Everything You Need to Know About Chicken
Chicken is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world today. Knowing how to choose, cook and store chicken correctly is an important part of being a responsible consumer and an informed eater. This article will provide an overview of everything you need to know about chicken, including types, nutritional benefits, how to select, cook, store and freeze it, as well as other tips to help you make the best choice of chicken for your needs.
Types of Chicken
There are a few different types of chicken that you can purchase for your meals. These include whole chickens, pieces (such as breasts, wings and drumsticks), ground chicken and boneless, skinless chicken. Each type of chicken has its own characteristics, benefits and uses. Whole chickens are often less expensive than pieces, and they provide a lot of versatility in terms of how they can be cooked. Pieces are usually more convenient to cook than whole chickens, and they can also be used in a wide variety of recipes. Ground chicken is useful for many dishes, such as burgers, meatballs and meatloaves, and boneless, skinless chicken can be used more quickly and easily in soups, stews and salads.
When cooking with chicken, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly to avoid foodborne illnesses. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before it is considered safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Chicken
Chicken is a popular source of lean protein that is low in fat. Depending on how it’s cooked, it can also contain various vitamins and minerals. For example, dark meat is higher in iron and zinc while light meat is richer in phosphorus, potassium and other vitamins. Chicken is also a good source of selenium, which helps fight certain forms of cancer. As such, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes other foods that provide additional nutrients such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
In addition to the vitamins and minerals found in chicken, it is also a good source of essential amino acids. These amino acids are important for building and repairing muscle, as well as for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Eating chicken can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, as it is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Furthermore, it is a great source of energy, as it contains B vitamins that help to convert food into energy.
How to Cook Chicken
Cooking chicken properly is key for safety and enjoyment. There are a variety of cooking methods you can use to prepare chicken including baking, grilling, roasting, frying, sautéing or poaching. Before cooking, it is important to make sure chicken is thawed and at room temperature if necessary. Additionally, it’s important to cook chicken to its minimum safe internal temperature which is 165°F as assessed with a food thermometer. Be sure to clean any surfaces you’ve cooked chicken on as well as your hands to help prevent the spread of food-borne illness.
When cooking chicken, it is important to use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature. Additionally, it is important to avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked chicken. Finally, it is important to store cooked chicken in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking and to discard any leftovers after three to four days.
Tips for Shopping for Chicken
When shopping for chicken, it's important to consider several factors such as price, quality, country of origin and sustainability. Fresh whole chickens will have a plump breast, firm flesh and ivory colored skin, while frozen chicken should be sold and stored at 0˚F (-18˚C). It's also important to check the packaging carefully to make sure that it is not dented or leaking any liquids. Additionally, different types of chicken will have different labels or claims such as organic, natural or free-range which indicate different levels of animal welfare. Check the labels carefully to make sure you are getting the best quality for your money.
When shopping for chicken, it's also important to consider the source. Look for chickens that are raised in humane conditions and are free of antibiotics and hormones. Additionally, look for chickens that are certified organic or free-range, as these chickens are raised in more natural conditions and are generally healthier. Finally, make sure to buy chicken from a reputable source, as this will ensure that you are getting the freshest and highest quality chicken available.
Popular Chicken Dishes Around the World
Chicken is a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world. Some examples include classic dishes like roast chicken or fried chicken, as well as Asian dishes such as kung pao or sweet and sour chicken. Middle Eastern style dishes like shawarma or tandoori chicken are also very popular. Additionally, various soups and stews like chicken noodle soup or chicken curry are enjoyed around the globe.
In Latin America, chicken is often used in dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. In the Caribbean, jerk chicken is a popular dish, while in Africa, dishes like jollof rice and chicken stew are popular. In Europe, dishes like chicken Kiev and chicken cordon bleu are popular. No matter where you go, you can find a delicious chicken dish to enjoy!
Health and Safety Considerations When Handling Raw Chicken
Raw chicken can sometimes contain harmful bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter which can cause food poisoning. It is important to practice good food safety and hygiene when handling raw chicken. Always wash your hands after coming into contact with raw poultry and avoid cross contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked poultry. Additionally, it's important to cook poultry thoroughly before you eat it to ensure that any harmful bacteria have been killed.
When storing raw chicken, it is important to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use it. If you are not going to use it within two days, it is best to freeze it. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria have been killed.
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Chicken
Leftover cooked chicken can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure chicken is stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag within two hours of cooking. If you don’t plan to eat all of your cooked chicken within three days, it can also be stored in the freezer for up to four months. When freezing cooked chicken, wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight bag or container before freezing.
How to Tell if Your Cooked Chicken is Safe to Eat
It’s important to make sure your cooked chicken has reached a safe internal temperature before eating it. To do this, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone or fat. The internal temperature should read at least 165˚F (74˚C). Additionally, look out for any signs that the cooked chicken has gone bad such as a sour odor or slimy texture.
The Environmental Impact of Eating Chicken
Today's factory farming practices are damaging our environment in multiple ways. Intensive livestock production often leads to increased water pollution, soil erosion and air pollution. Additionally, the excessive use of antibiotics in farm animals is believed to contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Choosing organic, free-range poultry which has been humanely raised on small farms is a good way to reduce the environmental impact of your chicken consumption.
