How to Reheat Meal Prep Without Drying It Out

How do you reheat meal prep without drying it out? Add a splash of moisture, cover the food, and reheat gently. Sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the meal, cover it (a damp paper towel in the microwave, or foil in the oven), and heat in short bursts until the center reaches 165°F. The two things that dry food out are high heat and no cover — fix both and your meal tastes freshly made.

Why does reheated meal prep get dry and rubbery?

Two reasons: heat that's too high, and moisture escaping. Proteins like chicken breast tighten and squeeze out water when blasted on full power. Rice and pasta lose steam. Because SmashMeals are made fresh and never frozen, you're starting with food that hasn't been dehydrated by a freezer — so a gentle reheat is all it takes to bring it right back.

The microwave method (fastest)

1. Move the meal to a microwave-safe plate if it isn't already.
2. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of water over the protein and any starch.
3. Cover with a damp paper towel or a vented lid.
4. Heat at 70% power in 60-second bursts, stirring or rotating between bursts.
5. Stop when the center hits 165°F. Let it rest 1 minute.

The oven method (best texture)

1. Preheat to 325°F.
2. Place food in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover with foil.
3. Heat 10–15 minutes until the center reaches 165°F.
4. Uncover for the last 2–3 minutes if you want edges to crisp.

How to reheat specific items

• Chicken & lean proteins: Low and covered. A splash of broth keeps them juicy.
• Smoked brisket & pulled meats: Gentle heat with a little of its own juices or broth, covered. Our brisket is smoked 18 hours — treat it kindly and it stays tender.
• Rice & gluten-free pasta: Add a teaspoon of water, cover, stir halfway.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven or air fryer beats the microwave — they crisp instead of steam.
• Sauced dishes (bowls, casseroles): Reheat as-is; the sauce protects the food.

What internal temperature should reheated food reach?

165°F in the center. A cheap instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out and is the single best tool for never overcooking again.

Related reading

• How to Store and Freeze Prepared Meals Safely
• How SmashMeals Ordering Works

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