Healthy Chicken Recipes for Memorable Meals

There are probably more chicken recipes in the world than for any other type of meat and it’s not hard to see why. 

 Chicken is such a wonderful healthy food:

• It suits all occasions
• Versatile - Can be cooked using any method
• Excellent source of protein
• Low in fat
• Provides vitamins such as Niacin and minerals such as zinc and iron

Chicken can be used in almost any dish requiring meat and lends itself to many different cooking methods and flavor combinations:  marinated and tossed onto a grill, rubbed with herbs and roasted, stir fried with some Asian greens or casseroled with tomatoes and vegetables.

It is also low in fat which makes it ideal for those watching their weight and wanting to eat healthy.   But that healthiness can be ruined if the chicken is fried, cooked in a creamy sauce or served with its skin.  Our healthy chicken recipes have been designed to be healthy as well as delicious.

Our Healthy Chicken Recipes

Baked Legs	Chicken Cacciatore	Lemon Chicken
Mediterranean Casserole	Moroccan Chicken	Pepper Chicken
Stuffed Chicken

How to Cook Chicken

Grilling and Pan Frying

Chicken breasts are the whitest and leanest part of the meat and are ideal cuts for grilling and pan frying with a little oil.
 
Grilling is a super healthy way of cooking chicken as the grill rack keeps it above any fat, allowing it to drain away.

If pan frying, remove the skin from the chicken first and use small amounts of oil.  Always drain on absorbent paper, like paper towel.

Stews and Casseroles

The long slow cooking process of stews and casseroles is ideal for the tougher cuts of meat, making them tender and bringing out the flavors.  One of the advantages of cooking with chicken is that it cooks quicker than other types of meat.

Whether the cooking is done on the stove-top or oven, or even a combination of both, doesn’t really matter.   They all follow the same principle.

Casseroling is all about retaining moist heat, and as long as the dish is covered to prevent the steam from escaping the chicken will be moist and tender.

Most of the recipes require little preparation, and with the help of seasonings, vegetables and a few pantry staples, you will always have a tasty, bubbling hot chicken meal.

Roasts

Chicken roasts needn’t be plain and boring.  There are so many different roast recipes. With the addition of herbs and spices a roast can be turned into a fabulous feast.   Add some vegetables or fruit to the roasting pan.

Baking

Chicken can be baked whole or in pieces and baking is one of the healthiest methods.   Season your bird with herbs or cover with a glaze. 

When baking chicken breasts it’s best to leave the skin on to prevent the meat from drying out.  You can always remove the skin after baking to keep it healthy.

Stir Frying

Stir frying is a boon for anyone looking for quick, easy and healthy recipes.  The secret is to prepare all the ingredients beforehand, then quickly toss the food in a hot wok or frying pan. 

Always take care when stir frying that the food is just cooked, not overcooked, otherwise your chicken will be tough.

Chicken strips are ideal for stir frying.    They cook quickly and require very little fat making them super healthy.    Add some herbs, spices, sauces and finely chopped or sliced vegetables and you have an instant meal.
 
Marinating

The strong flavors of a marinade combine well with the delicate flavour of chicken meat.

Marinating has the added advantage of tenderising the meat, so the drier cuts such as the breast can be used.

Other Chicken Recipes

Chicken Waldorf Salad