Expert: John Langenfelder - 10/10/2011

Question
Hello :)

I hav'nt had much experience cooking chicken or any meats. I was wondering is it ok to grill chicken breasts in a electric sandwich grilling machine(sandwich maker), the one with horizontal, parallel line grills, and a slightly heavy lid (grills on both sides)? I dont have a proper barbeque. I will marinade and then oil the chicken and grills on the machine. Should that turn out ok? And how can i make sure sure the chicken turns out juicy, tender, cooked till the inside but not tough?

Thank you for your help!

Answer
Tanya,

I don't know if it will get hot enough.  It may not get hot enough to properly cook the chicken. Although sandwiches may not be a problem, raw chicken might.  You could try it, but put it on a pan or something to catch the grease from the chicken.  The chicken breast should be cooked to about 160 degrees F.  You might try cutting the chicken breast in half (Flat side to make two flat slices#.  That will help in the cooking process and cook quicker.  Cooking it will be trial and error.  If you cook it with the breast sliced in half, I would think about 10-15 minutes a side depending on how thick they are and how hot it is..  Best way to tell is 10 minutes a side #so 20 minutes total).  Cut one through and see if the juices run clear.  If so, it is done,  If you see pink juices, they need to cook longer.