Cooking chicken in a toaster oven is safe and convenient for small-batch cooking, as long as proper precautions are taken. A toaster oven reaches high temperatures, cooks food quickly, and the small space concentrates heat around the food. This allows you to perfectly cook smaller cuts of chicken. However, the size limitations of toaster ovens mean you can only cook a few pieces at a time. Additionally, toaster ovens do not have rotisseries or lidded cookers like full-size ovens, so chicken pieces may not get as evenly browned or crisp unless you manually flip halfway through. With the right techniques and monitoring, you can safely cook moist, flavorful chicken in a toaster oven.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken in a Toaster Oven
Here are some of the benefits of using a toaster oven to cook chicken:
- Cooks food quickly – Toaster ovens preheat and cook food faster than conventional ovens due to their smaller cavity size.
- Uses less energy – A toaster oven uses less electricity than a large oven to cook smaller portions.
- Concentrated heat – The tight space allows heat to focus on the food from all sides, resulting in quick and even cooking.
- Portability – A toaster oven is much smaller and lighter than a full oven, allowing you to move it between locations or store it easily.
- Fewer dishes – You can cook the chicken right on the toaster oven rack which means no pans to wash up.
- Perfect for small batches – It’s ideal for cooking 1-4 chicken breasts, legs, thighs, wings, etc.
- Versatility – A toaster oven allows you to broil, bake, toast, and warm food.
How Long to Cook Chicken in a Toaster Oven
Cooking times for chicken in a toaster oven will vary based on the wattage of your model, the size and thickness of chicken pieces, whether it is boneless or bone-in, and your desired doneness. Use the following cooking times as a guide:
Chicken Type | Cook Time |
---|---|
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, 4-6 oz each), bake at 400°F | 14-18 minutes |
Chicken thighs (bone-in with skin), bake at 375°F | 22-28 minutes |
Chicken drumsticks (bone-in), bake at 375°F | 30-40 minutes |
Chicken wings (whole), bake at 425°F | 24-28 minutes |
Chicken wings (split), broil on high | 8-12 minutes |
The best way to test for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for the chicken juices to run clear and the meat to become opaque and white throughout when pierced with a knife.
Tips for Cooking Chicken in a Toaster Oven
Follow these tips for safely and properly cooking chicken in a toaster oven:
- Preheat the toaster oven fully before cooking. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly.
- Use baking, broiling, or convection modes. Do not use the toast setting.
- Place chicken on a rack in a pan or directly on the rack to allow air circulation all around.
- Brush chicken with oil or rub with spices/herbs to add flavor and prevent drying out.
- Flip chicken halfway through cook time for even browning and thickness.
- Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicier meat.
- Clean your toaster oven thoroughly after each use to avoid bacterial growth.
- Avoid overcrowding the toaster oven, as too much chicken will cause uneven cooking.
Cooking Different Cuts of Chicken in a Toaster Oven
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are one of the easiest cuts to cook in a toaster oven. Season them with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices and brush lightly with oil. Place them on a rack over a pan or foil-lined sheet, smooth side down. Bake at 400°F for 14-18 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to rest before slicing.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are flavorful and become tender in a toaster oven. Leave the bone and skin on while cooking for added moisture and flavor. Season them with spices, salt, and pepper and place skin side up on a pan. Bake bone-in thighs at 375°F for 22-28 minutes until browned and cooked through. You can remove the skin before eating if you prefer.
Chicken Wings
Toaster ovens are perfect for cooking chicken wings. Toss whole wings or wing drumettes and flats in your favorite sauce or dry seasoning. For crispy wings, place them on a rack skin side up and bake at 425°F for 24-28 minutes, flipping halfway. For saucy baked wings, coat with sauce and bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes. Broiling is another great option, cooking for 8-12 minutes per side.
Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks take a bit longer to cook through but become tasty and tender in a toaster oven. Season them with spices, salt, pepper, or barbecue sauce. Place on a pan skin side down and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Whole Chicken
It is possible to cook a whole 3-4 lb chicken in a toaster oven but you may have to work in batches depending on the size. Remove giblets and trim excess fat. Season inside and out with herbs and spices. Place breast side down on a rack over a pan and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour until breasts reach 160°F and thighs reach 175°F. Allow to rest before carving.
