Struggling to make the perfect convection oven chicken quarters? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This common culinary challenge is easily solved with the right techniques. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you end up with delicious and juicy chicken quarters.
Table of Contents
Things You’ll Need: Convection Oven Chicken Quarters
- Chicken quarters
- Meat thermometer
- Oven-safe baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Cooking oil or melted butter
- Seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs, spices)
- Kitchen tongs
- Basting brush (optional)
Convection Oven Chicken Quarters: Preparation Steps
Follow the steps below to cook convection oven chicken quarters…
Step 1: Preheat Your Convection Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your convection oven. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Allow the oven to heat up fully before placing the chicken inside. The preheating process may take around 10 minutes, depending on your oven. A properly preheated oven will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly from the start, rather than gradually warming up with the oven itself.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Quarters
Start by rinsing your chicken quarters under cold running water to remove any packaging residue. Drain off the water, then take paper towels to pat each chicken quarter dry thoroughly. Eliminating excess moisture helps the skin to crisp up nicely when baking, rather than steaming.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Once the chicken quarters are dried, it’s seasoning time. Take a brush or your hands to lightly coat each quarter with cooking oil or melted butter. This fat will not only add flavor but also assist in crisping the skin. Now, sprinkle salt, pepper, and any of your favorite herbs or spices onto the meat. Make sure to get both sides and even a bit under the skin for a robust flavor profile.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet
Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper on an oven-safe baking sheet. This acts as a barrier, making your post-cooking cleanup much more manageable. Then, position your seasoned chicken quarters on the sheet, making sure they are skin-side up to allow for maximum crisping.
Step 5: Insert the Meat Thermometer
Accuracy is key when cooking poultry. Use a meat thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken quarter, making sure to avoid hitting any bones, as this would give you an inaccurate reading.
Read more convection oven topics here – Convection Oven: Your Ultimate Guide
Step 6: Place the Chicken in the Oven
Using kitchen tongs, gently pick up the baking sheet and place it in your preheated convection oven. Aim to position the sheet on the middle rack to ensure the heat circulates evenly around the chicken.
Step 7: Cook the Chicken
Close the oven door and let the chicken cook for approximately 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches the safe point of 165°F (74°C). If your oven has a window, use it to check on progress rather than opening the door, which would release heat.
Step 8: Optional Basting
If you’re after extra juicy chicken, consider basting it halfway through the cooking time. Gently remove the baking sheet, and use a basting brush to coat the chicken with additional melted butter or oil. Then promptly return the chicken to the oven to finish cooking.
Step 9: Check Doneness
Once the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C), it’s safe to say your chicken is fully cooked. Use your kitchen tongs to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Step 10: Let the Chicken Rest
Place the chicken on a cutting board or serving plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making your chicken moister and more flavorful.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your chicken quarters have had time to rest, they are ready to be served. Pair them with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal prepared with your own hands.
Conclusion: Convection Oven Chicken Quarters
Congratulations, you’ve just navigated the steps to making a delectable dish of convection oven chicken quarters. From preparation to serving, each phase has its role in ensuring a flavorful, juicy result. If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of cooking chicken in a convection oven, we hope this detailed guide has given you the confidence to give it a try. Your dinner table will thank you!