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Chicken is the most popular non-vegetarian item and is loved all over the world. Enjoyed in a plethora of ways, such as sandwiches for breakfast and biryani for dinner, this beloved delight is also packed with many health benefits. However, the cooking method has a great impact on the nutritional value of chicken. The most common ways of cooking this meat are roasting, poaching, frying, grilling, and baking.
Talking particularly about grilling and baking, both of them are said to be healthy and give a delicious result. So, if you are confused between grilling or baking your chicken for the next meal, here are a few differences between both cooking styles:
What Is Grilled Chicken?
This is a yummy way of cooking chicken, which gives it a smoky flavour. It is cooked over direct heat, usually on a grill or BBQ. The piece of meat is placed directly on the grates, which allows it to cook evenly on all sides. This cooking method gives the chicken a charred outer layer along with a juicy texture inside. The main flavour of grilled chicken comes from BBQ sauce and goes well with starters, shawarma, kebabs, and burgers.
What Is Baked Chicken?
This is also a delicious method of cooking that uses an oven. All you have to do is put the chicken in a baking dish and bake it at a moderate temperature. It is mainly seasoned with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Baked chicken is perfect for salads, curries, fried rice, and sandwiches.
Which One Is Healthier?
Nutrients stay in both baked and grilled chicken; however, due to the high heat, there can be some loss of vitamins and minerals during grilling. Baked chicken also needs less oil or fat than grilled chicken. According to a report by Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, cooking over high heat, like grilling, increases the release of harmful chemicals like HCAs and PAHs that can make you more susceptible to cancer. To avoid this, always marinate the chicken before grilling.
Overall, both cooking methods are perfect for making chicken. They have some pros and cons, like baked chicken, which is healthier but has a mild flavour, while grilled chicken gives you a delicious, bold flavour but requires more oil or fat and attention while cooking. So, choose the cooking method according to your preference.
Grilled vs. Baked Chicken: The Four Differences
Cooking Method:
Baking: In baking, the chicken is marinated with spices and cooked on a baking sheet or dish in an oven at a consistent temperature.
Grilling: Grilling involves cooking the chicken over an open flame or charcoal embers.
Texture:
Baking: Baking results in chicken that is soft, tender, and juicy because cooking in the oven helps lock in its natural juices.
Grilling: Grilled chicken is slightly firmer in texture but still retains juiciness. It often has a crispy skin due to direct exposure to flames or hot coals.
Flavour:
Baking: Baked chicken typically has a milder flavour profile. The baking process blends the spices and enhances the chicken's natural taste.
Grilling: Grilled chicken has a bolder and smokier flavour. Cooking over an open flame imparts a distinct smokiness that adds depth to the dish.
Convenience:
Baking: Baking is generally considered more convenient as it requires less attention. Once the chicken is in the oven, it can be left to cook without constant monitoring.
Grilling: Grilling demands more attention as the open flame can quickly overcook or burn the chicken if not watched closely and turned frequently.
