Getting the right dish on your table sometimes is an anthill of a task for most people. However, it should be straightforward if you have the right tips. You can easily elevate your chicken dishes from good to great if you follow the tips we are about to share here.
Grab the best chicken plucker in the market to prepare that chicken cut, then sit down to master these tips. Here are the most essential tips for working around that chicken cut, right from preparation to plating.
1. Choose the Right Cut
The first and most important tip is choosing the right cut for the chicken. After using that chicken plucker to remove the feathers, it’s important that you understand the appropriate cut. The different cuts for the chicken will serve different purposes.
For instance, you can roast the whole chicken if you are looking for an amazing grand meal, use wings for an appetizer, and get the breasts for a fast-cook meal.
Another trick is to consider a boneless or bone-in chicken. Boneless chicken cuts cook fast and easy on the teeth. On the other hand, bon-in cuts are more flavorful and juicy. Choose the right chicken cut if you want to get the best of your chicken meal.
2. Handle the Chicken Properly and Observe Safety
You want to make sure the chicken you prepare is uncontaminated and safe for you and your family. That means when preparing the chicken, ensure the utensils you use, including the chicken plucker, are sterilized and clean.
Also, ensure you use separate cutting boards and clean utensils for the raw chicken and other ingredients. After handling the chicken, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with running water.
After preparing the chicken, you should keep it in the refrigerator. Place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator and use it within two days. Also, you can freeze the chicken if you won’t be cooking it within this time.Proper handling and safe storage of the chicken is important to ensure the food you prepare is uncontaminated.
3. Marinate the Chicken for More Flavors
Another way to prepare your chicken for the best dish is to use your marinades the right way. Marinate the chicken cut to enhance the flavor and make the cuts tender. You can also use acidic ingredients like yogurt, lemon, and vinegar to add more flavors to the chicken.
When marinating the chicken, you want to make sure you time it right. For instance, you should take at least 30 minutes to marinate boneless and skinless chicken breast. For the bone-in chicken cuts, take at least 4 hours to marinate. Also, don’t over marinate to prevent the chicken meat from becoming mushy. The right timing is important if you want to marinate the chicken cuts and get the right flavors.
4. Get the Right Seasoning
When preparing chicken for guests, having the right seasoning techniques is also vital. First, you shouldn’t skimp on the table salt. Salt is more useful for adding flavor to the chicken.
Therefore, you should season your chicken with the right amount of salt before putting it on heat. Let the seasoned chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking it. This enables it to absorb the salt properly before cooking.
Another trick when seasoning your chicken is to use different flavor layers. For instance, you can use a combination of spices, herbs, and some aromatics to make that complex flavor. Season the inside of the chicken and outside to get the perfect flavors and aroma.
5. Choose the Right Cooking Method
The cooking method you apply also plays a role in what the final plate will look like. Therefore, you should know the best method for different chicken cuts. Some of the popular methods for preparing chicken are sautéing, frying, roasting, and grilling. Each type of method gives the chicken a different flavor and texture. Get a cooking method that fits your recipe.
When preparing the chicken, make sure you are cooking at the right temperature. Use a meat thermometer to test if the chicken is safely cooked. The temperature inside the chicken meat when cooking should reach at least 165 degrees F for all chicken cuts. After cooking the chicken, you should allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute well and keep the chicken moist.
6. Achieve a Crispy Skin
Most people prefer a crispy chicken skin on their final plate. If you want that crispy skin, you should ensure the chicken has dry skin before frying or grilling it. Avoid any moisture on the chicken skin to have an appealing, crispy look after preparing the chicken.
Also, when cooking the chicken for a crispy skin, make sure the temperatures are high. You can as well finish the chicken under a broiler for a few minutes to achieve the final look.
7. Add the Right Sauce and Glaze
Another useful tip is knowing the right sauces and glazes to add on your chicken. Right at the end of the cooking, you should add the right sauces to prevent burning. This is important if the sauces you are adding contain a lot of sugar.
After saucing the chicken, you should allow it to rest for some time so that the final flavors can meld easily.
8. Plate for a Perfect Presentation
How you present your plate of chicken is important, that’s if you want us to eat and ask for more. That said, you should slice the chicken against the grain. For breast meat, you should cut against the grain to get the perfect tender and juicy slices.
If you want to brighten up the dish and make it more appealing, squeeze some citrus or sprinkle fresh herbs. Garnishing the chicken makes it look more appealing before serving your guests. Also, don’t forget to balance the texture and colors. You can pair the chicken with roasted vegetables and a fresh salad to create a balanced and appealing plate.
Final Thoughts
If you want to prepare chicken the right way, always have the perfect chicken plucker to remove the feathers. Get the perfect chicken cuts; know the right methods to cook, and plate the chicken for perfect presentation. The tips we have shared here should make preparing that delicious plate of chicken easy for a beginner.
