What can I use instead of a roasting pan? Firstly, let me be honest with you…the only time the roasting pan sees the light of day in my home is to accommodate the turkey on Thanksgiving dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its not that it isn\u2019t a functional piece of equipment, it truly is\u2026it\u2019s large, spacious and the rack within it makes for great roasting results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason is simple\u2026it\u2019s so damn big that it ends up at the bottom of the cupboard with plenty of things piled onto it. When it comes to it, I\u2019m not prepared to do the lifting and removing to free it from its current prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We do like a roast chicken every now and then, so we get creative instead of having to clear the kitchen cupboards to rescue the roasting pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, I have used a number of different pans and cookware to achieve my roasting needs. I will discuss the merits of each but essentially, all are capable of doing the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what can I use instead of a Roasting Pan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dutch oven<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are lucky enough to own a Dutch oven, it\u2019s versatility will leave you amazed. I own a Le Creuset Dutch oven which has been in the family for over 30 years\u2026with numerous guardians in that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although I mainly use it to cook stews, I have used it many times to roast a chicken<\/a>. My Le Creuset delivers a very even, consistent heat and has a tight-fitting lid which retains the moisture within the chicken. Its spacious so can take a large chicken\u2026the results of which are amazing. Be warned though, the high sides mean that it may not brown as it normally would, nor be as crispy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can a Dutch ovens go in the oven?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cast Iron Skillet <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As with a cast iron Dutch oven, a skillet can also do the job adequately. Heat retention is amazing, especially from the premium brands. It\u2019s easy to handle and takes little room. With their fantastic non-stick properties, it\u2019s definitely a good option. Classic frying pans can also be used as long they can withstand the oven temperature\u2026but cast iron is best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rimmed Baking sheet <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A simple yet effective option but you need to make sure it won\u2019t buckle. With plenty of surface area, it is a simple option. However, you need to take extra care when removing it from the oven. The juices will be hot so take extra care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bundt pan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ok so this may seem a little bizarre\u2026but prop the chicken up as you would with beer can chicken. Be warned though, use a baking sheet for the juices that will run out of the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casserole dish <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a viable option\u2026as with any oven cooking, a casserole dish will do the job. Obviously won\u2019t retain heat as a cast iron would but if you have one, it will work. However, the chicken should brown nicely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cake pans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A surprising addition but if you simply focus on the basics\u2026they are designed for the oven. Depending on the size, they have sufficient capacity and will work adequately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Broiler pan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, another solution as these pans are often supplied with the oven. Similar to a baking sheet, they will do an adequate job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ovens grill tray <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most ovens come supplied with these grill trays as ovens rarely have a dedicated grill. They are now elements at the top of the oven. The grill tray serves in a similar way to a baking tray\u2026but with deeper sides. Additionally, it has the added benefit of fitting your oven perfectly and can cope with the high temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slow or pressure cooker <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a viable option if you want chicken but are prepared to sacrifice the oven cooked taste. There are plenty of recipes only that involves cooking chicken in a slow or pressure cooker<\/a>. Let your imagination run wild and give it a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romertopf<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You may never have heard of one\u2026but it is a German clay oven. Quite frankly, it makes the most amazing chicken ever that will fall of the bone. The sealed environment really does infuse the flavor and ensures a tender juicy meal. Its sealed too\u2026so no messy clean up afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/strong>Paella Pan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve included this option, but it\u2019s a last resort really. It\u2019s not ideal\u2026but beggars can\u2019t be choosers. However, it will do the job as required but check it can withstand the temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n