Frozen meat is an extremely convenient alternative for all people, who have the opportunity to store their meat at home or want to have an easy option from the store on hand when they lack ideas.
If you have frozen chicken at home or buy it, there are some subtleties to its preparation.
Here's what you need to know about cooking frozen chicken:
The first and most important step, no matter what the meat is, is to defrost it. Although it sounds logical, many people make the mistake of rushing the defrosting process. In fact, it should be done slowly – the slower the chicken is defrosted, the less of its beneficial properties and juices are lost.
In order for the defrosting to happen in stages, you can first of all, transfer the chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator. To do this, place a suitable container such as a pot or a large bowl, and then cover it with a wet piece of cloth.
This is an important step, because it helps slow down the melting of the ice crystals. This way, the muscle fibers absorb the moisture and swell and this way restore the meat properties - the chicken begins to acquire the qualities of chilled meat, not frozen.
This gradual defrosting has its downsid and that is time. If you want to cook it, you should leave it to defrosting for around 10-12 hours. However, at the expense of this, a tender and juicy meat will be obtained.
If you are still in a hurry to prepare it, the compromise option is to leave it for 4-5 hours at room temperature. Avoid storing it in a warm place.
To cook the chicken, you have to wash it well and then cut it up. For this purpose, use a sharp knife, so that you don't risk the loss of juice. If the meat is already cleaned, you can immediately put it in a pot and boil it.
Never cook frozen chicken directly without defrosting it.
If you're wondering what to prepare with the boiled frozen chicken, we suggest:
- chicken fricassee;
- chicken porridge;
