What size roasting pan do I need to cook a chicken?
Most roast chicken recipes call for a shallow roasting pan fitted with a rack to elevate the bird. This ensures that hot air will circulate around the chicken, giving every inch a crispy, golden brown bake. For this recipe, you’ll need a small (14-inch) roasting pan with sides about 3 inches tall.
What can I use instead of a roasting pan to roast chicken?
But roast chicken is a popular comfort food in my house, so being able to roast it in something more accessible than the roasting pan makes life a whole lot easier. Here are five alternatives so you won’t ever feel the need to pull out or buy a roasting pan just to make roast chicken! 1. Cast Iron Skillet
What kind of Pan do you use to cook a chicken?
Taste of Home. Most roast chicken recipes call for a shallow roasting pan fitted with a rack to elevate the bird. This ensures that hot air will circulate around the chicken, giving every inch a crispy, golden brown bake. That’s exactly what this recipe calls for here.
What is the best roasting pan to buy?
For a more wallet-friendly option, the Graniteware Large Covered Oval Roasting Pan is our favorite because it's lightweight and easy to clean. Unless you regularly make family-size roasts, you might not give much thought to roasting pans outside of the holiday season.
What's the best pan to cook a roast in?
The Best Roasting PanOur pick. Cuisinart 16″ Roasting Pan With Rack (MCP117-16BR) The best roasting pan. ... Runner-up. Anolon Tri-ply Clad Roaster with Nonstick Rack. A good roaster. ... Budget pick. Granite Ware 19-inch Covered Oval Roaster (F0510) ... Upgrade pick. Williams Sonoma All-Clad Stainless-Steel Flared Roaster.
Do you have to put water in roasting pan when roasting a chicken?
Roast the Chicken If you are not roasting any vegetables with the chicken, it's a good idea to add about 1/2 cup of water to the pan to prevent the drippings from burning. Place the chicken on the rack breast side up, slide the pan into the oven, and roast it uncovered for about 60 to 70 minutes.
Is it better to roast a chicken covered or uncovered?
Do you cover a chicken when roasting? We generally like to roast our chicken uncovered so the skin crisps up and turns an appealing golden brown. If the chicken starts to get too dark before it reaches the proper internal temperature, you can tent a piece of foil over the top to protect the skin from burning.
What can I use if I don't have a roasting pan?
The Five Best Roasting Pan AlternativesAlternative #1: Baking Sheet.Alternative #2: Cast-Iron Skillet.Alternative #3: Braiser Pan.Alternative #4: Casserole Dish.Alternative #5: Foil Roasting Pan.
How do you keep a roasted chicken from drying out?
Using foil to cover the breast of the bird near the end of cooking can help prevent the meat from drying out and the skin from getting too brown. Watch carefully in the last 30 minutes and lay foil over the top of the chicken if necessary.
How do you keep chicken moist in the oven?
Cook at a lower heat for longer to keep the chicken breast tender and juicy. Bake just until internal temp reaches about 160º F, then let sit under foil to cook to a safe internal temp. Line pan or baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Olive oil keeps chicken moist and adds extra flavor.
Is it better to bake a whole chicken at 350 or 400?
Both 350 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit are common baking temperatures for chicken, but 350 degrees is more likely to result in a juicier, more tender chicken, while 400 degrees will give the chicken a crispier skin.
Do you put water at the bottom of a roasting pan?
"Often consumers will inquire about adding water to the bottom of their roasting pans. We do not recommend adding water to the bottom of the pan. Cooking a turkey with steam is a moist heat-cook method and is acceptable, sure, but is not the preferred method for cooking your turkey."
Should I put tin foil over my chicken?
When it comes to roasting a chicken its best to cover it with tin foil for at least the first 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to keep the heat around the whole chicken and will help to encourage the natural juices to seep out of the chicken helping it cook all the way through.
Is it better to roast in glass or metal?
Metal pans are better heat conductors than glass pans, meaning the food inside cooks more evenly.
What's the difference between a roasting pan and a baking pan?
