Chicken meat is one of the most tender types of meat, and it's also pretty easy to cook.
But some cooking mistakes can make your chicken tough and less enjoyable.
Here are a few of them.
Overcooking
Cooking chicken for too long or at high temperatures can result in dry and less enjoyable meat.
It is important to follow recommended cooking times and temperatures for the specific cut of chicken you are preparing.
Lack of Moisture
Chicken can become dry and tough if it lacks moisture during the cooking process.
This can happen if you don't marinate the chicken or use a cooking method that doesn't retain moisture, such as grilling without proper basting or baking without adding liquids.
Quality of the meat
Older or lower-quality chicken tends to be tougher compared to fresh and higher-quality cuts.
Not Using Tenderizing Techniques
Tenderizing techniques can help break down the muscle fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender and enjoyable texture.
Incorrect Cooking Method
Some cuts, like chicken breasts, are lean and tend to dry out quickly if not cooked properly.
Consider using moist cooking methods like braising or poaching for lean cuts, while reserving dry heat methods like roasting for fattier cuts.
Not Allowing Resting Time
Letting cooked chicken rest for a while before slicing or serving is crucial for retaining moisture.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute better throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender, enjoyable texture.
