What is the best way to cook chicken in the oven? Well, when it comes to cooking, there is nothing strict or rigid about the procedures, really. It is a flexible business and flexible implementation. There is no such a thing as the ‘most perfect and right way to cook chicken’ especially when you are using the oven.
After all, there are combinations of ways and methods that will make the chicken tender and juicy. Yes, the oven is pretty versatile and handy but it doesn’t mean that you should depend on this equipment alone.
Here are the Best Ways to Cook Chicken in the Oven
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats in the market. Whether you want to use the frying pan alone or the oven alone, you have the freedom to do everything. Should you cook the whole chicken or the skinless types? Again, it depends on you. Some people like to go all in, including the bones because the juice from the bones will be mixed with the juice from the meat, creating a unique and tender result. Naturally, this will take longer time.
Most people, on the other hand, prefer the skinless chicken type. According to them, the skinless condition allows them to create and deal with the best way to cook chicken in the oven. It means that when one method fails, you don’t fail completely. There are still other methods that you can try. So, what methods can you try for the oven cooking?
1. Baking
Baking the skinless chicken meat is pretty easy and flexible. Let’s say that you choose the breast area. You only need to have a little bit of olive oil, pepper, and salt. Preheat the oven first, at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the pepper, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Place the breast on a baking sheet and then drizzle it with the olive oil mixture. Wrap the sheet around and then bake. 35 minutes should be enough – 40 minutes should be the maximum time.
The length of baking time depends on the parts of the chicken you choose. The best way to cook chicken in the oven is to pay attention to the parts. For the whole chicken thighs (having skin and bones), you want to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then roast for 35 minutes within the temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use the whole chicken, preheat for 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 80 minutes. If you are baking spatchcocked chicken, you need to preheat for 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake it for 50 minutes.
2. Sautéing
This way will combine the usage of oven and frying pan. For some people, this is considered the best way to cook chicken in the oven because it will deliver a perfect combination of exterior crunchiness and interior juiciness.
You need to preheat the toaster oven or your best convection ovens to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for the oven to heat, rub the skinless chicken breast with olive oil. Then sprinkle it with salt and other seasonings that you want. Preheat the frying pan, put enough oil, and wait until it is hot enough before you place the chicken meat in. Cook one side until it turns a little brownish and then flip. Once both sides are brown enough and it is still juice, remove from the stove and insert into the oven.
3. Roasting
This method is basically almost the same as the baking, but it usually involves a whole chicken and you need to have herbs on the internal part of the chicken for the added flavor. Roast the chicken inside the pan and move to the oven; cook for 50 minutes.
4. Frying and Baking in Oven
This can be ideal for the frozen condition. It is almost the same as sautéing, but you need to put the chicken inside oven first, and then fry it until the juice comes out. Furthermore, put it back to the oven to gain the ideal crispiness.
Be flexible about the types of dressing that’s used to cover the chicken. Some methods can be used for different cooking manners. Browse for the best way to cook chicken in the oven and the best cooking equipment HERE.