Dear Rabbi Simon
A quick Shabbos question for you. What is the best way to reheat a chicken in gravy that was baked in an oven?
Thanks,
Shabtai
Dear Shabtai
Thank you for your practical and important Shabbos question.
If the gravy is substantial, reheating on Shabbos poses a problem, as the accepted halakhic view is that יש בישול אחר בישול בדבר לח, ie one may not (re)heat a liquid on Shabbos (even if it has already been fully cooked previously but has now cooled down to room temperature). However, if the gravy is insubstantial, it may be regarded as subordinate to the chicken and you may treat the food collectively as דבר יבש, that is, dry (ie, solid rather than liquid), which may be reheated on a hot plate. Again, this is permitted specifically where the chicken (or other food) has already been fully cooked. In your case, although the gravy which has congealed will liquify, the chicken is the principal food, and the gravy is halakhically negligible.
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes and enjoy your Shabbos food!
Rabbi Rashi Simon