Toaster ovens are a convenient appliance that can be used to cook small meals, reheat leftovers, and prepare snacks.
With the right techniques, you can cook chicken in a toaster oven perfectly every time. Here is a complete guide on how to cook moist, delicious chicken in a toaster oven.
What are the benefits of cooking chicken in a toaster oven?
Cooking chicken in a toaster oven has several advantages:
- Quick cooking times: Toaster ovens preheat and cook food faster than conventional ovens. Chicken pieces like breasts and thighs can be cooked through in 20-30 minutes.
- Uses less energy: Toaster ovens require less electricity to operate than large ovens. They only heat up the small interior space, allowing you to save energy.
- Versatile: In addition to cooking chicken, toaster ovens allow you to broil, toast, and keep food warm. Their small size makes them perfect for cooking single servings.
- Even heating: The confined space and heating elements in a toaster oven distribute heat evenly around food. This prevents cold spots and dry areas.
- Easy monitoring: Because toaster ovens are compact, it’s simple to check the chicken’s doneness and turn or flip pieces during cooking.
What you’ll need
Cooking chicken in a toaster oven is easy if you have the right tools and ingredients:
- Toaster oven
- Baking sheet or pan that fits in your toaster oven
- Aluminum foil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks or wings
- Olive oil, cooking spray or butter
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Oven mitts or gloves
Toaster Oven Sizes
Toaster ovens come in a variety of sizes, usually ranging from 0.5-6 cubic feet. Consider what size you’ll need based on the amount of chicken you typically cook:
| Toaster Oven Size | Chicken Capacity |
|---|---|
| Small: 0.5-2 cubic feet | 1-2 chicken breasts or 4 drumsticks |
| Medium: 2-4 cubic feet | 3-4 chicken breasts or 8 drumsticks |
| Large: 4-6+ cubic feet | 6-8 chicken breasts or whole chickens |
Baking Sheets for Toaster Ovens
Use a baking sheet or pan that allows at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides for air circulation. Opt for lightweight metal like aluminum that heats quickly and evenly.
Toaster Oven Temperature
Most toaster oven recipes recommend temperatures between 350-450°F. Higher heat helps chicken brown on the outside while cooking through.
How to Cook Moist, Tender Chicken Breasts in a Toaster Oven
Chicken breasts are a healthy, versatile protein to cook in a toaster oven. Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy results every time.
. Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels. Wet chicken will steam instead of browning.
- Trim off any excess fat to prevent smoking and flare-ups.
- Pound each breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness so they cook evenly. Place chicken between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper before pounding.
. Season the Chicken
- Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning per side of each breast. Try salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides to coat the chicken. Seasoning before baking helps flavor permeate the meat.
. Preheat the Toaster Oven
- Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F which takes around 5 minutes. Use the highest temperature setting to ensure the chicken browns and cooks through fully.
. Prepare the Pan
- Line a baking sheet or oven-safe pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Lightly brush or spray foil with olive oil or cooking spray so the chicken doesn’t stick.
. Bake the Chicken
- Place seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared pan, evenly spaced apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
. Let It Rest
- Remove chicken from the toaster oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to reabsorb so chicken stays juicy.
- For added flavor and moisture, brush chicken with melted butter, olive oil, or sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
How to Cook Juicy Chicken Thighs in a Toaster Oven
Chicken thighs are perfect for the toaster oven. The rich flavor holds up well to quick cooking, and they stay tender and moist. Follow these tips when baking bone-in or boneless thighs.
Choose Bone-In vs. Boneless
- Bone-in – More flavorful, retain moisture well. Bake for 30-40 minutes based on thickness.
- Boneless – Cook faster. Bake for 18-22 minutes depending on size. Easy to season evenly.
Best Methods for Juicy, Tender Chicken Thighs
- Bake seasoned thighs at 375-400°F – Crisp skin, juicy meat.
- Broil 4-6 minutes per side – Caramelized exterior. Finish baking if needed.
- Air fry at 390°F – Gets ultra crispy in 15-20 minutes. Toss in sauce after air frying.
Seasoning and Flavoring
- Use generous seasoning – salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, chili powder, etc.
- Brush on sauce or glaze last 5 minutes – bbq, teriyaki, jerk, etc.
- Insert roasted garlic cloves or fresh herbs under skin before baking.
- Marinate 1-2 hours for more flavor penetration. Pat dry before baking.
Getting the Perfect Crispy Skin
- Remove skin from bone-in thighs and bake skin-side-up on foil-lined pan.
