5 Things to Roast a Chicken in Other than a Roasting Pan
While I do own a roasting pan, it usually sits underneath the oven at the bottom of a drawer. Piled on top of it are other baking pans, Silpats, and roasting racks, so to be honest, pulling it out is a pain. Its large size also makes it unwieldy to clean in a small sink, so I only use when it when absolutely necessary, usually for Thanksgiving turkey.
But roast chicken is a popular comfort food in my house, so being able to roast it in something more accessible than the roasting pan makes life a whole lot easier. Here are five alternatives so you won’t ever feel the need to pull out or buy a roasting pan just to make roast chicken!
1. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is one of our favorite pans to roast a chicken in. It retains heat well, has built-in handles, and doesn’t take up as much room as a roasting pan.
→ Read more: How To Roast the Perfect Chicken
2. Large Ovensafe Frying Pan or Skillet
Similar to a cast iron skillet but lighter so it’s even easier to maneuver around, this is another great option. We also love that you can make a pan sauce right in there while the chicken is resting!
3. Rimmed Baking Sheet
A rimmed baking sheet has plenty of surface area for a chicken to roast on. Just make sure it’s a heavy-duty one that won’t buckle, and be careful of splashing drippings and juices when you remove it from the oven.
4. Bundt Pan
An unconventional use for a pan designed for cakes and sweets, the bundt pan is actually a great way way to prop the chicken up, much like for beer can chicken. Just remember to place the pan on a baking sheet to catch drippings that will run out of the hole in the center.
→ Read more: Bundt Pan Vertical Chicken
5. 9″ x 13″ Baking Pan or Casserole Dish
Finally, any large but shallow baking pan will work, whether it’s your 9″ by 13″ cake pan or your favorite casserole dish. Shallow sides are best so that your chicken browns instead of steams.
Are there other pans you like to roast chicken in?