Chicken meat is bird meat and if not cooked properly it can turn out to be quite fibrous and spongy! Everyone likes to enjoy tender meat with a juicy texture! But have you wondered if there is a way to keep the meat succulent? Well, of course, there are several steps of processing and preparing chicken meat which renders them with a soft texture! You have come to the right place! So without any more delay, let us learn what shall be done while you cook chicken!
What are some of the basics that you should know about making chicken?
Well, you may say that making chicken is no Herculean job, and by simply going through a recipe you can cook any dish you desire! But is it truly that easy? Processing and techniques of cooking play a vital role in determining the flavor and outcomes of the recipe! No amount of spices and cream can do the job if your meat isn't good! Let us find out, shall we?
1. Acquiring quality meat from the shop-
Quality meat plays a significant role in determining the faith of the recipe you are preparing! No amount of effort will work if the quality of the meat you bought is stiff! Go for free range for slow-growing meat! Learn where they were raised and the background behind the meat before you purchase from a particular shop! In the case of frozen meat, the flesh is pumped with water to increase its weight, however, when you cook them, the flesh becomes dry and rubbery! So read the manual and description carefully.
2. Do not peel off the entire skin-
Bones and skin are effective in retaining the moisture in the flesh. Chicken breast is boneless so retain the skin somewhat so that the meat remains soft and tender. If the skin feels unappealing to you then take the skin off once boiled or semi-cooked. Removing the skin also reduces the calorie content in the meat.
3. Try cooking with chicken thighs-
If you find chicken breast meat too chewy then you can try out chicken thighs which are much more succulent and juicer than the breast meat. And the cost of a thigh is much less than chicken breasts as it is not as widely used as the latter for recipes! So you can get it at an affordable price as well!
4. Use salt for marinating-
To keep the chicken skin crisp and juicy, you should marinate it in salt! Often we add salt during cooking which is not true! If you wish to keep the meat fresh and crisp then salting the meat during marination with spices is highly important. If you are grilling or roasting a whole chicken then you need to fill the gaps sufficiently with spices.
5. Try out unique flavors with the meat-
The advantage of cooking chicken is the fact the meat works with any kind of spices and cuisine! Especially, with the aid of bold flavors, you can create some of the best recipes in the world. From herbs to mustard, everything works wonders with chicken meat! Moderation and modification of the heat also play a key role in determining whether you can cook Harissa or smoky meat.
6. Pat the chicken dry-
The chicken meat may be watered in the shop to increase the weight but you can avoid the drying of the meat during cooking or degraded quality by patting the meat beforehand with a towel to dry off the skin! This gives a brownish-crispy texture to the outer flesh when you are roasting.
7. Marination is highly important-
Marinating the meat in spices, lemon, curd, or herbs for a while before cooking is very important! This is because the more time you give, the more spices will be imbibed into the meat, enhancing its taste and flavor. You can leave the marination on for half an hour to one hour so that the texture is softened with the aid of citric acid from lemon, yogurt treatment, and so on.
Now let us see some of the grilled chicken recipes which are all drool-worthy!
Wonderful grilled chicken recipes
1 Classic Grilled chicken
Cooked with Dijon mustard, smooth honey, and peanut butter, the grilled chicken will bring water to your mouth. There is soy sauce, paprika, and sesame oil to escalate the taste of the dish even more.
2. Grilled chicken sandwich
If you are looking for something wholesome to consume for a lunch break at work then pack yourself the grilled chicken sandwiches! Grilled with lemon, oil, and coriander leaves, the steak is served with brown bread, lettuce, and lots of greens.
3. Grilled chicken caesar salad with tossed breadcrumb
This is perhaps the most delicious recipe of all time! And you will be surprised to know that the salad is prepared with only a couple of basic ingredients tossed into the bowl and mixed together. The grilled chicken caesar is prepared with rosemary and thyme sprigs coupled with parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard.
4. Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto
Are you craving sandwiches this season? Well, there can be nothing between the grilled chicken sandwich prepared with slices of chicken, cucumber, lettuce, and loads of mayo and yogurt to your delight.
5. Heavenly citrus grilled chicken with baked sweet potatoes and brown rice
Juicy and tempting, the recipe of citrus grilled chicken with tender baked sweet potatoes calls for a wholesome meal! Enjoy it with a bowl of brown rice.
6. Thai Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Cooked with refreshing orange juice, the grilled wings with succulent wings and leg pieces are so gorgeous that you will not be able to resist yourself! There is cilantro and honey for seasoning.
7. Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
Made with a couple of ingredients, the grilled chicken steak is marinated in ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce! Grill for 450°F for twenty minutes and you are done!
8. Grilled Chicken Pita Pockets
If you are looking for a quick and healthy appetizer then the best option is the pita pockets with radish tzatziki and grilled pomegranate and chopped onions and cucumber dipped in rich cream!
9. Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken
The creamy pasta with grilled chicken is the best combination ever! Enjoy with a couple of roasted stalks of asparagus which are a healthy combo to indulge in!
10. Balsamic Chicken Marinade
Cooked with balsamic vinegar, paprika, and mixed herbs, the recipe is seasoned with cayenne pepper and garlic to give a distinguished flavor to the meat! You may serve it with a couple of garlic bread sticks on the side!
