If you are like a lot of us, you are interested in finding new, great tasting methods of cooking that are still fairly healthy. Many of us eat poorly, and it shows in the way we feel. Choosing to cook in a healthier way usually involves focusing on foods that are high in protein and low in fat, particularly in saturated fat and cholesterol. That is why chicken is a great choice, since this lean meat is mostly protein.
Choosing a healthy chicken recipe over red meat can help you cut down your cholesterol levels, reduce hypertension, and even lose weight without giving up on great taste. Chicken is a fabulously versatile food that can be used in nearly all cuisines and with almost every cooking style.
Many people are deciding to spice up their salads a little with marinated grilled chicken, to make delicious chicken wraps and Latin American or Asian inspired dishes. There are lots of easy chicken recipes out there. Remember that the chicken you use is going to affect how healthy the dish is and how good it tastes, with cage reared chickens often producing lower quality meat, even if it is less expensive than the alternatives.
Of course, by choosing other sources for your meat, you will still get to create great tasting, low fat recipes that are high in protein. Free range and organic chicken are two popular choices that are a little more costly, but worth it according to many people. That is because this meat is produced to particular standards that increase the healthfulness of the meat and make it taste better. However, you should learn all you can about the individual standards you are interested in before you buy.
Look for meat that has little fat and is mostly muscle. Trimming fat and removing the skin can also help you cut down on the fat content of your meals. However, you do not have to give up much in the way of taste.
Remember, no matter what you are using, to treat your chicken carefully. For safety, do not let raw chicken sit at room temperature, and refrigerate cooked chicken within two hours. Frozen chicken is safe to store for up to a year in the freezer, however.
Chicken should always be washed using cold water, and preparation should be done using utensils and a cutting board that are extremely clean. After you have finished preparing your chicken, make sure anything that has come into contact with raw meat has been scrubbed clean immediately. If you treat your chicken correctly, you will cut down on the danger of contamination or illness.
Fortunately, it is not hard to prepare chicken safely, and there are many different options available for healthy cooking. Spend a little time thinking creatively, or look online for healthy chicken recipes that will work well for you. You will enjoy great meals and a healthier lifestyle, too.
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Christine,
You are so right on with your comments about chicken, my favorite meat by far. As you say, there are countless ways to prepare chicken, so it feels like you are eating something different every time. And, as a guy, it is nice to learn simple, easy ways to make an exciting chicken dish that seems new to your guests.
Denny Stanz, Author, Food Stories