When grilling chicken outside be sure to keep the chicken chilled until it’s actually time to cook.
Chicken should be grilled until it’s well done.
Grilled chicken juices will run clear, never pink.
Grilled chicken should be refrigerated within a couple hours of removing from the grill.
Marinades used on raw chicken should be tossed. Never use that marinade to cook the chicken.
Ask anyone who’s on a low carb diet, or a high protein diet, what they mainly eat and undoubtedly, they’ll respond “Chicken.”
Chicken is perfect for anyone, on any diet, as it’s high quality protein and it’s economical price. Plus it’s just SO versatile.
Roast it.
Fry it.
Barbeque it.
Saute it.
Poach it.
Boil it.
Bake it.
Chicken, it’s what’s for dinner.
As long as we’re talkin’ chicken….
Do you know how long chicken will last in your refrigerator? Well don’t take chances with your family’s health. Refer to my chart below:
Raw chicken parts 1-2 days
Raw chicken giblets 1-2 days
Ground chicken 1-2 days
Raw whole chicken 1-2 days
Cooked chicken parts 3-4 days (NOT in gravy or broth)
Cooked chicken whole 3-4 days
Cooked ground chicken 1-2 days
Of course, these times are supposing that your meat is wrapped well or in a sealed container. Never leave opened meats in your refrigerator. I’ve seen opened packages of meat in other peoples fridges before. NO, I wasn’t snooping… … …
When cooking that ever versatile chicken be sure to pay attention to cooking times and internal temperatures. I think most seasoned cooks can do this without a thermometer but for beginners, it’s a good idea to pay attention. The chart below shows typical cooking times and internal temps. GET READY FOR GRILLING SEASON!
Chicken Part Internal Temperature Cooking Time Grilling Time
Leg quarters 170 40-50 min 10-15 min
Thighs 170 30-40 min 10-15 min
Boneless thighs 165 20-30 min 6-8 min
Breasts 170 30-40 min 10-15 min
Bonesless breasts 165 20-30 min 6-8 min
Whole chickens 180 1 ¼ to 2 ¼ hours 1 ½ - 2 ½ hours (on rottisserie)
Hmmmm, we don’t have an outside grill. I do have a stovetop with a built in grill. Wonder if I could talk Chili-man into an outside grill? Wonder if I could get HIM to cook dinner? Hmmmm, probably not, can you cook chili on a grill?
Once when my daughter was in her early teens I took her to work with me for whatever reason, and her gift of gab was still blossoming, she told everyone I worked with that all I ever cook is chicken. Chicken, chicken, chicken. LOL
While not true, it may have seemed that way to her. But chicken is a very versatile meat. It can be used in so many ways and some cuts are just plain cheap! Chicken makes for good meals at a very reasonable price.
So, I’m going to focus on chicken for a couple of days….
Chicken TIPS
Handling Raw chicken
Refrigerate your store bought chicken as soon as possible. Never leave it on the counter at room temperature.
Fresh chicken may be stored in the refrigerator for a day to two before using.
Freeze uncooked chicken if you aren’t planning on cooking it in a day or two.
Frozen chicken (packaged well) can keep in a freezer for up to a year.
Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter or sink.
Wash all utensils, hands and countertops after handling raw chicken.
