How many chicken recipes have you cooked or eaten throughout your life? Probably too many to count, right?European Poultry is one of the most versatile meats in the world.
In particular, chickenmeat takes well to lots of spices and other flavours imparted in different dishes to reach perfect harmony. From sweet and sour chicken to chicken brochette, from chicken cacciatore to chicken burger, it’s impressive to see how well chicken fits within so many different cuisines, cooking methods, and other ingredients.
In today’s world, where sustainability and conscious consumption have become increasingly important, it is crucial to find innovative ways to minimize food waste. Instead of presenting you here different recipes with Europeanpoultry – we present you how to make the most of every part of the bird: one chicken, 5 recipes – let’s embrace sustainability and minimize food waste!
Recipe 1: Chicken Breast – Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is an excellent option for any dish, as it is a lean meat, naturally high in protein and very versatile.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breastSalt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or rosemary)
- 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. (190-220º)
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chopped herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Slice a pocket into the side of the chicken breast and stuff it with the cream cheese mixture.
Brush the chicken breast with olive oil and place it on the preheated grill.
Cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into portions.
Serve with your favorite side with veggies and/or rice and enjoy!
Recipe 2: Drumstick – Oven-Baked Sticky Drumstick
Give your favorite Asian styled dish a twist by using chicken drumsticks. Prepare a delicious dish that is equally original and balanced by serving it with some vegetables and/or salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a baking dish and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until they are cooked through, turning them once halfway through cooking.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) and serve with steamed rice or a side of your choice.
Recipe 3: Wings – Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
This recipe is perfect to share with some friends or family. If you fancy something spicier, combine the wings with a soft, yogurt dip sauce and you will love the mix!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 230°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are well coated.
Place the wings on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown, turning them once halfway through cooking.
Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mayo, aioli, barbecue sauce.
Recipe 4: Broth – Flavorful Chicken Broth
They say that a good chicken broth is good for the soul!
Don’t let anything go to waste and make the best use of the chicken bones and carcass with this recipe! Add some noodles and topics to make it acolorfuland fulfilling dish!
Ingredients:
- Chicken bones and carcass
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the chicken bones and carcass in a large pot and cover them with water.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 2-3 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.
After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Let the broth cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for future use.
Use the broth as a base for soups, stews, or risottos, adding depth and flavor to your dishes.
Don’t you have time to prepare a recipe with it? Store it in the freezer for later use!
Recipe 5: Chicken skin in the airfryer
When we say no to food waste, we mean it! You can give good use to every part of the chicken, including the skin!
Prepare this delicious and original appetizer to start a meal!
Ingredients:
- Chicken skin (from 4-6 chicken pieces)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken skin. Make sure it is clean and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Season the chicken skin with salt, pepper, and paprika. You can adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Place the seasoned chicken skin in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the chicken skin in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes at 200º, or until it becomes crispy and golden brown. You may need to flip the skin halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Once the chicken skin is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.
Side it with some salad to give it a fresh and fulfilling touch!
What did we tell you? With some creativity, you can transform a single chicken into four yummy and balanced dishes, utilizing every part of the bird.
However, this article does not only aim to present you with some recipes with European poultry but offers you an opportunity to discover how to prepare some of the cuts that are not consumed in European countries (i.e., wings, thighs, feet, organs). In fact, European citizens love, buy and cook the “easiest” and most expensive cut: chicken breast, and leave the other cuts to be exported to countries in Africa and Asia often at lower prices.[1]
By utilizing every part of the chicken, not only will you be able to savor different flavors and textures, but you’ll also contribute to a more sustainable world. So, the next time you cook a chicken, get creative and explore these recipes, making the most of this versatile poultry and reducing food waste!
