Baking Chicken: Oil In Pan Or Not?

Baking chicken without oil is possible, but the use of oil does have its benefits. Oil helps to cook the chicken evenly and can also add flavor. When using oil to bake chicken, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Olive oil should be avoided as it has a low smoke point and can burn easily. When baking chicken without oil, it is important to use a roasting pan and add other liquids such as juice, wine, or chicken stock to flavor and moisten the chicken.

Oils to use when baking chicken

When baking chicken, it is important to consider the type of oil you use, as it can affect the flavour and texture of the dish. Oils are a vital part of a well-rounded diet and serve a multitude of purposes in cooking.

One of the most popular oils for baking chicken is olive oil. Olive oil is abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, and it has a fresh herbs-and-fruit taste with a slightly bitter and peppery kick. When baking chicken, it is important to raise the temperature of the oil gradually, rather than placing the meat in at high heat. This oil is perfect for dishes such as taco lasagna, sheet pan chicken fajitas, and BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Another option is avocado oil, which can be used raw or for cooking. This oil is extremely heart-healthy due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Avocado oil has a nutty and grassy taste, which does not overpower the natural aroma of other ingredients.

Mustard oil is also a good choice for baking chicken. It is a popular option for high-heat cooking methods and is mostly composed of monosaturated fats. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6. However, it is important to be cautious when heating mustard oil, as it can burst into flames if the temperature is too high.

Coconut oil is another popular choice, often sold as a superfood. It contains 82% or more saturated fatty acids and helps boost metabolism, kill bacteria, and improve cholesterol. It has a sweet and subtle flavour, making it perfect for islander-style meat dishes like jerk-seasoned chicken and stir-fries.

Sesame oil is also an option for baking chicken, with a nutty and neutral flavour. It has a low smoke point, making it ideal for stir-fries and sauteed meat dishes.

In summary, when baking chicken, it is important to choose an oil that suits the desired flavour and texture of the dish, as well as considering the smoke point of the oil to avoid it burning.

Chicken preparation

Step 1: Choose Your Chicken

You can opt for a whole chicken, chicken breast, thighs, or other parts, with or without the skin. Skinless and boneless chicken breasts are a popular choice as they cook evenly and are versatile. If you're watching your calorie intake, consider removing the skin from your chicken, as it can significantly reduce the calories and fat content of your meal.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Position the oven rack to the center and preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature, typically around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures your chicken cooks thoroughly without drying out.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Rinse your chosen chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown better and results in juicier meat. You can also lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook uniformly.

Step 4: Seasoning

Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of your chicken. You can use a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herb blend. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after seasoning to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 5: Cooking Method

Place the chicken pieces in a roasting pan, making sure they don't overlap. If using skin-on chicken, place the skin side down. You can also lightly dredge the chicken in flour before placing it in the pan to give it a golden crust. Add a small amount of oil to the pan, just enough to lightly coat the bottom. Alternatively, you can use chicken stock, juice, or wine to add moisture and flavor without the oil.

Step 6: Baking

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, turn the chicken pieces over, baste them with the pan juices, and sprinkle with brown sugar if desired. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked to your liking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for breast meat and 175 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit for thighs and drumsticks.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Serve your delicious baked chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Pan preparation

The first step in preparing your pan is to decide whether you want to use oil or not. Using oil will help to cook the chicken more evenly, as it will reach a temperature high enough to cook the parts of the chicken that are not touching the pan directly. If you are using oil, you should use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Olive oil is not recommended for frying chicken. You will want to add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. If you are using a non-stick pan, you may not need to use as much oil.

Once you have added the oil, heat the pan to a medium-high temperature. It is important that the pan is hot before you add the chicken. You should hear a sizzle when the chicken touches the pan. If you are not using oil, you should still heat the pan to a similar temperature.

If you are using a breading on your chicken, you will want to set up a three-pan breading station. In the first pan, place plain flour. In the second, put beaten eggs. In the third, mix together the breadcrumbs, baking powder, and seasonings. Working in small batches, coat the chicken with flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the breading mixture.

Whether you are using oil or not, it is important to make sure that your chicken is dry before placing it in the pan. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning and adding to the pan.

Chicken seasoning

There are many ways to season chicken, including dry rubs, brines, marinades, and sauces. Here is a simple yet delicious all-purpose chicken seasoning that you can make at home and adapt to your taste.

Ingredients:

• Paprika (smoked, hot, or mild)
• Dried oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, or rosemary (fresh or pre-dried)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper (or other seasonings of your choice)
• Optional: white or brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, celery salt, white pepper, ground mustard seeds, or ground cumin

Instructions:

• Add all your ingredients to a small bowl or a jar, adjusting the amounts based on your taste. Whisk or mix well.
• Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel and transfer it to a clean bowl or dish.
• Sprinkle the chicken seasoning over the meat and use your hands (with or without gloves) to gently rub it in. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of chicken.
• If your chicken has skin, rub some of the seasoning underneath for more flavor. You can also mix the seasoning with a little melted butter and pour it over a whole chicken before roasting.
• Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
• Cook your chicken using your desired method, such as roasting, grilling, pan-frying, or air frying.

Storage:

Keep your chicken seasoning in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark, dry location, such as a pantry or spice drawer. It will stay fresh for 4-6 months, depending on the freshness of the herbs and spices used. Be sure to give the jar a good shake before using to loosen any clumps that may have formed.

Chicken cooking time

The cooking time for chicken depends on several factors: the oven temperature, the part of the chicken being cooked, its size, and whether a convection oven is being used.

For example, a whole, unstuffed chicken baked in an oven set to 350°F will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Increasing the temperature to 425°F is ideal for better browning and crisping of the skin, but this should only be done for the first 20 minutes of cook time.

For large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, the oven should be set to 375°F and they should be cooked for 20 to 30 minutes. For large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, the oven temperature remains the same but the cooking time increases to 35 to 40 minutes.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will take 45 to 50 minutes to cook in an oven set to 350°F. Wings are a little trickier; for a fried texture, the oven should be set to 425°F and they should be cooked for 45 to 55 minutes.

A whole chicken weighing between 3.5 and 4 pounds will take 70 to 80 minutes to cook in an oven set to 425°F.

It's important to note that the ideal oven temperature for chicken breasts is 350 to 375°F, while drumsticks and thighs can be cooked within a range of 350 to 450°F without drying out.

Frequently asked questions