How to Bake Chicken in The Toaster Oven

Do you ever want to enjoy a delicious, juicy piece of baked chicken but want to avoid the hassle of turning on your oven or waiting an hour or two for it to warm up? Well, believe it or not, there is a way that you can quickly and easily make a scrumptious meal using just your trusty toaster oven! While most people are familiar with using their regular ovens for roasting meats and vegetables, few know that the trusty little toaster oven can quickly cook main dishes too. 

In this blog post, we will discuss how to bake chicken in the toaster oven - no preheating required! You'll learn how to prepare each component of this dish while learning tips on how you can use different cuts and marinades for maximum flavor. Whether you are looking for ways to bulk up those protein macros or whipping together something quick and nutritious for dinner tonight - read along as I walk you through baking chicken like a boss in your own kitchen's mini powerhouse!

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Ingredients 

• 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast
• ½ tsp of onion powder 
• heaping ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 2 pinches of finely ground black pepper
• ¼-¾ tsp of salt
• 1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice 

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Instructions:

1. We suggest using a thermometer designed to verify the internal temperature of the meat while it is cooking. 

1. Using a thermometer that cannot remain in place throughout cooking can result in chicken with holes. This will cause the meat to lose its moisture and become dry.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or tin foil. The parchment is optional but will facilitate cooking and simplify cleanup.

1. In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, and black pepper.

1. Brush the chicken breasts on both sides with olive oil and arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle each piece with half the salt and then half the spice blend. Turn over and repeat, salting the other side first. The chicken will be baked with the skin side down.

1. We strongly suggest using all of the salt. This will contribute to the meat's internal taste. If you run out of salt before covering all of the chicken, feel free to add more.

1. Place the chicken in the pan with the top side down; this will help ensure browning. Place the thicker ends along one of the pan's long sides.

1. The thicker ends of the chicken should face the rear of the toaster oven.

1. The meat thermometer is designed to endure heat, so the door of the toaster oven may be closed directly on the wire.

1. The cooking time will vary based on the chicken breast's weight and thickness. 2 6-7 ounce chunks 18 to 21 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

1. Leave the thermometer probe in the chicken and loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

1. The temperature will continue to climb over the next five minutes and should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which chicken is safely edible.

1. After, remove the foil when the thermometer registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. At this stage, the chicken is safely edible, but the flesh will be much juicier if allowed to rest. If you cut the chicken now, the liquid will run out, leaving it dry. We suggest letting it sit for 10 minutes before serving (leave the meat thermometer in). Internally, the bird will still be warm.

1. Brush the chicken with the pan juices once they have been drained. Finish with your preferred sauce or glaze.

How to Store and Freeze

Don’t let that protein go to waste! We highly suggest you properly store and freeze your leftovers to ensure quality and freshness. This idea is great for meal prepping and super easy to reheat on the days you don't have time to plan a cooked meal. 

How To freeze:

1. Remove and discard the chicken skin.
2. Remove as much chicken meat as possible, discarding the fatty parts and bones. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, or you can keep it fully intact.
3. Put the chicken pieces into an airtight container and store them in the freezer.
4. For the best quality, you can store the chicken in the freezer for about four months. 
5. Chicken that is stored mainly in the fridge should be eaten within three to four days. 

How To Reheat:

1. Reheating chicken in the toaster oven is fairly simple. Place the cooked chicken into the toaster oven and reheat it for 5 min at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until you reach your desired temperature. 
2.  If you want to reheat chicken that's been stored in the freezer, reheat the meat in the toaster oven for 10-12 min at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Are you interested in more fitness and health-curated recipes? Here at HUMBLEROOTS, we have the perfect handpicked recipes made just for you!

Final Thoughts 

Who knew you could make such a delicious and healthy meal in your toaster oven? This is a perfect solution for those who want to eat something high in protein but need more time or patience to cook an entire chicken. 

Not only is it quick and easy, but baking chicken in the toaster oven is also relatively inexpensive. So next time you're overwhelmed by cooking dinner, remember this simple recipe and try it! You won't be disappointed. What are you waiting for? Preheat your toaster oven and get cooking!