8 Best Pans to Cook Chicken in Oven 2026

If you’re chasing crispier chicken skin without deep frying, the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray is a game-changer. Its nonstick coated steel rack elevates food above the 17 x 12-inch aluminum pan, allowing hot air to circulate underneath—this means even browning and zero flipping required. The formed aluminum base heats rapidly and evenly, making it ideal for achieving golden results on everything from chicken thighs to roasted veggies, all while catching drippings for easier cleanup. It’s a smart solution for health-conscious cooks who want fried-like texture sans oil.

In real-world use, this set excels at oven-frying and air-crisping, functioning almost like a mini convection broiler setup. We tested it with bone-in chicken drumsticks at 425°F, and within 35 minutes, the skin was crackling-crisp while the meat stayed juicy—thanks to consistent heat distribution from the conductive aluminum base. However, it struggles slightly with acidic foods like tomato-glazed chicken, as the reactive aluminum can discolor or pit over time. While it fits most standard ovens, the lack of handles makes removal tricky when fully loaded.

Compared to bulkier roasting pans, the Nordic Ware set offers maximum crispiness in a compact, budget-friendly form—perfect for small families or those prioritizing texture over capacity. It doesn’t compete with large roasters for holiday turkeys, but for weeknight crispy chicken, it outperforms many pricier options. For those seeking a no-frills path to better browning, this set delivers more value than the mid-range Chicago Metallic pan, despite lacking dishwasher-safe convenience.

For health-focused cooks who want chemical-free, durable bakeware, the ROTTAY Baking Sheet Set stands out with its 100% stainless steel construction and no nonstick coatings. The corrugated pan bottom reduces sticking while boosting airflow, delivering even roasting and crisp edges on chicken pieces without any risk of toxic fumes at high heat. With two warp-resistant pans and two oven-safe cooling racks, this 4-piece set is built for batch cooking, offering versatility that goes far beyond chicken—think bacon, fish, and roasted vegetables with zero coating degradation.

During testing, the thick-gauge steel held up impressively at 450°F, showing no warping even after repeated use. Placing chicken thighs on the wire rack resulted in uniform crispness on all sides, thanks to unimpeded air movement and the pan’s heat retention. The rolled edges add strength and make handling safer, while the mirror finish resists staining and wipes clean easily. That said, food releases less effortlessly than on nonstick surfaces, so a light oil coating or parchment paper helps prevent sticking.

When stacked against coated alternatives like the Glad or Circulon roasters, the ROTTAY set wins on long-term safety and durability, though it sacrifices some ease of release. It’s the best pick for those who prioritize non-toxic materials and heavy-duty build over slick cleanup. Compared to the similarly priced Tifanso pan, it offers more pieces and better airflow geometry, making it a smarter investment for frequent bakers and roasters.

When you need serious roasting real estate, the Circulon Nonstick Roasting Pan delivers massive 17 x 13-inch capacity with serious performance to match. Its heavy-duty steel construction and superior nonstick coating make it a powerhouse for roasting whole chickens or multi-portion meals, releasing food cleanly and resisting warping under heavy loads. The U-shaped rack lifts meat off the base, promoting even heat circulation and juice separation, while the wide handles provide a secure grip—even with bulky oven mitts.

We tested it with a 4.5-pound spatchcocked chicken, and the pan handled the weight and heat (up to 450°F) without issue. The chicken browned evenly, and the nonstick surface made deglazing and cleanup effortless—a major win after messy herb-butter roasts. However, the rack’s curved design limits space underneath, making it harder to roast vegetables alongside the chicken. Also, while the pan is oven-safe, it’s not broiler-safe, which caps its browning potential compared to stainless steel alternatives.

Positioned as the best large-capacity option, this Circulon roaster outshines smaller trays like the Chicago Metallic, especially for families or holiday cooking. But it’s overkill for singles or couples. Against the AOTASO premium pan, it trades some heat conductivity for greater brand trust and a lifetime guarantee. If you roast big and often, this pan offers unmatched combination of size, release, and reliability—just don’t expect multi-layer cooking flexibility.

For crispy, evenly roasted chicken with restaurant-style browning, the P&P CHEF Beer Can Chicken Holder set is engineered to win. The vertical roasting method—using the sturdy stainless steel upright rack—allows heat to surround the bird completely, resulting in 360° airflow and uniform crisping from crown to base. The compact 9-inch square pan catches drippings cleanly and features riveted wide handles for safe oven removal, making it ideal for both oven and grill use.

In testing, a 4-pound chicken roasted upright in under 60 minutes at 375°F, with crackling skin all around and no soggy spots—something flat pans often struggle with. The pure stainless steel build is non-reactive, dishwasher safe, and resistant to rust, while the 2-inch deep sides prevent leaks and splatter. However, the small pan size limits side-dish roasting, and the vertical setup isn’t suitable for turkeys or large cuts. It also doesn’t work on induction, reducing stovetop versatility.

