Better to cook chicken in skillet/pan or in oven?

dp1228
dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I was wondering what was the better way to cook chicken? Me and a friend got into a debate about it and I was just curious to see what the consensus is here on MFP. I say it doesnt REALLY matter HOW it's cooked, rather it matters what you cook the chicken WITH (i dont use any oils, i cut off any fat etc etc). My friend insists its better to use it in the oven although she never really established why. What do you guys think?!

Replies

  • monica208
    monica208 Posts: 229
    i agree with you.. doesnt matter where its cooked what matters is how its cooked...
  • mallorybriann
    mallorybriann Posts: 1,380 Member
    Ditto. I prefer to bake mine. But it depends on what seasonings I use.
  • squitzwife
    squitzwife Posts: 51 Member
    in the oven or in the skillet your chicken is going to cook in its own fat (which, btw, is good for you in moderation). if you want to reduce the fat because you want to eat something else fatty (say a dressing or gravy) you could cook in the oven on a little rack to let the grease drip off.
  • toloseme
    toloseme Posts: 40 Member
    I've always been told that it is best to bake in the oven. I have had nutritionists tell me that I need to make sure my chicken is either baked, or prepared on a grill which will allow the excess fat to drip/drain away. The cooking method is totally up to you though.
  • wiggleroom
    wiggleroom Posts: 322 Member
    I poach chicken in water -- always stays moist and adds no calories at all (unless you want to throw in a bit of chicken broth with the water).

    Heh. Guess I should add in the way I do it, huh? I put the chicken in just enough water to cover; bring the water to just under a boil and let it go for about 10 to 15 minutes (I'm guessing there -- I really just go over and poke and cut it to make sure it's done and then take it out). Bone-in chicken takes more time, but I'm not sure how much since I use boneless.
  • chicabean420
    chicabean420 Posts: 173 Member
    You're right. It depends on what you cook it with. It might seem healthier to grill chicken, but if it's slathered in a high salt/high sugar BBQ sauce, it's not gonna do you any good, compared to maybe sauteed with some extra virgin olive oil.

    For me, depends on what I want to accomplish. If it's stir fry, obviously, gonna fry that chicken in a bit of oil. If I'm making "faux fried chicken" I bake it in the oven to make it crispy. Doesn't mean it's any less healthy.
  • jscimeca
    jscimeca Posts: 66
    Oh my goodness!! At first glance, I thought your post read "Better to Cook Children... in skillet/pan or in oven"
    :laugh:

    I have always cooked my chicken in the oven, just a personal preference. I'm sure there are healthier ways than that to cook it though. I've heard that grilled chicken is better than most so maybe thats a way to go....
  • aneajo
    aneajo Posts: 287 Member
    Ive always thought baked was better, but i guess if you don't put anything in the pan, it doesn't matter.
  • harley0269
    harley0269 Posts: 384 Member
    lol, I dont even know HOW to cook chicken on the stove!!!! (or any meat on the stove top for that matter). too much work.
    bake it in the oven or throw it in a slow cooker! cant get any easier than that.
    it may be just me, but baking feels healthier than pan frying it...
  • dp1228
    dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
    you guys may have me buying a personal grill soon LOL.
  • dp1228
    dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
    I poach chicken in water -- always stays moist and adds no calories at all (unless you want to throw in a bit of chicken broth with the water).

    Heh. Guess I should add in the way I do it, huh? I put the chicken in just enough water to cover; bring the water to just under a boil and let it go for about 10 to 15 minutes (I'm guessing there -- I really just go over and poke and cut it to make sure it's done and then take it out). Bone-in chicken takes more time, but I'm not sure how much since I use boneless.

    thanks for the instructions i might try that! id love learning new ways to cook chicken its my fav!
  • 311Phil
    311Phil Posts: 397
    i love my george foreman :)
  • Louiselesley
    Louiselesley Posts: 166 Member
    I, personally, do not like chicken with a harder skin therefore I prefer to either boil mine if I'm eating it on it's own and pan fry it only when I am making it with a sauce and putting it in something (Stir Fry, Pasta or Curry!)
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