Cooking chicken properly in an electric skillet requires preheating the skillet, using the right temperature setting, and monitoring the internal temperature of the chicken. Here are some quick tips for cooking juicy, flaky chicken in an electric skillet:
Preheat the Electric Skillet
It’s important to preheat your electric skillet before adding the chicken. This allows the skillet to come up to the desired cooking temperature. Preheat your skillet over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes.
Use the Right Temperature Setting
The optimal temperature for cooking chicken in an electric skillet is between 325°F and 375°F. Setting the temperature too high can cause the outside of the chicken to burn before the inside is cooked through. Too low of a temperature will result in undercooked chicken.
325°F
Cooking chicken at 325°F is best for bone-in chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. The lower temperature allows the bones to cook through without burning the outside of the meat.
350°F
350°F is ideal for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The slightly higher heat helps the chicken cook through evenly and prevents it from drying out.
375°F
Use 375°F for chicken tenderloins or strips for fajitas or stir fry. The higher temperature sears the outside to lock in juices.
Monitor the Internal Temperature
Always monitor the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer while cooking to ensure food safety. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F.
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, without touching the bone. Once the chicken reaches 165°F, it can be removed from the skillet and rested for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Electric Skillet
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking chicken in your electric skillet:
- Pat chicken dry before cooking for optimal browning.
- Use a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which steams rather than sears the chicken.
- Allow chicken pieces to finish cooking through with the skillet off the heat.
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Cooking Times for Chicken
Cooking times will vary based on the thickness and bone-in or boneless chicken pieces. Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate doneness. As a general guideline, these are average cooking times for chicken in an electric skillet at 350°F:
| Chicken Type | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless) | 12-15 minutes |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 22-25 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks (bone-in) | 30-35 minutes |
| Chicken wings (bone-in) | 18-22 minutes |
Conclusion
Cooking chicken in an electric skillet allows you to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken indoors without heating up the oven. By preheating your skillet, using the right temperature, and monitoring doneness with a thermometer, you can enjoy tender, fully-cooked chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and allow the chicken to rest before serving for best results.