Baking pans are usually shorter, smaller, and thinner than roasting pans (therefore, lighter and easier to move), come without handles, and can be made of different materials, including glass, ceramic, and metals. Baking sheets are often nonstick. Roasting pans are usually taller and thicker than a baking pan.
Can you use a glass dish as a roasting pan?
Glass pans aren't recommended when you want to broil foods because they may shatter. In fact, glass pans should never be used in direct high-heat cooking situations, like on the stovetop (unless otherwise specified from the manufacturer).
Why is there so much water in the pan when I cook chicken?
You're not completely drying chicken off before you cook it If the chicken is not dry, it will release more moisture while cooking." If any moisture in the chicken seeps out into the pan, the chicken will steam. The chicken will still cook, but it likely won't get very crispy.
What temperature should you roast chicken?
You can roast or bake anywhere between 325 and 450 degrees F. When roasting a whole chicken, a nice rule of them is to start at 400 to 425 degrees F and then turn the oven down to 350 after 15 minutes and cook until the internal temp of the chicken is 165 – 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
How do you keep chicken skin crispy when resting?
"When you want to get meat crispy, you want the skin as dry as possible." He advises air-drying the meat out of the package in the fridge for up to four hours, then patting it down with a clean paper towel to soak up any remaining moisture.
How do you use a self basting roasting tin?
0:070:55Self-Basting Roaster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOpen the lid using the large handle big enough to grab easily through thick oven clubs. Look at theMoreOpen the lid using the large handle big enough to grab easily through thick oven clubs. Look at the dimples on the lid designed to collect the juices from your roast self-basting.
Best Overall: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack
It's easy to see why this roasting pan is consistently on the Amazon best-sellers list. The durable pan was built with Cuisinart's Stainless Triple Ply Construction and trademark Heat Surround Technology which ensures that the bottom and sides of the pan distribute heat evenly. The pan is sturdy, dishwasher safe, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Best Splurge-Worthy Roasting Pan: All-Clad Stainless-Steel Roasting Pan with Nonstick Racks
If you're ready to invest in a durable roasting pan that you can use for years to come, an All-Clad is worth the price. It's made from high-quality stainless steel that's reinforced with a warp-resistant bonded base. The roasting pan is also available in two size options: 16- x 13 -inch and 14- x 11-inch.
Best Budget-Friendly Roasting Pany: Circulon Nonstick Roasting Pan
This roasting pan is nonstick, large, and easy to clean, so you don't have to sacrifice any quality for the budget-friendly price. Extra wide handles allow you to move this roasting pan from the counter to the oven to the table with ease. And when the holidays come around, it can accommodate up to a 24-pound turkey.
Best Roasting Pan with Lid: Mr Rudolf 15 inch Roasting Pan with Lid and Rack
The best thing about the lid that comes with this roasting pan is that it can also be used as another roaster, so you're essentially getting two pans for the price of one. Tapered rims allow for mess-free pouring and the dishwasher safe stainless steel cleans easily and looks good as new after each wash.
Best Stainless Steel Roasting Pan: Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack
A layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel makes this roasting pan heavy duty while also ensuring even heat distribution. Inverted handles help to maximize oven space while also making the pan easy to transport.
Best Nontoxic Roasting Pan: Food52 x GreenPan Roasting Pan with Rack
Not only is this sage-blue roasting pan with gold handles the prettiest one we've ever seen, but it's also made with a nontoxic ceramic coating that won't release toxins while cooking. It's safe for use in up to 600 degrees, dishwasher safe, and suitable for all cooktops.
Best Versatile Roasting Pan: Le Creuset Signature Roaster
Le Creuset is known for the even heat distribution their cookware offers and their Signature Roaster is no exception. It can be used with or without a roasting rack for cooking meats, vegetables, casseroles, and even desserts. Available in nine of Le Creuset's beautiful signature colors like Cerise, Caribbean, and Oyster.
1. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is one of our favorite pans to roast a chicken in. It retains heat well, has built-in handles, and doesn’t take up as much room as a roasting pan.
