As a busy mom, finding the time to prepare meals can be a real challenge. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor or nutrition. With these easy chicken recipes, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time
In this blog post, I will explore different ways to cook chicken, offer ideas for meals that can be made from chicken breast, discuss how to keep chicken moist and juicy, share tips for cooking chicken without drying it out, provide the easiest methods of cooking chicken, and offer healthy alternatives to traditional chicken recipes.
So let’s get down to some basic questions:
What are some different ways to cook chicken?
There are many different ways to cook chicken, including grilling, baking, roasting, sautéing, frying, and boiling. Each method offers its own unique benefits and challenges.
- Grilling chicken provides a charred and smoky flavor, but can be time-consuming and requires an outdoor grill.
- Baking or roasting chicken in the oven is a hands-off method that allows for easy seasoning and preparation, but can sometimes result in dry chicken.
- Sautéing chicken on the stovetop allows for quick cooking and flavorful sauces, but can be messy and requires constant attention.
- Frying chicken provides a crispy and indulgent texture, but can be high in calories and fat.
- Boiling chicken is a simple method that can be used for soups and stews, but can result in bland flavor and texture.
Consider the flavor and texture you want to achieve, the amount of time you have available, and the equipment you have on hand when choosing a cooking method. For example, if you want a quick and easy meal, sautéing or boiling may be the best option, while if you’re looking for a flavorful and indulgent meal, frying or grilling may be the way to go. Experimenting with different methods can help you find the perfect cooking technique for your favorite chicken recipes.
Try to avoid these common mistakes to avoid when cooking chicken:
- Overcooking chicken – this can result in dry and tough meat.
- Not letting the chicken rest before slicing it – cutting into the chicken too soon can cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry chicken.
- Using too high of heat – cooking chicken on too high of heat can cause it to cook too quickly on the outside, while the inside remains undercooked. I have done this a few times and it’s pretty frustrating, higher temp doesn’t necessarily mean quicker cook times!
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your chicken is moist, juicy, and flavorful.
What’s the best way to cook chicken without drying it out and keep it juicy?
I don’t know about you but dry chicken is not my or what would be considered my family’s favorite. Try avoiding dry chicken by following these steps:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature. Overcooked chicken is often dry and tough.
- Cook chicken on low to medium heat. This will help to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Brine chicken before cooking to add moisture and flavor. A simple brine can be made with salt, sugar, and water.
- Use marinades to add flavor and moisture to the chicken. Marinades can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as citrus juices, herbs, and spices.
- Baste the chicken with butter or oil while cooking. This will help to keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
- Cover the chicken with foil while cooking to retain moisture. This is especially important when cooking in the oven
- Use a cooking method that retains moisture, such as roasting, grilling, or using a slow cooker.
Adding flavor to your chicken dishes, try these out:
- Use marinades or dry rubs to add flavor to the chicken.
- Stuff the chicken with herbs, spices, or citrus fruits before cooking.
- Add sauces or dressings to the chicken after it’s cooked for added flavor.
- Or just add hot sauce to every dish like my husband does. No matter what the rub or marinade I use, he will still add hot sauce. I have stopped taking offense to this because it’s not personal, it’s just him. His go-to hot sauce is: Cholula. We go through so much in our house that if it’s in stock at Costco, we buy the value pack!
Recipes so easy, you can’t mess up
5 ingredient meals are the best, am I right? Not to mention easy meaning easy to follow recipe/prep/have ingredients & clean up? Sign me up! Chicken recipes that are difficult to mess up such as:
- Chicken stir-fry
Stir-frying chicken with vegetables and a flavorful sauce is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue sauce has been my favorite lately and I saw Bethenny Frankel’s post about it on her TikTok the other day too so you know it’s good! She was talking about specifically the other flavor Bachan has: Hot & Spicy FYI. I haven’t tried it but the original is delicious. - Chicken tacos
Shredded chicken as a filling for tacos is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. Add taco seasoning for additional flavor before or after cooking. Serve with your favorite toppings and there you go! - Lemon garlic roasted chicken
Roasting a whole chicken with lemon and garlic is a classic and flavorful way to cook chicken. Of course, add any additional seasoning, my go to’s are: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (if I don’t cut up whole onion to go in the chicken).
By following these tips and trying out some easy chicken recipes, you can cook chicken that’s moist, flavorful, and enjoyable to eat.
What is the easiest method of cooking a chicken?
If you are like me and scramble to get dinner ready I use these meals at least once a week because they are so quick, easy and painless:
- Sheet pan chicken and vegetables – roasting chicken and vegetables together on a sheet pan is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal.
- Grilled chicken skewers – marinate chicken in your favorite sauce and grill on skewers for a tasty and easy meal.
- One-pot chicken and rice – cooking chicken and rice together in one pot is a convenient way to prepare a complete meal.
Tips for making healthy substitutions in your chicken recipes
- Use lean cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, and remove the skin to reduce saturated fat.
- Substitute healthier cooking oils, such as olive oil or avocado oil, for vegetable oil or butter.
- Use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying on high-fat sauces or marinades.
By choosing healthy cooking methods and ingredients, you can enjoy the health benefits of chicken without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
What is the healthiest way to cook chicken?
The healthiest way to cook chicken is by using cooking methods that preserve the nutritional content of the meat while minimizing the use of unhealthy fats and oils. Some of the healthiest cooking methods for chicken include grilling, baking, and roasting. These methods cook the chicken without adding excessive amounts of fat and can help retain the natural juices and nutrients of the meat.
Grilling
Grilling chicken on a barbecue is a great option for those looking for a quick and healthy meal. It’s a lean method of cooking that doesn’t require the use of any added oils or fats.
Baking
Baking chicken is also a healthy option, as it allows the chicken to cook in its natural juices without adding any extra fat. Baking the chicken in an oven at a moderate temperature, usually between 350°F to 375°F, for a longer period of time.
Roasting
Roasting chicken is another great option that requires minimal preparation and can be easily seasoned with herbs and spices to add flavor without adding unhealthy fats. Roasting chicken is putting the oven at a higher temperature, usually between 400°F to 450°F, for a shorter period of time.
Try to avoid these common mistakes to avoid when cooking chicken:
- Overcooking chicken – this can result in dry and tough meat.
- Not letting the chicken rest before slicing it – cutting into the chicken too soon can cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry chicken.
- Using too high of heat – cooking chicken on too high of heat can cause it to cook too quickly on the outside, while the inside remains undercooked. I have done this a few times and it’s pretty frustrating, higher temp doesn’t necessarily mean quicker cook times!
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your chicken is moist, juicy, and flavorful.
As a busy mom, “doing our best” finding quick and easy meal options that are also healthy and delicious can be a challenge. That’s why having a variety of easy and tasty chicken recipes in your repertoire is so important. Not only is chicken a versatile and affordable protein source, but it can also be prepared in a variety of ways to keep meals interesting and flavorful.
I hope that this blog post has provided some inspiration and practical tips for cooking with chicken.
I want to know if you tried any of these recipes shared in this post and share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!