This set is unmatched for crispy skin, outperforming even premium roasters that rely on flat racks. Compared to the Tifanso or Glad pans, it’s more niche but dominates its specialty: perfectly browned, juicy chicken with minimal effort. For home chefs obsessed with texture and presentation, it’s a highly targeted upgrade over traditional roasting—especially if you love grill-style results indoors.

The AOTASO Nonstick Roasting Pan is the premium pick for those who demand durability, size, and flawless release in one elegant package. Crafted from heavy-duty carbon steel with a three-layer nonstick finish, it supports up to 24 pounds of meat without deforming—perfect for turkey-season warriors or big-batch meal preppers. Its removable U-shaped rack elevates food for optimal air circulation, while the large, stay-cool handles make transport safe and steady, even when loaded.

We tested it with a brined 5-pound chicken and root vegetables, and the pan delivered even heat distribution and deep browning at 425°F. The nonstick coating released food effortlessly, and cleanup took under five minutes—either by hand or in the dishwasher. The 446°F heat tolerance gives it an edge over many competitors, and the high-pressure casting ensures long-term warp resistance. Still, the dark interior can make monitoring browning tricky, and the rack doesn’t allow for layered roasting.

Priced at the high end, it competes directly with the Circulon but offers better heat resilience and a more modern coating. Compared to the Glad roaster, it’s sturdier and higher performing, though the finish may degrade over years with abrasive scrubbing. For those seeking the best blend of luxury, function, and capacity, this AOTASO pan justifies its premium tag with every golden roast.

Built like a workhorse, the Tifanso Stainless Steel Roasting Pan is engineered for heavy-duty, daily use without flinching. Made from high-quality, non-toxic stainless steel, it withstands 450°F heat and induction cooking, making it one of the few roasters that can transition from oven to stovetop for pan gravies. The 3-inch deep sides contain splatters and collect drippings cleanly, while the riveted steel handles stay secure under heavy loads—ideal for roasting bone-in meats or lasagnas.

In real testing, the pan handled a 6-pound chicken and a full tray of potatoes beneath the flat rack with ease. The elevated flat rack allowed vegetables to roast evenly underneath, a feature most U-shaped racks can’t match. Cleanup was straightforward—dishwasher safe and resistant to staining—but food sticks more than on nonstick pans, so deglazing with water is recommended. While it doesn’t deliver the same instant release as coated pans, its long-term resilience and versatility make it a kitchen staple.

Compared to the ROTTAY set, it offers deeper sides and stovetop compatibility, though at a slightly higher price. Against the P&P CHEF pan, it wins on capacity and multi-use cooking but lags in crisping efficiency due to less airflow. For families wanting one durable, multi-role roaster that can sear, roast, and bake, the Tifanso pan is a versatile powerhouse—especially if you love making gravy on the fly.

The Glad Roasting Pan earns its title as best overall by balancing size, performance, and practicality in a way few others do. With a 15 x 10.3-inch cooking surface and deep 2.8-inch walls, it offers plenty of room for whole chickens, turkeys, or full sheet-pan dinners, while the V-shaped iron rack lifts food for excellent airflow and consistent browning. Its heavy-duty steel construction resists warping up to 464°F, and the premium nonstick coating ensures even the stickiest glazes release cleanly.

We roasted a lemon-herb chicken with carrots underneath, and the results were impressive: crisp skin, tender meat, and perfectly caramelized veggies—all without sticking or overflow. The rack’s V-shape channels juices away, and the pan’s rectangular design maximizes oven space. However, it’s not broiler-safe, limiting high-heat finishing, and the coating demands gentle cleaning to avoid scratching. Still, its dishwasher-safe convenience and reliable performance make it a daily driver for most home cooks.

Against the Circulon, it offers similar nonstick ease at a lower price, while beating the Chicago Metallic in size and rack design. For those wanting one do-it-all roaster that handles holidays and weeknights alike, the Glad pan outperforms most in its class. It’s the most well-rounded choice—not the flashiest, but the one you’ll reach for most often.

The Chicago Metallic 16947 Roast Pan is a no-nonsense, mid-range performer that delivers solid results for everyday roasting. Its aluminized steel body ensures fast, even heating, while the silicone-based nonstick coating makes food release and cleanup a breeze—ideal for quick weeknight chicken or small roasts. The included nonstick rack sits at the perfect height to keep food out of drippings, promoting consistent airflow and browning across the surface.

In testing, it handled a 3.5-pound chicken beautifully at 400°F, producing golden skin and moist meat in about 50 minutes. The 13 x 9-inch size fits neatly in most ovens and is great for smaller households. However, the shallow depth increases spill risk with saucy dishes, and the coating shows wear faster than premium options when scrubbed aggressively. It’s dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to extend life.

As the best mid-range value, it outperforms budget trays in durability while undercutting premium models like AOTASO. Compared to the Glad pan, it’s smaller and less versatile, but more than enough for couples or small families. If you want reliable, no-frills roasting without overspending, this Chicago Metallic pan hits the sweet spot—just don’t expect heavy-duty or gourmet-level performance.