Which Oven is Best for Grilling Chicken?
Have you ever bitten into a juicy piece of grilled chicken and thought, “Wow, I wish I could make this at home”? You’re not alone! Many home cooks struggle to get that perfect grilled flavor without a backyard grill. The good news is that with the right oven, you can make tasty grilled chicken right in your kitchen. Let’s look at the different types of ovens that can help you make mouth-watering chicken that your whole family will love.
Types of Ovens for Grilling Chicken
When it comes to making great grilled chicken indoors, not all ovens are created equal. Each type has its own good points and bad points. Let’s explore the main kinds you might want to think about for your kitchen.
Conventional Ovens
These are the most common ovens found in homes. They heat from the bottom and sometimes have a broiler on top.
You can use the broiler setting to get a bit of that grilled look on your chicken. To do this, put your chicken on the top rack and turn the broiler on. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! While not made just for grilling, these ovens are good all-around tools that can work in a pinch.
The best way to get a grilled taste in a regular oven is to use a very hot cast iron pan. Heat it up in the oven first, then put your chicken on it. The hot metal will give you nice grill marks.
Convection Ovens
Convection ovens have fans that blow hot air around. This helps cook food more evenly and often faster than regular ovens.
The moving air in convection ovens helps make food crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy inside. This is great for chicken! You can get a nice, crisp skin that tastes a bit like it came off a grill.
Many newer ovens come with both regular and convection settings, so you might already have this option in your kitchen.
Toaster Ovens with Broil Function
Don’t count out the humble toaster oven! Many newer models have broil settings that work well for smaller amounts of chicken.
These are great if you’re cooking for just one or two people. They heat up fast and use less power than big ovens. Some fancy toaster ovens even have settings just for meat that can help you get that grilled look and taste.
The downside is space – you can only fit a few pieces of chicken at once, so they’re not great for big family meals.
Indoor Grills
These special devices are made to bring outdoor grilling inside. They come in many shapes and sizes.
The best ones have ridges that leave grill marks on your chicken. Many also drain away fat as the chicken cooks, making your meal a bit healthier.
George Foreman grills are a well-known type, but there are lots of other brands too. Some sit on your counter, while others can replace a burner on your stove.
Air Fryers
Air fryers have become super popular in recent years, and for good reason! They use hot air to “fry” food with little or no oil.
While not made for grilling, air fryers can give chicken a crispy outside like grilled chicken has. The taste isn’t exactly the same as grilled, but many people love the results.
Modern air fryers often come with settings for different foods, including chicken. Some even have special racks that let you get grill marks.
Comparing Different Ovens
To help you pick the right oven for your grilled chicken needs, here’s a handy chart that compares the main types:
| Oven Type | Grilling Ability | Space Needed | Cooking Time | Ease of Use | Clean-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Fair | Large | Medium | Easy | Medium |
| Convection | Good | Large | Fast | Medium | Medium |
| Toaster Oven | Fair | Small | Fast | Easy | Easy |
| Indoor Grill | Excellent | Small-Medium | Fast | Easy | Hard |
| Air Fryer | Good | Small | Very Fast | Easy | Easy |
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken in Any Oven
No matter which oven you choose, these tips will help you make chicken that tastes like it came off an outdoor grill:
Prep Your Chicken Right
Before you start cooking, get your chicken ready for the best results:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the marinade! Even 30 minutes can add tons of flavor.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to help it brown better.
- Season well with salt and other spices you like.
Use the Right Tools
The right tools can make a big difference:
- A meat thermometer helps you know when chicken is done without cutting into it.
- Pans with ridges can give you grill marks in any oven.
- Broiler pans let fat drip away for healthier cooking.
- Aluminum foil can help with clean-up in most ovens.
Perfect Your Technique
How you cook is just as important as what you cook with:
- Preheat your oven or device fully before adding chicken.
- Don’t crowd the pan – leave space between pieces.
- Only flip once if possible for the best grill marks.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking before cutting.
Best Recipes for Oven-Grilled Chicken
Now that you know about the different ovens, let’s talk about some yummy recipes that work well in indoor ovens:
Simple Herb Grilled Chicken
This easy recipe works in any oven type:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
Brush chicken with oil, add seasonings, and cook until done. This basic recipe lets the grilled flavor shine through.
Tangy BBQ Oven-Grilled Chicken
This is perfect for convection ovens or air fryers:
- Chicken thighs
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
The sugar in BBQ sauce helps create a caramelized crust that tastes like it came from an outdoor grill.
Lemon Garlic Broiled Chicken
Great for conventional ovens with broilers:
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Olive oil
The high heat of the broiler gives a nice char while the lemon keeps it fresh tasting.
What to Look for When Buying an Oven for Grilling
If you’re shopping for a new oven with chicken grilling in mind, here are some things to consider:
- Temperature Range: Higher max temps are better for grilling.
- Broiler Position: Top-mounted broilers work best for chicken.
- Even Heating: Look for ovens known for consistent temperatures.
- Size: Make sure it’s big enough for your typical chicken meals.
- Special Features: Some have preset chicken or grill settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get grill marks in an oven?
Yes! Use a super hot cast iron grill pan or a broiler pan with ridges. Preheat it first, then add your chicken. The hot metal will create those classic grill lines.
What temperature is best for oven-grilled chicken?
For most ovens, 400-450°F works well. If using a broiler, you’ll want it on high. Just watch carefully so the chicken doesn’t burn.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink.
Do I need to flip chicken when grilling in an oven?
Usually yes. For even cooking and grill marks on both sides, flip once halfway through the cooking time.
Which is healthier – oven-grilled or outdoor-grilled chicken?
Oven-grilled chicken can be healthier because fat drips away and there’s less smoke, which can contain compounds that aren’t good for you. But both can be part of a healthy diet.
Can I use frozen chicken for oven grilling?
It’s best to thaw chicken fully before grilling in any oven. Frozen chicken won’t brown properly and might cook unevenly.
What’s the quickest oven for grilling chicken?
Air fryers and countertop indoor grills usually cook chicken the fastest, often in 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a backyard grill to enjoy tasty grilled chicken. With the right indoor oven and a few simple tricks, you can make mouth-watering chicken that your family will think came from an outdoor grill. Whether you choose a regular oven, convection oven, toaster oven, indoor grill, or air fryer depends on your space, budget, and how often you plan to make grilled chicken.
The best part? Indoor grilling works all year round – no matter the weather! So next time you’re craving that perfect piece of grilled chicken, don’t wait for a sunny day. Fire up your indoor oven and get grilling!
