When your range oven is busy with other things, or when you just don't want to heat up your kitchen, a countertop roaster oven can be a convenient alternative. The oblong cookers can accommodate a turkey, a large roast or a large quantity of smaller foods such as chicken pieces. Roasters don't work exactly like a conventional oven, so if you're preparing a meal of baked chicken pieces, there are a few differences in technique.

Place the roasting pan, or cooking well, into your countertop roaster. Put your rack on the bottom, and cover the roaster with its lid. Plug in your roaster unit and preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pat your chicken pieces dry with a clean paper towel and trim away any excess fat or skin. Season the chicken with salt and pepper or other herbs and spices as desired. Alternatively, brush the chicken pieces with barbecue sauce, honey or some other glaze.

Open the preheated roaster and place the chicken pieces evenly on the rack. Allow space between them, if possible, for the hot air to circulate. Replace the lid.

Reduce the roaster's temperature to 350 F, and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Remove the chicken pieces to a serving platter with a pair of tongs or a serving fork. Tongs are better, because a fork will pierce the chicken pieces and allow their juices to escape. Let the chicken pieces rest, loosely covered with aluminum foil, for five to 10 minutes before serving.