How To Use A Broiler Pan For Chicken (Explained)

A broiler pan is an all-purpose pan. A broiler pan is a metal pan used for broiling food. The broiler pan cooks food under a broiler or with a cooking torch. A broiler pan is an essential kitchen tool for preparing chicken, especially for people who love broiled dishes. The secret for broiling delicious chicken is to start the chicken skin-side-down in the broiler pan.

What is a broiler pan?

A broiler pan is a kitchen tool typically used for cooking food under a broiler, a heating element typically located at the top of an oven.

The pan typically consists of two parts: a shallow pan and a raised rack.

The shallow pan catches the fat and juices that drip away from the food, while the raised rack elevates the food above the pan, allowing hot air to circulate it and cook it evenly.

Broiler pans are typically made of metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, and can cook various types of food, such as meats, seafood, and vegetables.

Broiler pans are also useful for grilling and marinating as it allows the fat and juices to drip away from the food.

Why should you buy one?

There are several reasons why you may want to consider buying a broiler pan:

Healthier cooking: A broiler pan allows the fat and juices to drip away from the food, resulting in a healthier and crispier finished product.

Even cooking: The raised rack on a broiler pan allows hot air to circulate the food, resulting in even cooking and browning.

Versatility: Broiler pans can be used for various cooking methods, including broiling, roasting, baking, and grilling.

Marinating: Broiler pans allow the marinade to coat the food evenly and allow excess marinade to drip away.

Convenience: A broiler pan is designed to fit in most ovens and stovetop grills, making it a convenient tool for any kitchen.

Easy to clean: Broiler pans are usually dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand.

Cost-effective: Broiler pans are a cost-effective alternative to buying a separate broiler or stovetop grill.

Overall, a broiler pan is a great addition to any kitchen, it can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, and it is a versatile, cost-effective, and easy-to-clean tool that allows for healthy and even cooking.

Food safety with a broiler pan

When using a broiler pan for cooking, following proper food safety guidelines is important to prevent foodborne illness. Some tips to ensure food safety when using a broiler pan include:

Cleaning: Clean the broiler pan thoroughly before and after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the food has reached the appropriate safe internal temperature, particularly when cooking poultry, pork, beef, and ground meat.

Cooked and raw food handling: Keep cooked and raw food separate to prevent cross-contamination.

Marinating: If marinating, use a food-grade plastic bag or container and marinate food in the refrigerator.

Leftovers: Store leftovers promptly, and reheat them to an internal temperature of 165F.

Cooking time and temperature: Follow the recipe instructions and use the correct cooking time and temperature to prevent under or over-cooking the food.

Five recipes for broiler pan chicken

Broiled Lemon Garlic Chicken

Marinate chicken breast with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least an hour.

Preheat the broiler and place the chicken on the broiler pan. Broil for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Roasted Spicy Chicken

Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture on the chicken and place it on the broiler pan.

Roast in the oven at 425F for 40-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Baked BBQ Chicken

Brush BBQ sauce on the chicken and place it on the broiler pan. Bake in the oven at 375F for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least an hour.

Grill the chicken on a stovetop placed on the broiler pan for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Marinated and Roasted Mediterranean Chicken

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper—Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least an hour.

Place the chicken on the broiler pan and roast in the oven at 425F for 40-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

How to season a broiler pan

Clean the pan

1. Start by cleaning the broiler pan with warm soapy water and a scrub brush.
2. Remove any rust or debris from the surface.
3. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel.

Apply oil

Apply a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the surface of the broiler pan using a pastry brush or a clean cloth.

Heat the pan

Place the broiler pan in the oven and preheat it to 350F. Let the pan heat up in the oven for about 20 minutes. This will help “set” the oil on the pan’s surface.

Cool the pan

Carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, the pan should have a dark, non-stick surface.

Repeat the process

Repeat the seasoning process several times, especially if the pan is new or has been cleaned thoroughly.