With so many new ingredients on the market and devices that will help you cook your favorite meal easier and faster, adding something extra can be a fun challenge. Cooking is an art, and learning what combinations work best with specific elements will allow you to create new and better dishes to experiment with and enjoy.
Chicken is a healthy option because it provides you with protein for stronger muscles and delivers many other key nutrients. These five tips to make your chicken dish taste better will boost this reliable main-dish standard.
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Marinate
Marinating chicken is the perfect solution to infuse flavor and tenderness. Combine in a resealable bag or container a variety of herbs, spices, acids (like lemon juice or vinegar), and oils. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or several hours for more intense flavor. The marinade enhances the taste and tenderizes the meat, producing juicier and more flavorful chicken.
Add Seasonings
Seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can transform bland chicken into an explosion of taste and aroma. Ready-made combined poultry seasonings from the grocery store are a quick way to enhance flavor reliably every time. Sprinkle your desired seasonings generously over the chicken before cooking, ensuring even distribution and balanced quantities. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite flavor and see which seasonings complement different cuts of chicken best.
Sear It Properly
Searing your chicken before baking, indirect grilling, or braising locks in moisture, gives it a caramelized flavor, and ensures the chicken is fully cooked. This will also reduce the risks of eating uncooked chicken and give it a unique texture. Preheat your pan with oil over medium-high heat or fire up the grill to medium-high temps; place the chicken in the pan or on the grill and let it cook undisturbed until a brown crust forms.
Add Aromatics
Aromatic elements like onions, garlic, ginger, and shallots can add intensity and complexity to your chicken dish. Sauté them in oil or butter until the aroma becomes strong and tasty before adding the chicken. The aromatics will infuse their essence into the meat, elevating the overall flavor profile. To make your chicken dish taste better, you can incorporate other aromatic ingredients like a sauce or gravy to intensify the taste even more.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches, like adding a splash of citrus juice, like lemon or lime, just before serving, will provide a refreshing and unique flavor that mixes well with other ingredients. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or basil, sprinkled over the top add color and a fresh and aromatic taste. A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of flavored butter imbue extra richness and elevate the mild taste of poultry. Experiment to see what flavors await you!
