A chicken is a bird believed to be descended from the Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus) which is said to have been domesticated in India before 3200 BC.http://urbanext.illinois.edu/eggs/res08-whatis.html Chickens are frequently seen in agricultural settings and commonly used for food. Aside from the eggs they are able to consistently provide, chicken meat has no carbohydrates, and is high in protein and low in fat.http://www.eatchicken.com/nutrition/
Approximately two thirds of all chickens are infected with salmonella or campylobacter, bacteria that can cause significant gastrointestinal illness. For this reason it is important to thoroughly cook chicken in order to kill any harmful bacteria which may predominantly exist.http://abcnews.go.com/Health/consumer-reports-chicken-salmonella-campylobacter-bacteria/story?id=9210116
Different chicken preparations and cuts should be cooked to different temperatures. Ground chicken should be allowed to reach 180 degrees F before it is considered ready. However whole chicken only requires 165 degrees F in order to kill the bacteria which may be present. Chicken breasts need 180 - 185 degrees F while chicken thighs reqire 170 degrees F.http://www.petalumapoultry.com/faq.php#11 These various cuts of chicken can be made into kabobs, stews, drumsticks,
Methods of Cooking Chicken
- Grilling - Breasts, thighs and legs can all be cooked on a barbecue or other grill. When grilling, marinades or sauces are often spread on the meat during cooking.
- Broiling or Roasting - Marinated chicken breasts can absorb a variety of flavors and dry cooking methods can help maintain these within the meat.
- Frying - Breaded and fried chicken is a popular American comfort food and is suitable for outdoor parties or picnics. Buffalo Wings and many fast food chicken meals are prepared in this manner.
Roasted Chicken Recipe
Shown in this video is how to prepare a chicken for roasting. It is hosted by Marc Bauer, a master chef who teaches at the French Culinary Institute in New York. He starts off by showing you how to remove the wishbone before moving onto the next step. After the wishbone, the wing tips can be removed. Next, put the seasoning on the inside and outside. Herbs can be added under the skin.
Fried Chicken
A southern fried chicken recipe is featured in this video. The narrator instructs viewers to combine butter milk with hot pepper sauce and salt and use it as a chicken marinade, soaking the chicken overnight in the refrigerator, and no less than 2 hours. Next flour is combined with seasoning and salt to create a coating.
Where To Go For Chicken
- Restaurant Guide: Yelp
References
Fast Facts
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Chicken
May be the most common bird in the world
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Commonly ate
Since the Middle Ages
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Young females
Known as "pullets"
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Protein
One serving contains up to 20 grams
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Chicken bones
Can be used to flavor broth
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National Chicken Month
September
