How to cook chicken in an electric oven

Chicken can be prepared a number of ways in an electric oven.

Not only can you roast a chicken like a turkey, you can also oven fry, grill or make a casserole. Other than basic equipment, like a roasting pan and meat thermometer, no fancy gadgets are needed. Depending on what type of chicken is being cooked; whole, breast or thighs, the chicken can be done and on the table in less than an hour.

Check your oven racks to make sure the top rack is in the centre of the oven. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit).

Prepare a whole chicken by removing the giblets and rinsing the chicken under cold running water. Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Baste the chicken with a bit of melted butter or olive oil, using a basting brush or turkey baster, and add 60 ml (1/4 cup) of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover with the pan lid or aluminium foil.

Place in the preheated oven and allow to cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of the thigh reads 88 degrees Celsius (190 Fahrenheit). Baste the chicken every 30 minutes using either melted butter or the juices from the pan. Remove the cover or foil, after the internal temperature reaches 88 degrees Celsius (190 Fahrenheit) and let the chicken brown. Remove from the oven and let rest 10 to 15 minutes before carving.

Adjust the top rack of the oven to the highest rack placement. Turn the oven control to grill.

Put chicken breasts in a single layer on your grill pan. Chicken breasts can be marinated before this step much as you would if you were preparing them for the barbecue. Place the pan on the rack under the grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes on each side. Again, use the meat thermometer to check internal temperature and make sure it is at least 88 degrees Celsius (190 Fahrenheit).

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Slice chicken breasts or parts into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes. Place the cubes evenly in a casserole dish or a roasting pan. The chicken can be raw or pre-cooked. Using raw chicken means you'll need to cook the casserole for 10 to 15 minutes.

Add one 454 g (16 ounce) bag of frozen vegetables. This can be a mixed vegetable pack or any vegetable you choose.

Add one cup of rice or dried pasta like macaroni or noodles.

Add one can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Add one can of water. Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminium foil.

Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit). Insert the casserole into the oven and let cook at least one hour or until all liquid is absorbed by the rice or noodles, and serve.