Chicken is a versatile and beloved lean protein that can be made into various dishes. From the comfort of butter chicken to the crunch of crumb-fried chicken, the protein-rich ingredient can be made into so many dishes that it will take us a long time to even come up with half of those. Now, these different dishes require a different cut of protein to fully utilise the flavours. Each cut of chicken offers distinct textures and flavours, making it a canvas for a wide range of culinary creations.
If you are confused about what cut to buy for any particular dish that you are going to make in your kitchen, we have the perfect guide for you at your disposal. Join us as we tell you about the different types of chicken cuts and the delicious dishes that can be crafted from each.
Whole Chicken
Starting with the basics, a whole chicken offers the ultimate versatility. Roasting a whole chicken is a classic preparation, resulting in tender and juicy meat with crispy skin. Season it with herbs and spices to enjoy it fully. It is a party delight and a convenient option when cooking for a group of 6–8 people. Roasted chicken goes well with green beans and mashed potatoes on the side. Leftovers can be transformed into chicken salads, sandwiches, and hearty soups.
Chicken Breasts or Fillet
Recipe -Break the Spice
Chicken breasts or fillet are lean and tender cuts that are incredibly versatile. They can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or even stuffed. For a simple yet delicious dish, marinate chicken breasts and grill them to perfection. If you're looking for something elegant for a fancy dinner that you are planning, try stuffing them with spinach, cheese, and herbs. Sliced grilled chicken breasts are ideal for salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are known for their rich flavour and moist texture. They're perfect for braising, slow-cooking, or grilling. One popular dish is braised chicken thighs with root vegetables. For a delicious Desi twist, marinate the thighs in a nice mix of spices like cumin, coriander, red chilli powder, and yoghurt, then grill them for super delicious and tender chicken kebabs.
Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are a favourite among kids and adults alike. Their meaty goodness is best enjoyed when baked with a crispy coating of breadcrumbs and seasonings or when made into street-style crispy, saucy chicken drumsticks. They are higher in calories and contain more fat than chicken breast. They also taste great when marinated in a zesty sauce and grilled. Drumsticks can be part of party platters, picnic baskets, or turned into finger-licking appetisers for a fun dinner.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings have achieved legendary status as a staple at parties and gatherings, but they can be high in calories and fat. Whether coated in tangy barbeque sauce, glazed with a sweet and savoury teriyaki marinade, or covered in hot sauce, wings are the ultimate finger food. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can remove the skin from the chicken wings before cooking. This will reduce the amount of fat and calories. You can also bake or grill the chicken wings instead of frying them. Cook the chicken wings until they are cooked through but not overcooked. Serve the chicken wings with a healthy dipping sauce, such as salsa or hummus. This way, you can enjoy chicken wings without sacrificing your health.
Recipe - Food Fusion
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or nuggets, are loved by children for their bite-sized appeal. Chicken tenders are a popular dish made from strips of boneless, skinless chicken breast. They are often breaded and fried, but they can also be baked or grilled, which makes them healthier than deep-frying in oil. Chicken tenders are lower in sodium, and one serving per day would be a good portion intake to consume it in moderation. Pair them with your choice of healthy sauces for dipping, like homemade tomato sauce, mint-coriander chutney, salsa, or mustard, and you have an ideal appetiser or quick snack.
Chicken Mince
Ground chicken is a blank canvas for creating a wide variety of dishes. From meatballs and burgers to stir-fries and tacos, the options are limitless. In Indian cuisine, chicken kheema, tikki, or chops can be made with ground chicken. Make chicken meatballs in a tomato-based sauce for a comforting dinner. Or, sauté ground chicken with onions to prepare chops for an indulgent snack. Chicken sausages can be a nutritious food, but it is important to choose brands that are low in sodium and fat. You can also make your own chicken sausages at home, which gives you more control over the ingredients added. They are a good source of protein and can also be a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Use ground chicken breast instead of ground chicken thigh meat. You can even add vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, along with low-sodium seasonings. And consider baking or grilling the sausages instead of frying them.
Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets are a thin, flattened piece of chicken that is often breaded and fried. Chicken cutlets can be made from a variety of boneless chicken cuts, including chicken breast and chicken thigh. To make a chicken cutlet, the chicken is first pounded to a uniform thickness. This is done to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. The chicken is then breaded, which can be done using a variety of breading methods. Some popular breading methods include using breadcrumbs, flour, and eggs.
Chicken cutlets can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, deep-frying, and baking. They are often served with a variety of sauces, such as marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, and pesto sauce. Schnitzel or a tasty chicken piccata are a few examples of chicken cutlets. The thin nature of cutlets also makes them perfect for rolling around fillings like cheese and herbs, resulting in elegantly stuffed chicken rolls. Desi-style deep-fried chicken cutlets are a popular street snack too.
Chicken Necks And Offals
While not commonly used for standalone dishes, chicken necks and offal are essential for creating rich stocks and broths. Roasted chicken necks are popular in Mexican roasteries. And Chicken Jhannata is a popular dish in Maharashtra that is made from the chicken neck. Apart from that, chicken necks are simmered to create a flavourful base for soups and sauces. Chicken offals like liver and gizzards can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, baking, and braising. They are a good source of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
Iron is important for transporting oxygen in the blood. Zinc is important for immune function. Vitamin A is important for vision and skin health. Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell production. They can be served on their own or used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces. Kheema kaleji and kaleji stir-fry are very popular in many parts of India.
Chicken Curry Cut
For us Indians, curry cut, or the regular with bone cut that we use to make our curries, gravies, lababdars, and kadhai dishes, is the most commonly used cut. It is a delicious and flavourful cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, stir-frying, baking, and grilling. It makes for a great option for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook.
This cut of chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. A 3-ounce serving of cooked chicken curry cut contains about 25 grams of protein. Chicken curry cut is also a good source of other nutrients, including niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and magnesium. This cut can fit well in biryani, dhaba-style masala chicken, home-style light gravies, and creamy butter chicken.