2. Large Ovensafe Frying Pan or Skillet
Similar to a cast iron skillet but lighter so it’s even easier to maneuver around, this is another great option. We also love that you can make a pan sauce right in there while the chicken is resting!
3. Rimmed Baking Sheet
A rimmed baking sheet has plenty of surface area for a chicken to roast on. Just make sure it’s a heavy-duty one that won’t buckle, and be careful of splashing drippings and juices when you remove it from the oven.
4. Bundt Pan
An unconventional use for a pan designed for cakes and sweets, the bundt pan is actually a great way way to prop the chicken up, much like for beer can chicken. Just remember to place the pan on a baking sheet to catch drippings that will run out of the hole in the center.
What Size Do You Need?
Though it might seem silly, make sure you know the internal measurements of your oven, particularly if it is a smaller model. When looking at roasting pan sizes, be sure to take into account the thickness of the walls and the height of the handles, especially if they are permanently extended.
Pick a Good Depth
Most cooks agree that three inches is the ideal height for a roasting pan. Too deep and you’ll end up steaming your ingredients rather than roasting them. Too shallow and braising becomes quite a messy endeavor, as does trying to pull the pan out of the oven without spilling anything.
Choose the Right Material
The two best materials for a roasting pan are stainless steel or copper. While enameled cast-iron roasting pans are beautiful to look at, they can also be incredibly heavy. Add a 20-pound turkey to the mix, and you’re going to need some extra muscle to maneuver it.
Consider the Handles
Take a good look at the handles when purchasing a roasting pan. In general, the type of handle you choose depends on your own preferences. Some handles are permanently extended. This makes them easier to grab from the oven, but it also takes up more space and can reduce the overall cooking size of the roasting pan.
Add a Rack
A roasting pan should ideally come with a rack. This feature keeps the bottom of your roast out of its juices, keeping the skin crispy. A rack also promotes air circulation, allowing for more even roasting.
Whether you are cooking a holiday dinner or a weeknight supper, the right roasting pan makes a difference
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What to Consider When Buying a Roasting Pan
To choose the best roasting pan, consider how often you will use it, what you will be cooking in it, and how many people you will be cooking for.
Our Top Picks
Here are some of the best roasting pans by category, based on these shopping considerations.
FAQs About Roasting Pans
Still have questions about buying or caring for the best roasting pan? We’ve got answers.
Have a hankering for roast chicken? The Taste of Home Test Kitchen has tips on how to roast a chicken perfectly every time
When it comes to Sunday suppers, roast chicken is one of the classics. And for a good reason, too. These birds are the perfect cheap dinner idea, and they’re versatile enough that you can repurpose the chicken leftovers all week long.
Roast Chicken Recipe
We’ve got plenty of amazing roast chicken recipes in our archives, but let’s start with one of our Test Kitchen’s favorites: Sunday’s Best Chicken from Arizona reader Amy Jenkins.
How to Store Roast Chicken
A cooked chicken will last three to four days in the refrigerator. It’s best to store chicken in an airtight container or sealed bag. Wrapping it in aluminum foil will work in a pinch, but exposure to air will dry out the chicken and ruin its flavor.
How to Roast a Chicken with Vegetables
Roasting chicken on a bed of vegetables is an ideal way to create a flavorful vegetable side! The chicken juices will drip onto the veggies as they cook, seasoning them with unforgettable flavor.
Tips for Roasting a Chicken
We love the combination of lemon and rosemary in this recipe, but if you want to switch things up a bit, here are some other ways to season a roast chicken:
Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken
I love a good roasted chicken, and this one is easy and delicious. The marinade does its magic in the fridge until time for roasting. It’s fun to dress the dish up by season based on whatever vegetables are fresh at the market. —Kara Brook, Owings Mills, Maryland
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After years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen. While she spends most of her time writing these days, she still exercises her culinary muscles on the regular, taking any opportunity to turn local, seasonal ingredients into beautiful meals for her family.
