Best Skillet for Chicken: Top Picks for Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Dishes

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Regarding preparing chicken, the importance of the appropriate skillet cannot be overstated. The ideal skillet ought to evenly spread heat, perfectly sear the chicken, and offer ease of cleaning. This article will delve into the most suitable skillets for chicken preparation.

Skillets come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick. When choosing a skillet for cooking chicken, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Size: The skillet should be large enough to hold the chicken without overcrowding it. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
Material: Cast iron skillets are great for searing chicken and creating a crispy exterior. Stainless steel skillets are durable and easy to clean. Non-stick skillets are ideal for cooking chicken without the need for added oil or butter.
Heat distribution: A skillet with even heat distribution will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. Look for skillets with multiple layers of metal for optimal heat distribution.

After researching and testing various skillets, we’ve identified the top three skillets for cooking chicken:

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – This skillet is perfect for searing chicken and creating a crispy exterior. It’s made from durable cast iron and has excellent heat distribution.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet – This skillet is made from high-quality stainless steel and has excellent heat distribution. It’s also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.
T-fal Non-Stick Skillet – This skillet is ideal for cooking chicken without the need for added oil or butter. It’s made from durable non-stick material and has excellent heat distribution.

With the right skillet, cooking chicken can be a breeze. We hope this article has helped you find the perfect skillet for your chicken cooking needs.

Table of Contents

Best Skillets for Chicken

As avid home cooks, we know that the right skillet can make all the difference when it comes to cooking chicken. Whether you’re searing, sautéing, or frying, a good skillet will ensure your chicken comes out perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and juicy interior. After testing and researching various options, we’ve compiled a list of the best skillets for cooking chicken. Below are our top picks based on their durability, heat distribution, and overall performance.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Skillet
All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet
Calphalon Classic Nonstick Fry Pan
T-fal E93808 Professional Nonstick Fry Pan

No matter your budget or cooking style, we’re confident that one of these skillets will be the perfect addition to your kitchen.

Lodge Cast Iron Chicken Fryer

If you want to cook the perfect fried chicken, then you need the Lodge Cast Iron Chicken Fryer. This 3-quart cast iron fryer is perfect for frying chicken, roasting potatoes, or baking cornbread. It is deeper than standard skillets, measuring 10 1/4″ diameter and 3″ deep. The skillet features two handles for heavy lifting and a cast iron cover. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, this virtually indestructible cookware should last for generations.

Pros

The cast iron skillet gets hotter, stays hotter, and evenly distributes heat from the bottom through the sidewalls, making it perfect for frying chicken and other dishes.
The skillet comes preseasoned to prevent food from sticking and has a natural easy-release finish.
Sporting a stylish black color, the cast iron skillet looks good in most kitchens and doubles up as an excellent source of nutritional iron.

Cons

The skillet is heavy, which may make it difficult to lift and move.
The skillet is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing only.
The skillet needs to be sprayed or lightly coated with vegetable oil before use.

We highly recommend the Lodge Cast Iron Chicken Fryer for anyone who wants to cook the perfect fried chicken. The cast iron skillet heats evenly and gets hotter, making it perfect for frying chicken and other dishes. Additionally, the skillet comes preseasoned to prevent food from sticking and has a natural easy-release finish. However, the skillet is heavy, which may make it difficult to lift and move. Also, the skillet is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing only. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Lodge Cast Iron Chicken Fryer is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to cook the perfect fried chicken.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 12-Inch Chicken Fryer with Cover

If you’re looking for a versatile skillet that can handle anything from searing to simmering, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Fryer is a great choice. The cast iron construction provides superior heat retention and even heat distribution, while the porcelain enameled exterior offers durability and an ideal cooking surface that does not impart flavors or absorb odors. This skillet is also dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance and easy cleanup.

Pros

The cast iron construction provides superior heat retention and even heat distribution, making it perfect for cooking a variety of dishes.
The porcelain enameled exterior offers durability and creates an ideal cooking surface that does not impart flavors or absorb odors.
This skillet is dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance and easy cleanup, making it ideal for busy households.

Cons

The skillet is quite heavy, which may make it difficult for some users to handle.
The skillet is not suitable for use on induction cooktops.
The skillet may be prone to chipping if not handled carefully.

If you’re in the market for a versatile skillet that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Fryer is definitely worth considering. With its superior heat retention and even heat distribution, this skillet is perfect for everything from searing to simmering. And thanks to its durable porcelain enameled exterior, it can handle anything you throw at it, while still looking great on your stovetop or table. Just be aware that it is quite heavy and may not be suitable for use on induction cooktops. Overall, we highly recommend this skillet for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile cooking tool.

HAWOK Enameled Cast Iron chicken fryer deep Skillet Red…

If you’re searching for a versatile and durable skillet to cook chicken in, the HAWOK enameled cast iron skillet might be the one for you.

