Easy Toaster Oven Recipes: Baked Ziti & Fried Chicken

Easy Toaster Oven Recipes: Baked Ziti & Fried Chicken

Toaster ovens are a great way to cook a variety of meals, from simple snacks to full-fledged dinners. And because they use less energy than traditional ovens, they can help you save money on your energy bills. But what are some easy toaster oven recipes that you can make? In this blog post, we'll discuss two easy recipes that you can make in your toaster oven: baked ziti and fried chicken.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make in a toaster oven. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time. The best part is that you can easily adjust the recipe to your liking. For example, you can add different types of cheese, meat, or vegetables. Here's a basic recipe for baked ziti:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the tomato mixture and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is another classic dish that is easy to make in a toaster oven. While it may seem like a challenging recipe, it's actually quite simple. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. The key to making crispy fried chicken in a toaster oven is to make sure the chicken is dry before you start frying it. If you're using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Here's a basic recipe for fried chicken:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk, then dredge in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Pour the vegetable oil into a small baking dish. Place the dish in the toaster oven and heat for 5 minutes, or until the oil is hot. Carefully pour the hot oil over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

These are just two easy recipes that you can make in your toaster oven. With a little creativity, you can come up with many other delicious dishes. So get creative and start cooking!

Tips for Cooking in a Toaster Oven

Here are some tips for cooking in a toaster oven:

• Always preheat your toaster oven before cooking. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly.
• Use a baking sheet or a pan that is the right size for your toaster oven. This will help prevent your food from spilling over the sides.
• Don't overcrowd the toaster oven. If you're cooking multiple items, make sure to leave space between them so they can cook evenly.
• Check your food frequently while it's cooking to make sure it doesn't burn.

With a little practice, you'll be able to cook delicious meals in your toaster oven in no time!