How to Bake Chicken in an Aluminum Pan
Aluminum pans, also referred to as foil pans, are a valuable resource when you are entertaining or having a barbecue. Because they are inexpensive and conduct heat well, they are a good storage option for cooked foods. However, you can use aluminum pans anytime to cook common items such as chicken in your oven. Although they are viewed as disposable, they can be washed and reused. Generally, foods cook the same way they would in other pans, but there are some things to consider when using them.
You can use an aluminum pan to make your favorite chicken dishes. (Image: Elena Moiseeva/Hemera/Getty Images)Step 1
Remove the manufacturer's label and the adhesive from the inside of the aluminum pan. Use warm water and a mild soap to wash the inside of the pan. Rinse well. Dry the inside of the pan with a clean towel or paper towel.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place your oven rack in the middle of the oven to prevent the chicken from overcooking on the top or bottom.
Step 3
Rinse the chicken with cool water. If you are using a whole chicken, rinse the outside as well as the inside cavity of the chicken. Place the chicken on a clean surface such as a cutting board or a countertop.
Step 4
Use a clean paper towel to blot off any excess water. Removing the water from the skin of the chicken helps the seasonings to stick. Sprinkle each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Season the outside and the inside of the whole chicken with the salt and pepper.
Step 5
Spray the aluminum pan with cooking spray or rub 1 to 2 tbsp. of olive oil or canola oil inside the pan. Greasing the pan is important to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan. Because the pan is made of aluminum it can hold more heat than most pans; this can cause the chicken to stick to the pan.
Step 6
Add additional herbs or seasonings to the chicken if you want to add more flavor. This includes lemon pepper, poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning or chopped herbs such as rosemary and thyme or minced garlic.
Step 7
Add the chicken to the aluminum pan and cook for 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Things You'll Need
9x13 aluminum pan
Cooking spray
Olive oil or canola oil
1 lb. chicken breast, chicken wings, chicken leg quarters or whole chicken
Salt
Pepper
Additional herbs or seasonings
Warning
To add sauce to the chicken, remove it after 25 minutes of cooking and brush it with the sauce. Place the chicken back in the oven and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