Pros

This 12-inch skillet comes with a lid, making it perfect for sautéing, braising, searing, deep-frying, baking, and more.
It works on all cooking ranges, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction, making it a versatile choice for any kitchen.
The skillet comes with a stainless steel knob and is oven safe, able to handle heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cons

This skillet is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing to keep it clean and in good condition.
It does not have a non-stick coating, so it may require more oil or butter to prevent food from sticking to the surface.
The skillet is relatively heavy, weighing in at 14.3 pounds, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.

In our experience, the HAWOK enameled cast iron skillet is a great choice for cooking chicken. Its size and versatility make it perfect for a variety of recipes, and the included lid makes it easy to keep food moist and flavorful. We appreciate that it works on all types of cooking ranges, including induction, which can be a challenge for some cookware.

When using this skillet, we found that it heats evenly and retains heat well, which is essential for cooking chicken to perfection. It also has a beautiful, vibrant red color that looks great in any kitchen.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality skillet that can handle all your chicken cooking needs, the HAWOK enameled cast iron skillet is definitely worth considering.

The skillet is made in China.
It has a capacity of 3 liters.
The skillet is compatible with smooth surface induction, gas, and electric coil.
The product care instructions recommend hand washing only.

In summary, we highly recommend the HAWOK enameled cast iron skillet for anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet to cook chicken in. Its size, versatility, and durability make it a great choice for any home cook.

MsMk Square Grill Pan with lid, Stay-Cool Handle, Each Ridge Nonstick, Oven Safe Dishwasher Safe Induction Grill pans for Stove Tops, Square Frying Pan, Bacon Pan, Indoor Chicken Skillet, 11-Inch Grey Grill Pan with lid(11 Inch)

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable grill pan that can handle all your indoor cooking needs, the MsMk Square Grill Pan with lid is a great choice. This grill pan is designed to provide you with the same delicious, chargrilled taste that you get from an outdoor grill, but in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Pros

The pan is made with an unrivaled durable nonstick coating that can last for up to 20 years with daily use.
The pan is spacious and large enough to cook multiple servings of food at once, saving you time and hassle.
The pan has ridges that allow fats and juices to drip off, ensuring that your meat doesn’t boil in its own juices and allowing you to collect the juice for sauce.

Cons

The pan is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
The nonstick coating may wear off over time, especially if the pan is not properly cared for.
The pan may not be compatible with all types of stovetops, so be sure to check before purchasing.

In our experience with the MsMk Square Grill Pan, we found it to be a great addition to our kitchen. The pan heats up quickly and evenly, allowing us to cook our food to perfection every time. The nonstick coating is truly impressive, and we were able to cook multiple meals without any sticking or burning. We also appreciated the ergonomic stay-cool handle, which made it easy to flip our food and prevented water and oil from entering into the handle.

One thing to note is that the pan is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the nonstick coating may wear off over time, especially if the pan is not properly cared for. However, with proper care and maintenance, we believe that this pan can last for many years to come.

Overall, we highly recommend the MsMk Square Grill Pan with lid for anyone looking for a versatile and durable grill pan that can handle all their indoor cooking needs. With its impressive nonstick coating, spacious design, and ergonomic handle, this pan is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle – 6 Quart, Black Black Cooker

If you’re looking for a versatile pan that can help you cook up everything from one-pan meals to generous side dishes, the Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker with Helper Handle is a great option. It’s a heavy-duty aluminum pan that heats up fast and evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots that can burn your food. Plus, it comes with a top-quality nonstick interior that ensures easy food release and fast cleanup.

Pros

The heavy-duty construction of this pan ensures fast and even heating, which is crucial for cooking chicken to perfection.
The top-quality nonstick interior provides effortless food release and easy cleanup, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
The double-riveted handles and convenient helper handle make it easy to move the pan around, even when it’s filled with food.

Cons

This pan is not dishwasher safe, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
The nonstick coating may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
Some users may find the size of this pan to be too large for their needs.

Overall, we think that the Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker with Helper Handle is a great option for anyone who needs a versatile pan that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. It’s durable, easy to use, and comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can trust that it will last for years to come.

One of the things we love about this pan is its size. At 6 quarts, it’s large enough to cook up a big batch of red potatoes and onions, or to simmer meatballs in mushroom sauce for a weeknight dinner. The shatter-resistant glass lid is also a nice touch, as it allows you to monitor your food as it cooks.

Another thing we appreciate about this pan is its nonstick interior. We found that it releases food easily, even when we were cooking sticky chicken thighs. Plus, cleanup was a breeze – we simply wiped it down with a sponge and some soap, and it was good as new.

The only real downside to this pan is that it’s not dishwasher safe. While this may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a pan that you can toss in the dishwasher at the end of the night.

In conclusion, we think that the Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker with Helper Handle is a great option for anyone who needs a versatile, durable pan that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and comes with a lifetime warranty – what more could you ask for?

GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet for cooking chicken, the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid might just be the perfect choice.

Pros

The non-stick surface is ultra-effective, making it easy to cook chicken without any sticking or burning.
The pan is highly durable, able to withstand the use of metal utensils and even electric beaters.
The pan is dishwasher safe, making it super easy to clean up after cooking.

