What should I look for when buying chicken?
Purchasing a chicken isn’t complicated, but there are a few things to look out for.
- Select a chicken that is pink or flesh-coloured and free from bruises.
- Make sure the packaging is secure and unbroken.
- Strong, unpleasant odours and a dull grey colour are indicators that the chicken has spoiled.
- Be sure to check the “sell by” date on the store’s label.
What kind of chicken should I get?
There’s a type of chicken for every occasion. Make sure you’re getting the best for your recipe.
Breasts:
Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, chicken breasts are the leanest and healthiest option of all chicken cuts and are available whole, split in halves, boneless and skinless, or bone-in and skin-on. Fun Fact: Fillets, frequently used to make chicken fingers, can be found attached underneath the breast.
Try this recipe:
One-Pan Chicken Dinner
Thighs:
Benefits: Benefits: the higher fat content in chicken thighs makes for a juicier, extra flavourful piece of chicken. Thighs are available bone-in and skin-on, or boneless and skinless, and are much harder to accidentally dry out while cooking.
Try this recipe:
Spicy Bombay Chicken Stew
Wings:
Benefits: wings are an appetizer and snacking favourite, and are perfect for sharing in large groups, or for curing that comfort food craving. Wings are available whole or split.
Try this recipe:
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Wings
Drumsticks:
Benefits: The dark meat makes them juicy, and the bone makes them flavourful. Drumsticks are a great shareable option that are difficult to overcook and sure to please a crowd.
Try this recipe:
Jerk Chicken Drums & Thighs
Necks and backs:
Benefits: A lot of the great flavour in chicken comes from the bone, which makes chicken necks and backs ideal for making chicken broth for soups and stews.
Whole chicken:
Benefits: A little bit of everything: breast, thigh, white meat dark meat. For feeding the whole family, this is the best way to make sure everyone will find a part of the chicken they really like.
Try this recipe:
Harvest Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken
How do I tell if chicken has gone bad?
Strong, unpleasant odours, and a dull grey colour are the best indicators that chicken has spoiled. Dispose of spoiled chicken safely, and right away.
Is skin-on chicken better than skinless chicken?
There are benefits to both skinless and skin-on chicken.
- Skinless chicken is low in fat.
- Chicken skin adds flavour and holds in moisture, which makes for tender and juicy meat.
Should I get boneless or bone-in chicken?
There are benefits to both boneless and bone-in chicken.
- Boneless chicken cooks faster than bone-in, but it may dry out more quickly than bone-in chicken.
- Bone-in chicken dries out less easily and adds more flavour.
