How to cook chicken at home - simple recipes and tips for choosing

Chicken is one of the most popular and affordable products on tables around the world. It is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and due to its versatility, it is suitable for preparing many dishes. In Russia, according to statistics, chicken ranks first among consumed meat, accounting for more than 40% of the total volume of meat products, which makes it an indispensable ingredient in most homes.

One of the key advantages of chicken is its availability and ease of preparation. It is important to remember that in order to preserve the beneficial properties of meat, it is important to choose and cook the product correctly.

How to choose chicken.

When buying chicken, first of all, pay attention to its appearance. High-quality meat should be pink with a moderate smell of freshness. Make sure that the packaging is intact and shows no signs of damage, and that the meat is stored at the right temperature.

In the store, you can find chicken in various forms: whole carcass, chicken parts (fillets, thighs, breasts) and finished products. For different recipes, it will be convenient to choose individual parts - for example, the breast is suitable for dietary dishes, and the thighs are ideal for frying or casseroles.

How to cook chicken.

There are many ways to cook chicken, and each method reveals its own unique taste and aroma. For casseroles and stews, you can use chicken parts, for soups and broths, bones and whole chicken are ideal. Here are some popular options:

Baked chicken is one of the easiest and fastest ways. Smoke the skin from the chicken fillet or thigh, salt and pepper, add your favorite spices (garlic, rosemary, thyme) and put in the oven preheated to 180 ° C for 30-40 minutes. It will turn out juicy and aromatic.

Chicken in sauce - for a richer taste, you can cook chicken in a creamy or tomato sauce. Cook it in a frying pan, then add the sauce and simmer until done.

Chicken Soup - Cook chicken broth, add vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions) and spices for a light and rich taste. It is perfect for cold days and also supports the immune system.

Storage Tips

Chicken is a product that requires a special approach to storage. Store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0°C to 4°C. If you do not plan to cook chicken in the near future, it is better to freeze it. Frozen meat can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Chicken is not only delicious, but also healthy. Thanks to the many ways to cook it, it can be part of almost any dish, from light salads to hearty dinners. Given its availability, it will always remain an important part of the diet of most people around the world.