How to cook tender chicken: The best cooking tips

30.05.2023 03:30
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:25

Chicken meat is tender and juicy - but only if you cook it properly.

To keep the meat soft and delicious, you need to avoid popular mistakes, or chicken can become dry and tasteless.

Here are some cooking tips for chicken meat.

Choose the right cut

Different cuts of chicken have different cooking times and methods. Generally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and tend to dry out more easily, so it's important to cook them carefully.

Marinade or brine

Marinating or brining chicken before cooking can help enhance its flavor, but it can also affect its structure, make it softer. Marinades typically consist of a mixture of oil, acid (such as vinegar or citrus juice), herbs, and spices. 

chicken
Photo:Pixabay

Proper seasoning

Season the chicken generously with salt and any desired herbs or spices before cooking. Spices enhance the flavor and help tenderize the meat’s structure.

Don't overcook

For boneless chicken breasts, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F. For bone-in cuts like thighs or drumsticks, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired temperature to prevent overcooking.

Use appropriate cooking methods

Try baking or roasting for bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, Sautéing or pan-frying for boneless chicken breasts or thinly sliced chicken. You can also try braising for amazing tender meat dishes.
 

Author: Kate Yakimchuk Editor internet resource

Content
  1. Choose the right cut
  2. Marinade or brine
  3. Proper seasoning
  4. Don't overcook
  5. Use appropriate cooking methods