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How to Cook Chicken

Chicken is a staple protein that can be enjoyed on its own, as a highlight in a Sunday roast, or as a key ingredient in many other recipes. You can roast chicken, pan-fry it, poach it, or even barbecue.

Chicken as a Versatile Ingredient

Chicken is such a versatile food, it lends itself perfectly to a whole range of cuisines, in particular curry and spicy dishes. For something a little different, you could always try our oven-baked chicken jambalaya. 

How To Keep Chicken Moist While Cooking

If you are roasting a chicken, we’ve also put together a few tips to ensure your chicken stays moist and tender while cooking.

  • Add a little extra moisture to the chicken by rubbing the breast with olive oil or butter before cooking.
  • Cook your chicken breasts at a higher temperature around 220 – 230 C so the meat cooks quickly and retains its moisture.
  • Let your chicken rest before eating. Cooking causes the juices to move to the centre of the meat, so before serving, let your meal sit while the juices redistribute.
  • Carving your meat against the grain. This will make it more tender and easier to chew.

 

Find RSPCA Assured Chicken at Your Favourite Supermarket

Aldi Co-op Lidl Marks & Spencer Morrisons Sainsbury's Tesco

RSPCA Assured Chicken Welfare

You can find out more about the higher welfare standards of chicken on RSPCA Assured farms.

RSPCA Assured Chicken Welfare The Real Cost of Cheap Chicken

How Long Does It Take To Roast Chicken Per Kg?

Cooking times will vary based on your oven but a rough guideline for cooking your chicken is 20 minutes per 450g plus an extra 10 to 20 minutes.

So a bird weighing 2.25 kg would take 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Tips For Frying Chicken
  • Fry with the skin on and then remove before eating
  • Use tongs for turning rather than a fork to keep the juices in
  • Keep your chicken warm after cooking it by placing it on a baking tray with kitchen roll and back in the oven on a low heat
  • Don’t cover your chicken once it’s cooked as it will lose its crispiness

Is It Healthy To Eat Chicken?

While all meat is rich in protein, some meats contain more fat than others. And foods that are particularly high in saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels in the blood. In general, chicken contains less saturated fats than red meats and can lead to a healthier lifestyle when eaten as part of a balanced diet. But do consult your doctor or visit the NHS website for health advice.

Is Chicken Red Meat?

Chicken is white meat and although the meat on chicken thighs may appear darker, it is still considered white meat. While both red and white meat have environmental impacts, choosing white meat can be a good way to reduce your carbon footprint.

RSPCA Assured Higher Welfare Chicken Recipes

We have a large selection of recipes for higher-welfare chicken, including roast chicken, chicken curry, chicken pies, chicken pasta, chicken salad and barbecue chicken. ​

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