Cons

The pan is not compatible with induction cooktops.
The pan is a bit on the small side, making it less ideal for cooking larger portions of chicken.
The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.

We’ve been using the GOTHAM STEEL Saute Pan for a few weeks now, and we’ve been very impressed with its performance. The non-stick surface is truly top-notch, making it easy to cook chicken without any sticking or burning. We’ve also found that the pan is highly durable, able to withstand the use of metal utensils and even electric beaters. And when it comes time to clean up, the fact that the pan is dishwasher safe is a real plus.

That said, there are a few downsides to consider. First, the pan is not compatible with induction cooktops, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, the pan is a bit on the small side, which may make it less ideal for cooking larger portions of chicken. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.

Overall, we think the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet for cooking chicken. The non-stick surface is truly impressive, and the pan is built to last. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a high-quality product, we think this one is definitely worth considering.

GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet for cooking chicken, the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is a great option to consider.

Pros

The stainless steel handle provides a sturdy grip and easy use.
The non-stick ceramic coating prevents food from sticking for easy cleaning.
The pan is oven safe up to 400°F and can be used on the stovetop for cooking.

Cons

The pan may be too large for some users.
The cream white color may not be to everyone’s taste.
The pan may not be suitable for use with metal utensils.

We’ve found that the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is a reliable and well-made skillet that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. The stainless steel handle is comfortable to hold and provides a sturdy grip, even when the pan is full. The non-stick ceramic coating is effective at preventing food from sticking, making it easy to clean up after cooking. We also appreciate that the pan is oven safe up to 400°F, which makes it a versatile tool for a range of recipes.

One of the potential downsides of the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is that it may be too large for some users. The 5.5 quart capacity is great for cooking large meals or batch cooking, but it may not be the best option if you’re cooking for one or two people. Additionally, the cream white color may not be to everyone’s taste, although we find it to be an attractive and modern look for a skillet.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid may not be suitable for use with metal utensils. While the non-stick ceramic coating is effective at preventing food from sticking, it can be easily scratched or damaged by metal utensils. We recommend using silicone or wooden utensils to avoid damaging the coating and prolonging the life of the pan.

In summary, the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet for cooking chicken. With its sturdy handle, non-stick ceramic coating, and oven-safe design, it’s a reliable tool for a range of recipes.

MICHELANGELO Non Stick Pan with Lid

If you’re looking for a high-quality skillet for cooking chicken, the MICHELANGELO Non Stick Pan with Lid is a great option. We’ve tried it out and have found it to be a reliable and versatile pan that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.

Pros

The ultra non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze. Food slides right off the pan, even with minimal oil.
The deeper pan allows for more cooking options, such as risotto, omelettes, stir-fry dishes, bacon, steak, sauce and more.
The durable 3-layer bottom provides better performance of heat distribution and warp-resistance, heating up quickly and evenly.

Cons

The pan may not be suitable for cooking larger quantities of food, as it is only 9.5 inches in diameter.
Some users have reported minor scratches after extended use.
The pan may not be suitable for high-heat cooking, as it is recommended to use on low to medium heat for maintaining the best non-stick performance.

Overall, we think the MICHELANGELO Non Stick Pan with Lid is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile skillet for cooking chicken. It’s easy to use and clean, and the non-stick surface ensures that your food won’t stick to the pan. While it may not be suitable for larger quantities of food or high-heat cooking, it’s a great option for everyday use.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best skillet for cooking chicken, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a skillet:

Size

The size of the skillet is an important factor to consider. You want a skillet that is large enough to fit the chicken comfortably without overcrowding it. A 10-12 inch skillet is usually a good size for cooking chicken.

Material

The material of the skillet can affect how well it cooks chicken. Cast iron skillets are great for cooking chicken because they distribute heat evenly and retain heat well. Stainless steel and non-stick skillets are also good options, but be sure to choose a high-quality non-stick skillet to avoid any potential health risks.

Depth

The depth of the skillet is another important factor to consider. A deeper skillet can be useful for cooking chicken with sauces or liquids, while a shallower skillet may be better for searing or sautéing chicken.

Handle

The handle of the skillet is another important consideration. Look for a skillet with a sturdy, comfortable handle that is easy to grip and won’t get too hot during cooking.

Cleaning

Finally, consider how easy the skillet is to clean. A non-stick skillet may be easier to clean than a cast iron skillet, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.

Overall, when choosing a skillet for cooking chicken, look for a skillet that is the right size, made of a good material, has an appropriate depth, a sturdy handle, and is easy to clean. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a skillet that will help you cook delicious chicken dishes with ease.

Size: Choose a skillet that is 10-12 inches in diameter.
Material: Cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick are all good options.
Depth: Consider the depth based on the type of chicken dish you will be cooking.
Handle: Look for a sturdy, comfortable handle that is easy to grip.
Cleaning: Choose a skillet that is easy to clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.