Not only is chicken versatile, healthy, and affordable but it tastes great. There are many different ways to prepare it but there are lots of helpful tips that you may not be aware of when it comes to cooking with poultry. Here are some important pieces of information and advice that can help you improve in your storage, preparation, and cooking of chicken.
Storing Chicken
Chicken needs to be kept cold. It can be kept in your refrigerator wrapped in its original packaging or if you have opened its original packaging, you can safely continue to store raw chicken in the refrigerator, just be sure to wrap it up tightly so it doesn’t become too tough. Freezing is another storage option but this method can make your chicken tough too because it loses some of its moisture content when thawing. On the positive side for freezing chicken though, you can store it in your freezer for up to two months when wrapped in its packaging from the store. If you plan on keeping it frozen for longer than that just remove the packaging and wrap it up in good-quality aluminum foil and then place it inside a plastic freezer bag. It can be stored in this manner for a year or more.
Preparing Chicken
Take caution when thawing frozen chicken that you do so safely. It is not a good idea to let your chicken thaw at room temperature on the countertop. Leaving chicken to sit out at room temperature runs the risk of growing bacteria that can make you sick. Instead you have three preferred options: thaw it in the refrigerator, defrost it in the microwave, or submerge wrapped chicken in cold water.
This may sound like common sense but keep things clean. After you handle uncooked chicken, be sure that you immediately wash your hands with warm soapy water before touching anything else. Any knives, plates, counter space, etc. also needs to be washed or disinfected to avoid the spread of potentially dangerous bacteria.
Marinades are a great preparation technique to use when you want to add depth of flavor to your chicken. Just be sure to always allow your chicken to marinate inside your refrigerator, regardless of how short a time you plan to marinate. After you are done marinating the chicken, immediately discard your marinade. Don’t use it for anything else because of the risk of bacteria.
Cooking Chicken
Chicken isn’t like steak, you want it cooked well-done, not rare or medium-rare. The best way to know when your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into your chicken and look for a temperature of 165ºF before serving. If you don’t have a meat thermometer available, a general rule of thumb is to poke the meat with a fork and look for clear juices. If you see pink, hold off and check again after a few minutes.