1 day Ago By Katie-Ann Gupwell
When it comes to tucking into a hearty meal, chicken is a classic favourite. After all, it's super tasty and can be packed with all sorts of delicious flavours. Cooking it perfectly on the other hand can be trickier business.
It's something a lot of people worry about cooking , as the meat has to be properly cooked, without being dry to be tasty. If you want to take your chicken to the next level, luckily we have an expert on hand who can help. Tom Shepherd, a Michelin-starred chef from Birmingham , recently shared his top tips with us.
The chef, who has over 40,000 followers on Instagram , has cooked for royalty like Prince William and he won the main course round on BBC ’s Great British Menu in 2023, so he's someone we should probably listen to. If you want to know how to cook chicken properly, he's a good person to go to for advice. He shared his tips with us exclusively to enable people to cook it better.
The chef said: "To achieve the best results when cooking chicken, start by bringing it to room temperature to ensure even cooking. Searing the chicken before placing it in the oven is crucial for creating a succulent centre. "Keeping the skin on helps retain moisture in the meat, while cooking meat on the bone also enhances moisture retention.
If you're using chicken breasts, consider choosing those with the wing attached (known as 'supreme') for added flavour and moisture. "Typically, a chicken breast should take no longer than 10 minutes to cook in the oven, while a whole chicken should cook for no more than 50 minutes, depending on its size. It's imperative to let the chicken rest after cooking for optimal flavour and juiciness.
" When cooking chicken, it's important to bear a few things in mind. How long you cook the bird for will often depend on the cut, size and cooking method used. Generally, chefs say boneless, skinless chicken breasts take 20 to 30 minutes in an oven.
Meanwhile, a whole chicken can take anything from an hour to two hours to roast. Here is some general guidance on how to cook chicken in an oven: Whole chicken - one to two hours, depending on size. Boneless chicken breasts - 20-30 minutes at 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Bone-in chicken breasts - 30-45 minutes or more, depending on size and cut. Chicken thighs/drumsticks - 35-45 minutes at 350°F (177°C) When cooking chicken, always check the meat has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. You can buy these at kitchen shops or online.
To find out more about Tom, visit his website ..