11. Mango Avocado Salsa with Grilled Chipotle Chicken
The flavourful and succulent meat topped with herbs is gorgeous and you should give it a try! Served with channa rice and cucumber with tomato salsa, we are absolutely in love with this dish!
12. Bruschetta Chicken Zoodle Bowls
If you are craving something yummy, then this is a healthy recipe bursting with flavors of mozzarella cheese and freshly chopped tomatoes. Get ready for the tangy and spicy delight. So what are you waiting for?
13. Grilled Chicken Breasts
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar with the herbs and marinate for a while. Be prepared for the perfect grilled chicken with parsley for garnishing! Be ready to enjoy this dish flooded with the richness of flavor and perfect for a meal.
14. Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
Are you ready to enjoy something tangy and spicy at the same time? Well, you should try out the mango and lime chicken with mint sauce and coriander used for flavor.
15. Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
Marinated in cumin, chili powder, and chili flakes, you are about to enjoy a spicy treat with the succulent grilled chicken on the platter. Add some coriander and mint paste for flavoring. So what are you waiting for?
16. Grilled Chicken Melted with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomato Spread
We are absolutely in love with this dish created with pesto sauce, and mozzarella marinating the succulent meat pieces. All you need is thirty minutes for a hearty meal when you have unexpected guests at home.
17. Cilantro Lime Chicken served with a delicious Avocado Salsa!
Here is a paleo-friendly dish that you should try out with enriching avocado salsa and cream. Flavored with red wine, the recipe is so mouth-watering that you will crave more and more.
18. Chinese Chicken Salad
Marinated in ginger, honey, and sriracha sauce, the flavor of the meat is escalated manifold with the presence of lettuce, onions, and grated carrots served as sides along with the stake. So shall we try it then?
19. Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Soaked in dry white wine, rosemary, and Dijon mustard, the recipe is simply outstanding for a refreshing brunch. Served with greens on the sides, the dish is simply amazing! You can serve it with bread or savor it alone.
20. Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Thighs
Cooked simply with garlic and sriracha marinade, the tender grilled chicken is simply out of the world! Sprinkled with paprika, even spice lovers can enjoy this dish. So what are you waiting for? Try it out today!
21. Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad
How delicious is this recipe especially when the summers are around the corner? We have used wine vinegar and garlic for marinade while the salad is prepared with carrots, pepper, onion, and Kalamata olives topped with feta cheese.
22. Pesto grilled chicken breasts
Cooked with cilantro, parsley, and basil, the recipe of pesto grilled chicken breast is outstanding and you should try out this dish which is so easy to make for a quick dinner tonight.
23. One Pot of Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
The flavourful meat cooked with fenugreek, garlic sauce, lemon rind, and juice creates an extraordinary recipe for grilled chicken indeed! What a magnificent choice of dish to explore when craving grilled steaks.
24. The Easiest Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken
If you wish to try something classic and traditional for a family dinner then there is nothing better than the lemon pepper chicken cooked with garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon! The recipe is quite simple even for beginners.
25. Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
If you have a festival coming up, then the BBQ grilled chicken marinated in rich spice is the ideal option to explore. The yogurt, bbq sauce, and cumin paste give a distinguished taste to the dish.
26. Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Here is an authentic Asian grilled chicken that you can add to the list of dishes that you are going to carry to the Potluck! There is yogurt, tomato paste, mustard, and pomegranate molasses used to prepare the meat!
27. Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewer Bowls with Orzo and Green Goddess Sauce
The recipe with olives, pepper, and lemon juice is outstanding. Topped with thyme, mint, oregano, and feta, the recipe is amazing for you to relish! So what are you waiting for?
28. Spicy Chicken Rub for Grilled Chicken
Cooked with shallots, green chili, coriander, and mint, the meat recipe is best served in a bowl of rice or bread. The recipe is easy to cook and the blend of divine flavors simply makes you crave more and more of the dish.
29. Best Chicken Carbonara Recipe
If your heart and tummy both are inclined towards pasta for the weekend meal then do you deprive yourself of the dish cooked in juicy cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic topped with herbs?
30. Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade
The teriyaki grilled chicken cooked with paprika, green chili, and pepper has both flavors spicy and sweet to the delight of everyone gathered to ravish the dish. Enjoy the glazed chicken with coleslaw and jasmine rice on the sides.
Tips to keep the chicken tender and succulent while cooking -
1. Preheating the pan is essential- if you wish to enjoy a crispy texture outside and tender meat inside then you preheat the pan and the oil so that the meat sizzles the moment it is placed on it.
2. Do not overcrowd the pan- if there are too many meat pieces on the pan then it is likely that some will be cooked well while some pieces will remain undercooked! If you wish to even cook then spread out the pieces and place a few slices at a time.
3. Use heavy grilling pans to grill the meat- purchase a proper heavy pan to grill the meat so that the heat is spread evenly on the surface of the flesh. The rides give a smoky essence to the meat and the flavors are also imbibed well.
Bottom line- there are different techniques for one to cook meat and depending on which recipe you are trying, meat processing is essential! Now that you have so many grilled recipes at your disposal, go ahead and try them out. We are sure you can't wait to enjoy these sizzling meat pieces.
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