Best roasting pan for chicken: Circulon 17×13 Nonstick Roaster — durable, even heat, easy release.
I’ve stood over ovens with undercooked centers and sad, dried-out birds. A good roasting pan fixes that. It gives even heat, collects drippings, and lifts the chicken away from hot oil. Whether you roast a weeknight bird or a holiday turkey, the right pan makes the difference. I’ll walk you through trusted picks and show why each could be the best roasting pan for chicken in your kitchen.
Rachael Ray Nonstick Roaster 16.5×13.5
I use the Rachael Ray roaster when I want a no-fuss clean-up and steady roast results. The nonstick surface helps me slide a whole chicken onto a platter without sticking. It is roomy enough for a medium bird and leaves space for root vegetables.
The reversible rack raises the bird to let air and heat circulate. Handles stay cooler than the pan body, so I can move it from oven to counter with a mitt. This pan works well when I need quick results and easy washing.
Pros:
- Reliable nonstick coating for easy release
- Reversible rack for high or low roasting
- Spacious for a standard whole chicken and sides
- Durable finish that resists scratches with normal care
- Comfortable handles for safer carrying
Cons:
- Not induction compatible due to non-metal base
- Heavy when loaded with a large bird and veggies
- Nonstick can wear faster if scrubbed aggressively
My Recommendation
I recommend this Rachael Ray roaster for cooks who value quick clean-up and consistent results. If you roast chicken often and dislike scrubbing, this pan is a solid pick. It handles everyday dinners and holiday birds with grace.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy families | Easy to clean nonstick surface speeds dinner prep |
| Everyday roast chicken | Right size for most whole chickens and veg sides |
| Beginner cooks | User-friendly rack and handles make roasting foolproof |
Glad Heavy Duty Roaster 11×15
The Glad roasting pan is a workhorse. It is heavy gauge and feels solid under a loaded bird. The included rack lifts the chicken so fat drains below, which gives me crisp skin without the grease swim.
I like this pan when I need a budget choice that stands up to oven heat. It browns well and holds its shape. It’s a no-frills tool that gets the job done, especially for weeknight roast chicken or a casual crowd.
Pros:
- Thick metal for steady heat and less warping
- Large surface for a big bird or multiple items
- Simple design that holds up to regular use
- Rack helps prevent soggy bottoms and promotes even browning
- Affordable price for the performance
Cons:
- Nonstick finish may need careful washing to last
- Heavier than some other pans, so not great for one-handed carrying
- No lid or cover for storage or roasting with liquid
My Recommendation
This Glad roaster fits anyone who wants a sturdy, affordable pan for regular roasting. I turn to it when I roast a plain chicken with herbs and root veg. It gives solid browning and is a reliable choice for cooks on a budget.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious buyers | Offers thick metal and rack at a low price |
| Weekly roasters | Built to withstand frequent oven use |
| Large families | Roomy enough for a big chicken and sides |
Circulon Nonstick Roaster 17×13
This Circulon roaster is my go-to when I want the best roasting pan for chicken. The nonstick is dense and release is superb. Heat spreads evenly and the rack gives great airflow for crisp skin.
It is wide enough for a large bird and has forgiving depth for drippings. The finish stands up well to metal utensils if you are careful. I find it balances heat, release, and clean-up like few others.
Pros:
- Exceptional nonstick release for whole birds
- Large surface area for big chickens and sides
- Even heat for consistent doneness
- Durable construction that resists warping
- Easy washing and maintenance
Cons:
- Heavier than agile aluminum pans
- Not induction-ready without a magnetic base
- May show wear if scrubbed with abrasive pads
My Recommendation
I recommend the Circulon roaster if you want the best roasting pan for chicken that blends nonstick ease and even cooking. It’s ideal for holiday birds and frequent roasts. For cooks who want crisp skin and simple clean-up, it’s an excellent investment.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Holiday cooks | Large size and even heat suit feast-sized birds |
| Nonstick fans | Reliable release for delicate, glazed birds |
| Clean-up lovers | Low residue and quick washing |
Tifanso Stainless Steel Roaster
I reach for stainless steel when I need high heat and longevity. The Tifanso roaster brings heavy-duty strength and a high-sided pan to the table. It gives me a large cooking area and solid handles that don’t wobble.
The included rack and handles make it a clear workhorse. It tolerates broiling and high oven temps for crispy skin and deep browning. I use it when I want to collect drippings for gravies and sauces.
