Any special occasion that we choose to celebrate always needs a delicious feast. We must admit that these are the times that we want to eat anything, but the pandemic taught us to choose healthier options in whatever meal intake. And we should not worry about this because there are many yummy and healthy recipes we can prepare at home. Meats do not have to be out of the picture, and you can still incorporate them into your dishes. After all, they are also healthy.
One of the healthiest meats is chicken which is packed with protein and other nutrients the body needs. It also has amazing flavors, and you can cook it in many ways. We must admit that a feast is not complete without a chicken dish. So you might want to learn as many cooking methods like how to truss a chicken, especially when preparing for special occasions.
1. Christmas
Christmas is one of the most loved holidays because it is the perfect year-ender and loved ones reunite for Christmas parties and gift-giving. So what better way to top that celebration with a hearty feast. You can fill your table with salads, roasted potatoes, a seafood platter, and a whole roasted chicken in the center of the table.
If you are having trouble choosing what recipe to cook for Christmas Eve, you can start with a roasted whole chicken. You can advance your New Year’s resolution with a healthy chicken preparation. You can start with a simple marinade with soy sauce, oyster sauce, whole peppercorns, and rosemary. Turn your oven to the needed temperature, and wait for it to cook through. Make sure to truss the chicken to have an even roast because no one wants a raw and unevenly roasted chicken on the holidays.
2. Valentine’s Day
Best and prepare a hearty chicken meal. If you are planning a candle-lit dinner for you and your partner, it is best to pan-fry in olive oil and a chicken breast for a more sophisticated palate. You can cook a lemon chicken alongside seasoned asparagus and mashed potatoes for a sweet and tangy vibe. Your partner will surely be impressed and grow more in love with you.
Even the singles celebrating with family and friends deserve to celebrate this day, so do not hesitate to explore healthy and scrumptious chicken dishes. And do not forget the wine for a celebratory toast.
3. Family Reunion
A family reunion is something most people are looking forward to. We must admit that despite the busy schedules, it is always nice to have a break and come home to your loved ones. Family reunions do not have to be in expensive restaurants, as they can be in a family member’s backyard.
A family barbeque is an idea to reunite and catch up on each other’s lives. If you are in charge of the meals, it is time to grill some juicy chicken. Having chicken alongside barbeque sauce and potato salad has a rustic feel. If there are many kids, you can also prepare fried chicken drumsticks and spaghetti, so they would be more excited to eat.
Healthy Ways to Cook Chicken
Roasting
Roasting chicken is one of the popular and healthiest ways to cook chicken, especially when it is whole. It is done by using a home kitchen oven or over a fire. In the process, the chicken is cooked down in its natural juices and fat, giving it extra flavor alongside different ingredients. You can throw in carrots, peppers, potatoes, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Boiling
Boiling your chicken is one of the convenient ways to cook chicken because you can do it on your kitchen stove. This method is advisable in cooking soups and other healthy chicken dishes. You must know that it takes 90 minutes to cook a whole chicken and 15 minutes to boil a chicken breast. So if you are in a rush to work, you might want to try preparing boiled chicken recipes.
Grilling
Grilling a barbeque chicken is one of the most famous chicken dishes around the world, and each cuisine has its take on it already. The breast, thigh, and wings are the common chicken parts used for this cooking method because it is easier to manage. You can also use different ingredients to create a flavorful rub, such as barbeque sauce, chili peppers, salt, sugar, and more. This is perfect whenever your friends are having an outdoor barbeque and pool party.
Final Thoughts
It is without a doubt that chicken is the most diverse meat worldwide. It is loved by different cuisines, and chefs are consistently using it to make new dishes. Fortunately, home cooks can do the same because chicken is easy to cook and prepare. It works well with many vegetables like carrots, corn, potatoes, and asparagus. So make sure to look through Recipes.net for your next chicken dish on the upcoming holidays.
