How to cook chicken like a chef

At Farmfetch, we believe that cooking quality ingredients, like Creedy Carver Chicken, should be simple yet impressive. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or a gourmet dinner, mastering the art of cooking chicken is key to unlocking its potential. From succulent chicken breasts to tender thighs, let’s dive into how you can cook chicken like a professional chef.

Choosing the best chicken

Before we get into techniques, it’s important to start with high-quality chicken. At Farmfetch, we offer premium cuts like organic chicken breast, whole Creedy Carver chicken, and chicken supreme – a chef’s favourite. Organic and free-range chickens tend to have more flavour, so it’s worth sourcing top-quality meat for the best results.

How to cook chicken breast like a chef

Chicken breast is a lean cut, but it’s easy to overcook. Here’s how to ensure your breast is tender and juicy every time:

• Brine for moisture: Soak your organic chicken breast in a simple saltwater brine for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken retain moisture and keeps it tender.
• Pan searing: For a perfectly crispy skin on chicken breast, pan sear skin-side down in a hot, ovenproof pan. Once the skin is golden, flip it and transfer to the oven to finish cooking at 180°C for around 10-12 minutes.
• Resting: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flavourful bite.

Perfecting the Chicken Supreme

Chicken supreme is essentially a chicken breast with the wing bone still attached, offering extra flavour. Chefs love this cut for its presentation and taste. Here’s how to prepare it like a pro:

• Sear and roast: Start by searing the chicken in a hot pan, skin-side down, until golden. Transfer to the oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes. For added flavour, baste with butter and garlic towards the end.
• Pair with seasonal veg: Serve your chicken supreme with roasted seasonal vegetables and a light jus for a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.

Chicken thigh – A chef’s secret weapon

Chicken thighs are often a chef’s go-to cut because of their richer flavour and tender texture. Here’s how to cook thighs like a professional:

• Slow cooking: Chicken thighs are perfect for slow-cooking or braising. Cook them in a casserole dish with stock, wine, and herbs for about 1-2 hours at a low temperature. This method makes the meat fall-apart tender and full of flavour.
• Crispy skins: If you prefer crispy chicken thighs, pan-fry them skin-side down in a cast iron skillet until crispy, then finish in the oven.

Tips for cooking a whole chicken

Cooking a whole Creedy Carver chicken can be intimidating, but with these simple tips, you’ll have a roast worthy of a restaurant kitchen:

• Trussing: Tying the legs together ensures the chicken cooks evenly, keeping the breast moist.
• High heat to start: Begin roasting at a high temperature (220°C) for 20 minutes to crisp up the skin, then lower to 180°C for the rest of the cooking time.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, use a thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 75°C.

At Farmfetch, we offer artisan cuts of chicken delivered straight to your door with our organic meat delivery UK service. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a feast for family and friends, start with our premium Creedy Carver Chicken for the best results. Browse our selection here and elevate your chicken dishes to chef-quality at home.