Electric griddles are one of the most versatile kitchen appliances available. They are great for cooking pancakes, eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even burgers. But one question we often encounter is whether it’s possible to cook chicken on an electric griddle. Absolutely! In this blog post, we will explore how to cook chicken on an electric griddle, what temperature to use, and how to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
Choosing the Right Griddle
Choosing the right electric griddle for cooking chicken is critical. You’ll want one that can reach high temperatures easily and distribute heat evenly. Typically, griddles with adjustable temperature settings and heating zones are better suited for cooking chicken. The larger the griddle, the more chicken breasts you can cook at the same time, which can save cooking time.
Preparing Chicken Breasts for Cooking
Before cooking chicken on an electric griddle, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure it is prepared correctly. First, it is crucial to wash the chicken breasts well under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria. Once washed, pat them dry using paper towels.
After that, it’s time to add seasoning to it. The seasoning you use depends on your preferences. Some people prefer using salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Others may prefer a mix of herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme or rosemary. Whatever seasoning you choose, make sure to add it to both sides of the chicken breast.
Setting the Temperature for Cooking Chicken on an Electric Griddle
The ideal temperature for cooking chicken on an electric griddle is 350 degrees F. However, if you have thicker chicken breast, you may want to increase the temperature to 400 degrees F. Also, if the chicken you’re cooking has bones, it would need this higher temperature to ensure even cooking, or you can increase the cooking time.
Cooking Chicken on an Electric Griddle
Start by preheating the electric griddle to the desired temperature. Once it reaches the right temperature, add some oil to the griddle and let it heat for a few seconds. Place the chicken breasts onto the griddle and allow them to cook until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes per side.
It’s important to keep watch of the chicken breasts and flip them regularly to prevent them from burning. If you’re cooking thicker chicken breasts, it’s a good idea to keep them on the griddle for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side.
One of the advantages of using an electric griddle is the ease of control over the temperature. If you feel the chicken breasts aren’t cooking through properly or are cooking too fast, you can adjust the temperature accordingly.
Ensuring Chicken is Cooked Thoroughly
You can determine if chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking its internal temperature. One way to do this is by using a thermometer. Ensure the thermometer is inserted into the centre of the chicken breast and reads at least 165 degrees F. At this temperature, it’s safe to eat the chicken.
If you do not have a food thermometer, the best way to check if the chicken is cooked is by cutting it in the centre. If there is no pink colouring or translucent juice, the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The meat will be white, and the juice will be clear.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken on an electric griddle is a fantastic alternative to traditional cooking methods. Although it may not produce the same char flavour as grilling, the electric griddle provides an evenly cooked, crispy, and moist result. Just remember to choose the right griddle, season the chicken breasts correctly, check their internal temperature and adjust the heat settings as necessary. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll love the convenience and delicious results that come with cooking chicken on an electric griddle.
FAQ
Why is chicken sticking to griddle?
There are a few reasons why chicken may be sticking to a griddle or grill. The first and most common reason is that the griddle or grill may not be hot enough. If the griddle or grill is not hot enough, the chicken will stick and it will be difficult to remove from the surface. It is important to preheat the griddle or grill to the appropriate temperature before cooking the chicken.
Another reason why chicken may stick to a griddle or grill is that the chicken may not be dry when it is placed on the surface to cook. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken may cause it to stick. It is important to dry the chicken thoroughly with a paper towel before placing it on the griddle or grill.
If the chicken is marinated, it is important to pat it dry before cooking. Excess marinade on the surface of the chicken may cause it to stick to the griddle or grill.
One way to prevent chicken from sticking to a griddle or grill is to lightly coat the chicken with olive oil and seasoning before placing it on the surface. The oil will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the surface while adding flavor to the chicken.
In addition to these tips, it is important to monitor the temperature of the griddle or grill while cooking the chicken. Keeping the temperature around 425-450F should help prevent the chicken from sticking. If the temperature is too high, the chicken will stick to the surface and may burn.
Chicken may stick to a griddle or grill for several reasons, including insufficient heat, excess moisture on the surface of the meat, and excess marinade. However, by preheating the griddle or grill, drying the chicken thoroughly, and lightly coating it with oil and seasoning, you can prevent the chicken from sticking and achieve a delicious and flavorful meal.
