When it comes to cooking proteins like salmon and chicken, a common question is whether you can cook them together in the same pan or baking dish. The short answer is yes, you can absolutely cook salmon and chicken together! However, there are some important factors to consider to ensure both proteins are cooked properly and get the flavors you want.
Factors to Consider When Cooking Salmon and Chicken Together
Here are the main things to think about when cooking salmon and chicken together:
- Cook times – Salmon cooks faster than chicken since it’s a fish. Make sure to account for the different cook times.
- Temperature – Salmon cooks best at lower temperatures while chicken needs higher heat. Aim for 350°F to perfectly cook both.
- Placement – Put the salmon towards the top of the pan or dish since it’s quicker cooking.
- Moisture content – Salmon releases moisture as it cooks which can make the chicken soggy. Keep them separated.
- Flavor transfer – Salmon’s strong flavor can overpower the chicken. Use foil or parchment paper between them.
Best Cooking Methods for Salmon and Chicken
Taking the above factors into account, here are some of the top cooking methods for making salmon and chicken together:
Baking
Baking is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon and chicken together. Simply place the salmon on the top rack of the oven, closer to the heating element. Put the chicken on the lower rack further away. Check sizes and cook times so both are done at the same time. The salmon can bake uncovered while the chicken should be tightly covered with foil.
Sheet Pan
A rimmed baking sheet works great for cooking salmon and chicken together. Place the chicken pieces on one side of the pan and salmon fillets on the other. Use parchment paper between them. You can add veggies too! Bake at 375°F, removing the salmon first when done.
Grilling
For outdoor cooking on the grill, lay the salmon skin-side down on the top rack further from the heat source. Put the chicken on the lower grate nearer the coals or flame. Baste the chicken with sauce to prevent drying. Close the lid to contain heat.
Skillet
To cook in a skillet, choose an oven-safe pan. Heat over medium high and sear the chicken first. Remove and add the salmon skin-side up to cook through halfway. Put the chicken around the salmon pieces and transfer to the oven at 375°F until salmon flakes and chicken is 165°F.
Foil Packets
Make foil packets for easy cooking and built-in portion control. Place a salmon fillet in the middle of a large sheet of foil. Put chicken pieces and veggies around it. Drizzle with oil or sauce, then fold into a sealed packet. Grill 8-10 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Seasoning Tips
To make sure the salmon and chicken both get great flavor when cooking together, keep these seasoning tips in mind:
- Use bold seasonings like garlic, herbs, paprika, and lemon on the salmon to stand up to the chicken.
- Season the chicken mildly with salt, pepper, and olive oil to let the salmon shine.
- Add fresh veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to the pan for extra flavor.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil before cooking to keep it moist.
- Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, teriyaki, or other glazes for moisture and flavor.
Salmon and Chicken Meal Ideas
Cooking salmon and chicken together opens up many possibilities for delicious and balanced meals. Here are some tasty meal ideas combining the two proteins:
| Meal | Ingredients | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon garlic salmon with chicken | Salmon, chicken breasts, lemon, garlic, asparagus | Baking sheet at 375°F |
| Salmon burgers with grilled chicken | Salmon patties, chicken thighs, burger buns, lettuce, tomato | Grill or grill pan |
| Skillet salmon and chicken fajitas | Salmon, chicken, peppers, onion, tortillas | Cast iron skillet then oven at 375°F |
| Salmon pasta bake with chicken | Salmon, chicken, penne, roasted veggies, cheese | Baked pasta dish at 350°F |
Storing Leftover Salmon and Chicken
Like any proteins, leftovers of cooked salmon and chicken need proper storage to maximize freshness and avoid food safety issues.
- Let all food cool completely before packing up leftovers.
- Store salmon and chicken separately to prevent flavor transfer.
- Use shallow airtight containers and limit depth to 2-3 inches.
- Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
- You can freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Microwave or oven heating work best to prevent drying out.
Safety Tips
To cook salmon and chicken safely together, keep these important safety guidelines in mind:
- Always thaw frozen salmon and chicken in the fridge before cooking.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for handling raw chicken then salmon.
- Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards thoroughly after working with raw chicken.
- Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F and salmon 130°F minimum.
- Never let raw proteins or cooked food sit in the danger zone between 40°F-140°F for more than 2 hours.
Common Questions
Should you cook salmon and chicken in the same pan?
Yes, you can cook salmon and chicken together in one pan or baking dish. The key is using different racks or placement and foil or parchment barriers to prevent overcooking and flavor transfer issues.
Does salmon cook faster than chicken?
Salmon cooks much faster than chicken since it’s a fish that’s done at a lower internal temperature. Chicken takes at least twice as long to cook through to a safe 165°F.
What temperature do you cook salmon and chicken together?
The best temperature for cooking salmon and chicken together is 350-375°F. This allows the salmon to cook through without overcooking at a higher temp. And it’s hot enough to cook chicken safely to 165°F.
Can you put salmon and chicken in the oven at the same time?
Yes, baking salmon and chicken together in the oven works very well. Use different racks with the salmon higher up and always use foil or parchment as a barrier between them.
Is it OK to bake salmon and chicken in the same dish?
Baking salmon and chicken baked together in a casserole dish or sheet pan is fine. Just place them on opposite sides and use something to separate them like parchment paper if needed.
Conclusion
Cooking salmon and chicken together may seem tricky but using the right techniques makes it easy. The keys are using different placements in the oven or pan, finding the right temp to cook both proteins perfectly, and preventing flavor transfer and moisture issues. With the right seasonings and meal ideas, you can enjoy delicious and healthy salmon and chicken dishes cooked together.