Toaster ovens are an efficient way to prepare many meals including making chicken. They heat much faster than a regular oven and consume less energy, while still offering the same functions. This makes toaster ovens a great solution for baking chicken.
Can You Cook Chicken in a Toaster Oven?
Yes, you can cook both, whole chicken and chicken pieces in a toaster oven. It takes roughly 30 minutes for chicken pieces to be baked in a toaster oven, whereas for the whole chicken the time goes up to 60 minutes.
Baking Chicken in a Toaster Oven
Baking chicken in a toaster oven is a rather straightforward process and it shouldn’t take more than 2 hours at most. It starts with marinating and seasoning the chicken. While you let the chicken sit for a while you should preheat the toaster oven and prepare the baking tray. Use the “bake” setting. Afterward, all there’s left is to place the chicken in the pan and put it in the toaster oven.
Preheat the Oven
To cook chicken, start by selecting the “bake” setting and preheating your toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the chicken cooks thoroughly, stays juicy, and gets a nice even brown on the skin. Place the rack in the lowest position in the toaster oven.
Prepare the Chicken
Some chickens come with the giblets and neck already removed, however, you may need to reach into the cavity to take these out. Once removed, use cool water to gently rinse the chicken and pat dry with a paper towel.
If you are using chicken pieces, such as legs, thighs, or breasts, you will just need to rinse and pat dry.
For a whole chicken, line a broiling pan with foil and add a quarter cup of water to the pan. Place a roasting rack on top of the pan, then set the prepared chicken on top, breast-side up. Season as desired.
For chicken pieces, place directly on a foil or parchment-lined pan and season accordingly.
Make sure to use aluminum foil cautiously. For expert guidance on using aluminum foil in a toaster oven please refer to this guide.
Cook the Chicken
For a whole chicken, place it in the toaster oven and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until cooked enough.
The weight of the chicken will determine the exact time it needs to cook for. After roughly 60 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you remove it from the oven.
Chicken pieces also need to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, however, they will cook much faster than a whole chicken. A boneless chicken breast will take between 20 to 30 minutes depending on size. Bone-in chicken pieces will take longer.
Remove From The Oven & Let it Rest
Let the chicken rest on the stove or counter for 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the toaster oven. This allows the moisture to be evenly absorbed throughout the meat and prevents juices from running all over when you carve it.
Is it Better to Use a Rotisserie Toaster Oven?
Toaster ovens that have a rotisserie option are another great way to cook chicken. The rotisserie method provides a more even bake and allows the skin to get nice and crispy. Rotisserie toaster ovens are ideal for making chicken but other toaster ovens will do the job just fine as well.
Don’t Chicken Out!
Whether you use a standard toaster oven or a rotisserie model, you can rest assured that you will end up with tasty chicken to have with your meal! Enjoy your roasted chicken on its own or use it in soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.
