Silicone Baking Sheets

• Silicone baking sheets are made through a process of melting fine sand at high temperatures. The finished product is a food-safe sheet that keeps baked goods from sticking and simplifies cleanup. Silicone baking sheets can be used at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand, so you can place one in the bottom of a roasting pan to prevent messes. Keep in mind, though, that those little bits of chicken stuck to the bottom of the pan actually add flavor to the finished dish. Like most cookware, you get what you pay for when it comes to silicone baking sheets. Buy a high-quality brand and it will likely last a long time. Never use a silicone baking sheet under the broiler or near an open flame.

Using Silicone

• Using silicone is a perfectly acceptable method for roasting a cut-up chicken or pieces of boneless chicken breast. Silicone placed on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish cleans up easily and helps evenly brown the chicken. Spread the chicken pieces on the sheet so air circulates between them and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the flesh is white and the juices run clear.

Whole Chicken

• In general, the best way to roast a whole chicken is with a nonstick roasting pan and a V-shaped rack. You can roast a whole chicken on a silicone baking sheet but the shallow edges won't contain all the grease and you'll likely end up with a mess. Use your silicone baking sheet as a liner inside the roasting pan, if desired. A chicken fits perfectly into a deep roasting pan, and the roasting pan can usually go from the oven to the stovetop, if necessary. The rack elevates the chicken a few inches from the bottom of the pan so any drippings collect and reduce, becoming thick and caramelized.

Method

• The proper equipment is only part of the equation in creating the perfect roasted chicken. Preparation and cooking methods ensure satisfactory results. Start with a high-quality bird. Lather the entire bird or the cut-up pieces with softened butter and plenty of salt and roast it at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. The high heat makes the bird golden brown and gives it a slightly crisp skin. Silicone baking sheets also help create an evenly golden skin. Once the chicken is cooked completely so that the juices run clear and the flesh seems somewhat firm, let it sit on the counter for at least 10 minutes before slicing or serving it to allow the juices to settle. While you're waiting, make a sauce from the drippings. Ladle off as much of the fat as possible and scrape the bottom of the silicone baking sheet to loosen any crispy bits. Simmer the remaining drippings to thicken them slightly. At this point, add cream, sherry, apple juice or herbs to flavor the sauce.

Clean-Up

• Roasting a chicken isn't for the faint of heart. It's not difficult, but the pan -- and your oven -- will be a bit messy. If you've used a silicone liner, simply toss it in a sink of soapy water and wash it. Set it on end to dry and roll it up to store it. Let the roasting pan soak for a bit before cleaning it. Hopefully, you've used a nonstick roasting pan. These pans clean up so well you might decide you don't need a silicone liner.