Pros:
- Heavy-gauge stainless steel resists warping
- High sides hold juices and vegetables well
- Good handle stability makes carrying safer
- Works with induction and gas ranges
- Great for rich gravies due to deep pan and drippings
Cons:
- Stainless can stick more than nonstick during high-sugar glazes
- Heavier weight means more effort lifting full pans
- Needs proper deglazing technique for easy cleaning
My Recommendation
I suggest the Tifanso stainless steel roaster for cooks who want durability and where induction use matters. If you make pan sauces from drippings, this pan shines. For people who roast often and value longevity, it’s one of the best roasting pan for chicken options you can choose.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Serious home cooks | Sturdy build for regular high-heat roasting |
| Induction users | Compatible with modern stovetops |
| Gravy makers | Deep pan holds drippings for rich sauces |
Armorbear Carbon Steel Roaster 16×11
Carbon steel heats fast and browns like a dream. The Armorbear roaster gives me quick color on skin and fast heat recovery when I open the oven. The nonstick carbon finish also helps with release and wash-up.
This pan is a joy when I want fast roast times and deep color. It stands up to frequent use and handles the stress of busy cooking. If you want crisp skin and little fuss, this is a great option.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up and excellent browning
- Nonstick carbon finish for easy release
- Deep sides to contain juices and vegetables
- Dishwasher safe for hassle-free clean-up
- Good weight balance for steady oven performance
Cons:
- Carbon steel can rust if not dried properly
- Coating life depends on careful utensil use
- Not as forgiving as stainless with very acidic glazes
My Recommendation
I like the Armorbear carbon steel roaster for cooks who want quick browning and easy cleaning. It is one of the best roasting pan for chicken picks if crisp skin and speed are priorities. For weekend roasts and fast weeknight dinners, it does a fine job.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Fast roasters | Carbon steel heats quickly and browns well |
| Dishwasher fans | Dishwasher-safe design for easy maintenance |
| Crisp-skin lovers | Great for achieving deep, even browning |
EWFEN Stainless Steel Roaster 17×13
The EWFEN roaster is a roomy stainless pan with both V-shaped and flat racks. I like the versatility of rack choices. The deep well catches drippings and the stainless base gives even heat and induction compatibility.
It’s great for large birds, lasagna, and sheet-pan meals that need depth. The finish resists stains and feels solid under heavy use. I use it for family meals and holiday spreads where capacity matters.
Pros:
- Large 17×13 size for big birds and casseroles
- Two rack types for flexible roasting setups
- Induction compatible and oven safe
- Heavy-duty build for lasting use
- Easy to deglaze for rich sauces
Cons:
- Large size can be cumbersome to store
- Stainless requires some elbow grease for stuck-on bits
- Heft makes one-handed handling tricky when full
My Recommendation
I recommend the EWFEN roaster for cooks who need flexible rack options and a large, induction-ready pan. It’s one of the best roasting pan for chicken picks for big family meals. If you roast often for a crowd, this pan will serve you well.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large gatherings | Size fits big birds and multiple sides |
| Induction kitchens | Compatible with modern stovetops |
| Versatile cooks | Two racks for different roasting needs |
FAQs Of best roasting pan for chicken
What size pan is best for a whole chicken?
Pick a pan that gives 2–3 inches of space around the bird. A 13×9 to 17×13 size fits most whole chickens well. Room lets heat circulate and vegetables sit beside the bird.
Do I need a rack in the pan?
A rack lifts the chicken so fat drips away and air flows beneath the bird. That yields crisper skin and more even cooking. For gravies, a rack helps collect drippings in the pan.
Nonstick or stainless — which is better?
Use nonstick for easy release and clean-up. Use stainless steel for durability, high-heat searing, and easy deglazing. I keep both types and pick based on the dish and finish I want.
Can I broil in these roasting pans?
Check the pan’s max temperature. Stainless and carbon steel usually tolerate broiling. Some nonstick pans cannot handle intense broil heat. When in doubt, move the bird higher without direct broil or use a stainless pan.
How do I clean stuck-on drippings?
Soak the pan in hot water and a bit of dish soap. Use a wooden scraper for stuck bits. For stainless, deglaze with wine or stock and scrape up browned bits. Avoid harsh abrasives on nonstick coatings.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the best roasting pan for chicken for overall performance, the Circulon 17×13 nonstick roaster is my top pick. It balances release, even heat, and size for most home cooks and holiday meals.
For budgets, go Glad. For durable, induction-ready use, pick Tifanso or EWFEN. For fast browning and crisp skin, Armorbear carbon steel and Rachael Ray nonstick are also excellent choices.
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