How to Broil Chicken: 13 Steps

Broiling is an excellent way to cook chicken, giving it a delicious and slightly charred flavor. It’s a simple cooking technique that requires minimal ingredients and can be done with various chicken cuts. Here are 13 steps for broiling chicken to perfection:
1. Choose the right cut of chicken: Select bone-in or boneless chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings for broiling.
2. Preheat the broiler: Set your oven to the broil setting and allow it to preheat for about 5-10 minutes.
3. Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Trim excess fat: Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to trim away any visible fat from the chicken.
5. Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season both sides of the pieces with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices.
6. Line a broiler pan: Cover a broiler pan’s bottom portion with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Place the slotted top section over the foil-lined bottom part.
7. Place chicken on the broiler pan: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the broiler pan with enough space between them to ensure even cooking.
8. Position oven rack: Adjust your oven rack so that it’s situated about 6-8 inches below the heating element.
9. Slide in the broiler pan: Carefully place your prepared broiler pan onto the oven rack.
10. Broil for the appropriate length of time: Bone-in pieces typically take 25-35 minutes to cook, while boneless chicken breasts need about 12-16 minutes, depending on their thickness. Be sure to flip them over halfway through cooking.
11. Check internal temperature: To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, use an instant-read thermometer to check its internal temperature. Chicken is cooked when it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
12. Rest the chicken: Remove your broiled chicken from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
13. Serve and enjoy: Once your chicken has rested, serve it alongside your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
By following these 13 straightforward steps, you’ll quickly master the art of broiling chicken. This versatile cooking technique will soon become a go-to favorite for easy and delicious meals!