its foil packaging. Then, microwave it for 3 minutes in 1-minute intervals. Make sure you flip the burrito after each interval. If you don’t do so, moisture can build up at the bottom, and make the tortilla soggy.
Once the 3 minutes are over, let the burrito sit for roughly 30 seconds to allow the heat to spread evenly. Finally, take the internal temperature. It should be 165°F. If it’s not, pop it in the microwave for another round.
Remember that even though the tortilla might be super-hot, the center can be cold. Especially the meat. So make sure the burrito is hot inside out before biting into it.
Related Article: Can chipotle bowls go in the microwave?
Additional tips when reheating chipotle in a microwave
Some other things you should remember when using a microwave to reheat chipotle are:
- Set your microwave on medium power for bowls and burritos, and high for tortilla chips.
- If the tortilla chips have gone stale, put a parchment or paper towel on top of the plate and then microwave them. Doing so will absorb the moisture and bring back some crispiness.
- When heating burrito bowls, cover the microwave-safe dish with a paper towel or wax paper to prevent splatters.
Is it safe to reheat chipotle in microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat chipotle in the microwave. But you should store and handle it properly. Make sure to switch out the original packing for a microwave-safe dish when reheating. And microwave it until the internal temperature is 165°F.
The decomposable bowls and paper bags used for chipotle aren’t microwave-friendly. The takeout containers contain metal, wax, and plastic that can leach chemicals and spoil the food. And while the bowls are made from plant fibers, not all of them are safe to put in a microwave. Some can even catch fire! Disposable bowls also usually contain PFAs, which can be harmful to you.
Some people believe that it’s okay to microwave chipotle bowls. If you’re one of those, just make sure you remove the aluminum lid or wrapper before microwaving your meal. Microwaving metal can cause fire and damage your appliance.
Just to be completely safe, it’s best to use microwave-safe containers.
How long does it take to reheat chipotle in microwave?
The time it takes to reheat chipotle in a microwave depends on some factors. These include whether you’re heating a bowl or a burrito, the amount of food, the temperature of the food, and the power of your microwave. Generally, it should take up to 3 minutes for the food to heat up.
There’s a general rule when it comes to microwaving: the greater the quantity, the longer it takes to heat up. The temperature of your food also matters. If you’re heating leftovers from two nights ago that you stored in the fridge, you’ll have to nuke the food for longer. In comparison, food at room temperature will heat up faster.
The biggest problem when reheating anything in the microwave is uneven temperatures. One bite can be hot and the next cold. To prevent that from happening, let your chipotle bowl or burrito sit for at least 30-60 seconds once the microwaving is complete. This will ensure even heat distribution.
Tips to reheat chipotle in the microwave
Reheating chipotle in the microwave can sometimes cause it to lose its texture. To prevent that from happening, here are some tips:
- A rotating tray and microwave cover can make sure the food heats up evenly. The latter can also prevent an unnecessary mess inside the microwave.
- You can use a preheated microwave crisper pan to give a bit of crunch to your burrito. It can also help to avoid a soggy wrap.
- Remember to take out all the fresh vegetables when reheating chipotle in a microwave. Once done, don’t forget to place them back. A fresh scoop of sour cream or guacamole can further enhance the taste.
- Don’t forget to adjust the microwave’s power level according to the item you’re reheating. Microwaving tortilla chips on medium can make them soggy.
The Bottom Line
You now know how to reheat chipotle in a microwave. Whether you have leftovers in the fridge or a fresh meal has gone cold, you can easily pop your chipotle meal in the microwave and enjoy piping hot food.
With a little experimentation, you can find the time and power it takes to reheat chipotle without messing up with its texture and flavor. Happy microwaving!