Chicken is usually a popular kid’s dish. Notice how chicken nuggets, fried chicken, or chicken fillets among other chicken recipes are always included in the kids’ meals at your favorite restaurants. Chicken can be cooked a number of ways. You can boil them, fry them, grill them, broil them, or even bake them among other methods of cooking. Here you will learn tips on how to cook chicken. So let’s begin.
1. GRILLING
When grilling chicken, it would be best to spatchcock it first. It will allow your chicken to cook evenly. Spatchcock is a method of preparing your chicken that allows it to flatten out before you cook it. To spatchcock a chicken, you’ll need to cut the skin from neck to tail end of the backbone to be able remove it. Cut the skin on top while the chicken is breast-side down. After removing the backbone, make a small slit in the cartilage towards the end of the breast bones to reveal the keel bone. Crack open the chicken to release the keel bone and pull it up with the attached cartilage. Smooth the skin and you’re done spatchcocking your chicken and you’re ready to grill. When grilling, make sure to use tongs or spatula. Don’t use fork to flip your chicken to avoid losing the juices of your chicken. If you use the indirect grilling method by placing your chicken on a pan, you can use a loose foil tent to cover it loosely. This will help retain heat and moisture for better cooking.
Chicken on the Chopping Board
2. BRINING
When you choose to brine your chicken, a good tip would be to add some room-temperature butter under the skin just before you cook it. It will keep your chicken moist and result to a crispy skin full of flavor. Brining your chicken before you roast it will result to a tender, juicy meat. Make sure to use an AV-shaped rack or basket placed in a pan to cook your chicken evenly. It will also keep your chicken away from the drippings.
3. FRYING
If you plan on frying your chicken, it is best to dry your coated or floured chicken pieces for about 20 to 30 minutes before you place them into the oil. This will allow your chicken to brown evenly. After cooking, it’s best to dry your chicken on a metal rack or brown paper bag to retain more crispiness as compared to paper towels. Do not cover your chicken after frying to avoid losing the crispiness.
4. SAUTEEING
Another way to cook chicken is by sautéing it. It would be best to leave skin on while cooking, and just remove them after it has been cooked. This will allow an evenly cooked chicken and at the same time retained juiciness. When sautéing chicken, it’s best to combine equal parts of oil and butter so you don’t burn your chicken and at the same time get the maximum flavor.