How to Buy and Prepare the Best Chicken

With salmonella making headlines recently, many are ready to review how to properly prepare chicken without sacrificing moisture and tenderness. 

Let’s take a look at the safest way to get moist and tender chicken from the grocery case to your dinner table.

Shopping for Chicken

• Look for chicken that is labeled air-chilled. A recent Consumer Reports test concluded that organic air-chilled chicken contains significantly less bacteria than store brand or name brand chicken. 
• Avoid chicken that has been water-chilled. It is the most likely to contain bacteria.
• Fresh chicken should feel cold, but there shouldn’t be any icy or frozen spots. 
• Frozen chicken should be rock-hard with no freezer burn.

Storing Chicken

• Freeze chicken that you will not cook within 2 days.
• Keep chicken on the lowest shelf of your refrigerator. If there are any leaks, the chicken liquid won’t contaminate all of the food in your fridge.

Preparing Chicken

• Defrosting your chicken in the refrigerator is the safest way to keep it moist and juicy.
• Have a cutting board and knife set aside to use only with chicken.
• After touching raw chicken, be sure to wash your hands with soap and hot water.
• The color of chicken is not a good indicator of doneness. Young chickens will often retain a pink color even when they are fully cooked.

Keeping your chicken moist and juicy

• Don’t overcook the chicken! Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Always use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. You don’t get extra points for cooking the chicken longer, you just get dry chicken.
• Once it is cooked, let the chicken rest and redistribute its juices before cutting it.
• You know how to keep your chicken safe and delicious. What about keeping it healthy? Boneless, skinless chicken breast is an excellent source of low-fat protein.
• From the soothing powers of chicken soup to the richness of your favorite chicken casserole recipe, chicken is featured in many of the dishes that bring us comfort. Spend time with your family tonight, preparing and enjoying an easy chicken recipe together.
• Once it is cooked, let the chicken rest and redistribute its juices before cutting it.

If you are taking the time to prepare a delectable chicken dinner for your loved ones, why not make it healthy too! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the low-fat, heart healthy choice.

From the soothing powers of chicken soup to the richness of your favorite chicken casserole recipe, chicken is featured in so many of the dishes that bring us comfort. Spend time with your family tonight, preparing and enjoying an easy chicken recipe together.