Best Toaster Oven Chicken Recipes – Juicy & Flavorful

Toaster ovens aren’t just for toast and reheating leftovers—they’re a fantastic tool for cooking juicy, flavorful chicken without needing to fire up a full-sized oven. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy, protein-packed dish, these toaster oven chicken recipes will become your go-to favorites.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in a Toaster Oven

Before we dive into the recipes, here are some key tips for perfectly cooked chicken in a toaster oven:

• Use an oven-safe dish: A small baking tray, casserole dish, or even a cast-iron skillet works well.
• Preheat your toaster oven: This ensures even cooking and better texture.
• Use a meat thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Marinate or season well: To prevent dryness, marinate your chicken or rub it with oil and spices before cooking.
• Consider convection mode: If your toaster oven has a convection setting, it can help cook the chicken more evenly and give it a nice, crispy exterior.

1. Toaster Oven Garlic Butter Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish and brush both sides with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted veggies or a side salad.

2. Crispy Toaster Oven Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel (this helps them get crispy).
3. Rub each thigh with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place on a wire rack over a baking tray (to allow air circulation and crispiness).
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

3. Honey Mustard Toaster Oven Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the drumsticks in the honey mustard mixture and place them in an oven-safe dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

4. Toaster Oven BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 10 chicken wings
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange in a single layer on a foil-lined baking tray.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes.
5. Toss wings in BBQ sauce and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
6. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

5. Lemon Herb Toaster Oven Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken tenders in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Cooking chicken in a toaster oven is quick, convenient, and results in juicy, delicious meals with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re craving crispy chicken thighs, saucy wings, or a simple roasted chicken breast, these recipes will make your toaster oven your new favorite kitchen appliance.

Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!