Common Toaster Oven Chicken Recipes
Here are some delicious and easy chicken recipes to try in your toaster oven:
Simple Baked Chicken Breasts
Coat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and browned.
BBQ Chicken Legs
Toss 4 chicken legs and thighs in barbecue sauce and season with chili powder and cumin. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with more sauce at the end.
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Toss 12 whole chicken wings in hot sauce. Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with more buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Chicken Fajitas
Season 1 lb chicken breasts with fajita seasoning and lime juice. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Slice and serve with peppers and onions, tortillas, guacamole, etc.
Pesto Chicken and Vegetables
Toss chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, and green beans in pesto sauce. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Marinate 4 bone-in chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through, glazing with more sauce halfway.
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
Rub chicken drumsticks with a homemade or store-bought jerk seasoning. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until cooked through, glazing with more sauce halfway.
Chicken Parmesan
Bread chicken cutlets with seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 14 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella and bake 2 more minutes until melted.
Safe Toaster Oven Practices for Chicken
Proper usage and handling practices are key to safely cooking chicken in a toaster oven:
- Always preheat the toaster oven fully before use.
- Wash hands and prep surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken.
- Cook chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Discard any marinades used on raw chicken.
- Check that chicken is cooked fully at the thickest point.
- Turn off and unplug the toaster oven right after cooking.
- Let the toaster oven cool completely before cleaning.
- Use hot, soapy water to wash any pans, trays, racks, etc.
- Never leave the toaster oven unattended when in use.
Toaster Oven Size and Wattage for Chicken
Look for a toaster oven with at least 1500 watts of power and a capacity of 0.6 cubic feet or larger to comfortably cook a whole 4 lb chicken. Smaller toaster ovens around 1200 watts and 0.5 cubic feet are sufficient for cooking 1-4 chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks at a time.
Refer to your model’s manual for size specifications and recommended capacities. Avoid overcrowding your toaster oven with too much chicken, which can lead to uneven cooking. You may have to cook chicken in batches to allow proper airflow and heat circulation.
Should You Use Foil or Pans in a Toaster Oven?
Cooking chicken directly on the metal rack allows for the best heat circulation and browning. However, using foil or oven-safe pans in a toaster oven is fine and can help catch any drippings.
If using foil, make sure it is tightly wrapped and not touching the top heating elements. Do not cover racks fully with foil, as this blocks airflow.
Any pans or dishes must be specifically oven-safe. Metal, ceramic, glass, and porcelain work best. Avoid plastic which can melt under high heat. Make sure pans are smaller than your toaster oven to allow heat circulation.
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Chicken in a Toaster Oven?
It is possible to cook frozen chicken in a toaster oven but take caution. Thinner cuts like chicken breasts may cook from frozen in the same or just slightly longer time.
For thicker pieces like thighs and drumsticks, it is best to thaw first. Frozen chicken takes significantly longer to cook than thawed and the exterior can burn before the inside cooks through fully. For food safety, only cook large frozen cuts using the oven’s maximum temperature.
Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest section and ensuring the meat’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips for Cleaning a Toaster Oven after Chicken
- Unplug and allow the toaster oven to cool fully before wiping down.
- Remove racks, trays, pans, etc. These can be washed separately.
- Wipe down the interior cavity thoroughly using hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
- Clean the glass door carefully but avoid submerging it in water.
- For stubborn spots, use baking soda or a mild all-purpose cleaner.
- Do not try to clean while the toaster oven is still hot to the touch.
- Rinse surfaces well of any soap residue and dry fully with a soft towel.
- Replace racks and trays before next use.
Conclusion
Cooking smaller batches of chicken in a toaster oven is a quick and convenient cooking method when you follow proper safety procedures. With the right temperature, time, cut of chicken, and preparation, you can make moist, delicious chicken using this kitchen appliance.
Be sure to use recommended cook times and internal temperatures and avoid overcrowding the toaster oven. Clean the appliance thoroughly after use. With some practice, a toaster oven allows you to easily whip up healthy, tasty chicken any night of the week.