Chicken offers a lean protein source compatible with many cooking methods. Choose a new way to prepare your poultry to add variety to your meal while keeping it nutritious. The healthiest chicken preparation methods use only a small amount of oil or none at all. Regardless of preparation method, chicken should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the heat source.
Stir Fried
Stir frying adds a light crisp to the chicken without adding a lot of fat. A wok pan makes stir fry easy to make, but you can also use a regular skillet. Chicken breast with the skin removed works best for this chicken dish. Cut the poultry into 1-inch pieces before cooking in the pan with 2 tbsp. of heated oil. You can also add vegetables for a complete chicken stir fry. add in your favorite stir-fry sauce near the end of the cooking time.
Braised
Braising is a cooking technique that uses a small amount of liquid. Wine or broth works well for braised chicken. Start with 2 tbsp. of oil heated in a deep skillet or large saucepan. Sear both sides of the chicken for three minutes in the oil. Remove the chicken from the pan and cook any vegetables that you want to cook with the meat, such as sliced onions, garlic or mushrooms. After four to five minutes, pour 2 cups of your chosen braising liquid into the pot. Add the chicken back to the pan and bring the liquid to a boil. Simmer the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes over medium heat so it is cooked through. Move the chicken around in the pan, since it won't all be covered by the wine or broth.
Slow Cooked
A slow cooker makes cooking chicken simple because it doesn't need a lot of attention. You can cook individual pieces like boneless, skinless chicken breasts or an entire chicken in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup of chicken broth or water for moisture. Season the chicken with dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, marinade or Italian dressing as it slow cooks. Cook the chicken for six to eight hours on the low setting. When it is done, the chicken becomes very tender and falls apart. The slow-cooker chicken works well for shredded chicken for sandwiches or tacos.
Grilled
Grilling is a common option for cooking poultry like chicken. Chicken breasts work well for grilling, but you can also cook other parts of the chicken with this method. Marinade adds moisture to the chicken to prevent dry meat as it grills. Grocery stores sell marinade. You can also use salad dressing or homemade marinade using oil seasoned with spices and herbs. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or longer before grilling to get the most flavor. Grill the chicken until the meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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