Can I sear chicken in a pan then put in fridge to bake later?

[EarnestDullard]

As title says really. I'm cooking for DD and me, then DH later. This would save me having to pan-fry in two batches, and thus washing the pan inbetween, so DH's would be ready to just bung in the oven an hour or so later. Or would it be a recipe for food poisoning?

Not really, if you sear the outside but the inside isn't cooked through it will just be warmed through and at the perfect temperature for bacteria. You could cook it all through properly now and then DH can reheat his later in the microwave or oven. Or just wash the pan and do it twice?

Washing the pan and doing it in two batches is what I normally do. Just wondered if there was a lazier easier way to do it. Thanks :)

Not something I would do for the reasons DoingItForMyself has said.

The 'easier' way to do it would be for DH to fry his own chicken, surely?

Yes, but it takes half an hour to cook so it makes sense for me to start it when he's on his way home, or he wouldn't eat till about 7.30pm (at which point he's usually giving DD her bath). I don't mind doing it, was just wondering if there was a short cut.

Then just cook the whole dish and reheat later as the second reply suggested.

Why would you wash the pan if it's only had the same stuff in it?

I don't like re-heating it, it goes rubbery and it's not as nice. And it's not DH's fault if he's at work a bit late, he shouldn't have to eat a substandard meal because of it Bertie sometimes I don't wash the pan, it depends how 'clean' it looks and how long it'll go between batches.

It's not a big deal, it was just a thought that crossed my mind. And I'm sure someone did it on Come Dine With Me, and it struck me then as an iffy thing to do, but then I just wondered..

He's sometimes home earlier, so we all eat together. It's not like I spend hours slaving in the kitchen cooking every meal twice every night, I promise! Thanks for all the advice though.

Can't you just wait and both eat together when he gets home? Much more sociable! :)

I know, but I'm pregnant and hungry, if I wait much after 5.30 I end up eating my own body weight in snacks beforehand