- Pat skin completely dry before baking. Dry skin crisps up better.
- Brush skin lightly with oil or cooking spray to help it brown and crisp.
How to Bake Chicken Wings in a Toaster Oven
Crispy baked chicken wings are easy to make in a toaster oven. Here are some tips for getting tender meat and deliciously browned skin every time.
Toaster Oven Temperature for Chicken Wings
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F to crispen the skin.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes depending on size of wings.
Prepare the Wings
- Separate into drummettes and flats or leave whole.
- Pat extremely dry with paper towels for crispy skin.
- Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
Baking Methods
- Directly on wire rack – Allows air circulation for crispy skin.
- Lined sheet pan – Contains mess. Can brush wings with sauce the last 5-10 minutes.
- Oiled foil – Prevents sticking. Easy cleanup.
Flip and Rotate for Even Cooking
- Flip wings over halfway through baking.
- Rotate pan 180 degrees to ensure even browning.
Checking Doneness
- Wings are done when skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
- Meat should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Cut into thickest wing to check it is cooked through.
- Let rest 5 minutes before tossing in sauce.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Drumsticks in the Toaster Oven
Chicken drumsticks are a fun finger food to enjoy. Here’s how to bake juicy, tender drumsticks with crispy skin in a toaster oven:
Toaster Oven Temperature
- Preheat to 375°F-400°F for tender, fully cooked meat.
Prepare the Drumsticks
- Pat drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
- Brush with oil or nonstick spray to help crisp the skin.
- Generously season with salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, paprika and chili powder.
Bake Directly on Oven Rack
- Place drumsticks skin-side-up on wire oven rack.
- Allow air flow for super crispy skin.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until 165°F.
Crisping the Skin
- For extra crispy skin, broil 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Another option is to air fry at 390°F for 15-20 minutes until skin is browned and crispy.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Perfectly in a Toaster Oven
Use a Meat Thermometer
Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is cooked through.
- Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F. Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, thigh, or drumstick avoiding bone.
- If undercooked, return to toaster oven for 5 minutes and recheck temperature.
Prevent Dry, Overcooked Chicken
It’s easy to overcook lean chicken breasts and end up with dry, rubbery meat. Follow these tips:
- Spray or brush chicken with oil to keep it moist. Olive oil and butter add flavor.
- Don’t cook chicken breasts over 400°F which can dry them out. 350°F is ideal.
- Wrap boneless breasts in foil halfway through cooking for tender results.
Use a Baking Sheet for Less Mess
A rimmed baking sheet contains any juices or drippings while chicken bakes. It’s also easier to rotate and flip chicken on a flat pan.
- Line pan with foil or parchment paper for quick cleanup.
- Place a cooling rack on sheet pan to allow air circulation and crispy skin.
Allow Chicken to Rest Before Serving
Letting cooked chicken rest afterwards allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy when you cut into it.
- Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes on a clean cutting board before slicing and serving.
- Tent foil loosely over chicken so it stays warm as it rests.
Conclusion
Cooking moist, flavorful chicken in a toaster oven is easy with the right techniques. The key steps are using the correct temperature, preparing chicken properly, monitoring doneness, and allowing time to rest before serving.
Toaster ovens provide a quick, versatile way to enjoy chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings perfectly cooked. With a little practice, you can make delicious chicken for a weeknight dinner or quick lunch using this handy kitchen appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
What is the best temperature to cook chicken in a toaster oven?
350°F to 400°F is ideal. Higher heat ensures chicken browns and cooks through fully. Lower temperatures around 325°F can be used for gentle heating of cooked chicken.
How long does it take to bake chicken in a toaster oven?
Cooking times vary based on thickness and bone-in vs boneless. General guidelines:
- Boneless breasts: 15-18 minutes
- Bone-in breasts: 18-22 minutes
- Boneless thighs: 18-22 minutes
- Bone-in thighs: 30-40 minutes
- Drumsticks: 30-40 minutes
- Wings: 18-22 minutes
An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F.
Does chicken need to be flipped halfway through baking in a toaster oven?
Yes, flipping chicken halfway through ensures it browns and cooks evenly on both sides. Chicken can also be rotated 180 degrees for even browning.
Should I let chicken rest after cooking it in a toaster oven?
Letting chicken rest 5-10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy when cut. Tent foil over chicken so it stays warm.
How do I prevent chicken from drying out in a toaster oven?
Brush or coat chicken with oil, spray with nonstick spray, or wrap in foil to prevent drying out. Don’t overcook, and use a meat thermometer for doneness. Cook at lower temperatures around 325-350°F.