The Versatile Chicken
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Chickens have been domesticated to provide eggs and meat since before 1400 BC. The Chinese raised them for generations. The Polynesians brought these useful birds with them to Chile in the 1300s. Since then, the chicken has become a worldwide food staple. They are easy to raise and provide nutritious protein... oh, and they provide one of the most versatile meats in the world.
Almost every culture around the world has at least a few recipes for chicken. Mexico, France, Italy, and China... the list is endless. Chicken is low in cholesterol, mild, and relative cheap. The meat can be used in many different ways to create healthy, delicious meals.
What Kind of Chicken is found at the Market?
At the supermarket, you will find whole chickens, fryers that are cut up or halved, and portions of all one kind such as breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. If you like giblets, you can also find small tubs of livers or gizzards. You can buy chicken on the bone or boneless. All of these options make planning meals a snap for the home cook.
Whole chickens will be a better bargain than a package of breasts. The less the meat has to be handled, the more you save. If you are not sure how to cut up a chicken or you just do not have the time, choose chicken that has already been processed to the stage you need.
What Can You Do With Chicken?
Roast a whole chicken and make it into soup the day after. If you have chicken pieces, make fried chicken, fricassee, a hearty stew or throw it in the oven. Boneless chicken can be eaten in large pieces or cut up small for pot pie, pasta, stir-fry, or sauts. Chicken baked recipes are easy options... just coat your chicken in breadcrumbs, crushed cereal or crackers and pop it in.
Use chicken in Italian dishes like chicken linguine, French dishes like chicken and shallots, or Indian recipes like chicken tandoori. Asian recipes like peanut chicken, orange peel chicken and others add some zing to what may otherwise be an ordinary day. Make pollo relleno or chicken a la Tex Mex for a little spice. Each ethnic region also has many chicken soup varieties to try too.
Chicken also offers the choice of white or dark meat. Each type has a different texture, and they can be used to good effect in different meals. Dark meat is more forgiving... it does not dry out as easily as white meat. It also sops up flavors well from sauces and marinades. White meat is better for cubing and works well in stews, sandwiches and on the barbecue.
In conclusion, let us give thanks to the humble chicken. It is low in fat and cholesterol. It is easily digested. It fits into just about any dish in any cuisine with delicious results. Chicken offers more versatility than almost any other food. Chicken soup has even been shown in scientific studies to help us when we are sick. We owe a lot to the chicken, which has filled a necessary place in the food chain.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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