Diets and Nutrition

Ways to Make the Most of Chicken in the Kitchen

By Alejandra Cota - 2020-03-11T11:08:35Z
Few ingredients are as practical, noble, and versatile as chicken. It always hits the spot and can be cooked in countless ways; moreover, it is economical and very accessible. What more could you ask for?Its benefits are many, as it is one of the healthiest meats that contains almost no fat, and the little it has is easily identifiable, making it easy to remove, which makes it ideal for people who want to lose weight.Properties and Benefits of ChickenThanks to the protein that chicken provides, it helps increase muscle mass and prevents bone loss. It is rich in phosphorus, which keeps teeth, bones, kidneys, and liver in optimal condition.According to the WHO, chicken has a high amount of retinol, alpha and beta-carotene, lycopene, and all derivatives of vitamin A, which are essential for maintaining proper vision.It is easy to digest and is well-tolerated even by people with digestive disorders, as its tissue is easier to break down than other types of meat.VersatilityChicken is one of the most accessible and noble meats when it comes to cooking, as you can use it in the simplest and lightest recipes, but you can also prepare spectacular and very eye-catching stews. It all depends on how and with what it is cooked.Roasted whole in the oven, in pieces, in a casserole, or even in the microwave, you can prepare a chicken dish that will be a delight for all family members, and surely it will be impossible to resist.Make Use of All Parts of the Chicken- Thighs: Chicken thighs are one of the most utilized parts, as they are among the pieces with the most meat and have the advantage of being juicier, having a bit more fat, and therefore more flavor. You can use them in stews, shred them, make medallions, etc.- Chicken Wings: Wings not only add a lot of flavor but are also very healthy, as they contain Vitamin B6, which strengthens the immune system, selenium, a mineral that helps with the proper absorption of vitamins, and is a powerful antioxidant. You can use them to make broth or eat them as a snack with sauces, breaded, etc.- Breasts: We probably arrive at the most versatile part of the chicken. You can grill them to add to salads, stuff them, make rolls, tacos, shred them, and use them in all kinds of stews, from a simple sandwich to a delicious mole.- Back: The back is a part of the chicken that some people throw away because it contains no meat, only bones. But just like the tail and chicken scraps, it is ideal for making broth.- Giblets: Giblets refer to the liver, gizzard, and heart, and these pieces can also be cooked. They are used in soups and broths and can also be sautéed with onion or other vegetables.How to Store Chicken MeatTo keep chicken meat safe, the FDA recommends maintaining a refrigerator temperature of 4°C and the freezer at -18°C. During the thawing cycle, the recorded temperature may be slightly higher than 4°C.Among the most consumed proteins in Mexico is chicken, and now we know why. To cook it, all you need is creativity and to use the ingredients you have on hand. If you want to discover delicious recipes for cooking chicken, visit our special section where you are sure to find an idea that fits any situation.