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Blanching Chicken Breast – A Cooking Method

Are you tired of dry and tasteless chicken breast? Look no further than blanching! This cooking method involves briefly boiling the chicken in water before finishing it off in the oven or on the grill. Not only does blanching keep the chicken moist and tender, it also helps to remove excess fat and impurities. And the best part? Blanching allows for endless flavor possibilities - from a simple salt and pepper seasoning to a marinade of your choice. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, blanching chicken breast is a game changer for any recipe. So why settle for boring chicken when you can elevate your dishes with this easy and delicious cooking method? Let's dive into the world of blanching and take your culinary skills to the next level!

What is blanching?

Blanching is a cooking technique that involves briefly boiling food in water and then immediately transferring it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This technique is commonly used for vegetables to preserve their color, texture, and nutrients. However, blanching can also be used for meat, particularly chicken breast, to keep it moist and tender.

How to blanch chicken breast

Blanching chicken breast is a simple process that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Boil the chicken

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Make sure there is enough water to fully submerge the chicken breast. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the chicken breast in the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 2: Cool the chicken

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the pot and immediately transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the chicken from overcooking. Let the chicken sit in the ice water for 5-10 minutes, or until it's cooled.

Step 3: Finish cooking the chicken

Once the chicken is cooled, remove it from the ice water and pat it dry with paper towels. At this point, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, or any other seasoning of your choice. You can then finish cooking the chicken on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop.

Benefits of blanching chicken breast

Blanching chicken breast has several benefits that make it a great cooking method for any recipe:

Retains moisture

Blanching helps to lock in moisture, which keeps the chicken breast juicy and tender. This is especially important for lean cuts of meat like chicken breast, which can easily dry out during cooking.

Removes impurities

Blanching also helps to remove excess fat and impurities from the chicken breast, resulting in a cleaner and healthier dish.

Infuses flavor

Blanching allows for endless flavor possibilities. You can add spices, herbs, or even a marinade to the boiling water to infuse the chicken with flavor. This will give your dish an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Versatile

Blanched chicken breast can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to stir-fries. It's a versatile ingredient that can elevate any recipe.

Tips for blanching chicken breast

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of blanching chicken breast:

Use a thermometer

To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends that chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Don't overcook the chicken

Be careful not to overcook the chicken during blanching. Two to three minutes is usually enough time to cook the chicken through without overcooking it.

Use a flavorful liquid

To infuse the chicken with flavor, use a flavorful liquid for blanching. You can use a homemade chicken stock, or add spices, herbs, or a marinade to the water.

Don't skip the ice bath

The ice bath is an important step in blanching because it stops the cooking process and prevents the chicken from overcooking. Don't skip this step!

Conclusion

Blanching chicken breast is a simple cooking method that can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your dishes. By briefly boiling the chicken and then finishing it off in the oven or on the grill, you can keep the chicken moist and tender while also infusing it with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, blanching chicken breast is a game changer for any recipe. So why settle for boring chicken when you can elevate your dishes with this easy and delicious cooking method? Give it a try and see for yourself!

Blanched Chicken Breast Meal Ideas
Carrabba's Chicken Bryan

If you have about 45 minutes to spend in the kitchen, Carrabba's Chicken Bryan might be an excellent gluten free and primal recipe to try. This recipe serves 6. For $5.73 per serving, this recipe covers 35% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One serving contains 639 calories, 59g of protein, and 36g of fat. This recipe is liked by 1 foodies and cooks. It works well as an expensive main course. If you have goat cheese, chicken breasts, salt, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 71%, which is solid. Similar recipes are Crockpot Cashew Chicken, Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry, and Curried Cracker-Coated Chicken.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

The recipe Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry can be made in approximately 20 minutes. This recipe serves 4. One portion of this dish contains around 39g of protein, 7g of fat, and a total of 829 calories. For $1.48 per serving, this recipe covers 28% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe from Taste of Home requires rice, chicken breasts, soy sauce, and chicken bouillon granules. 1 person found this recipe to be scrumptious and satisfying. Only a few people really liked this main course. It is a good option if you're following a gluten free and dairy free diet. With a spoonacular score of 76%, this dish is solid. Zomppa's Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, Chili and Garlic Spiced Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, and Broccoli Beef Stir-Fry are very similar to this recipe.

Chicken 'n' Veggie Kabobs

Chicken 'n' Veggie Kabobs might be a good recipe to expand your main course repertoire. This recipe serves 4 and costs $2.91 per serving. Watching your figure? This gluten free, dairy free, paleolithic, and primal recipe has 449 calories, 27g of protein, and 29g of fat per serving. 2 people were glad they tried this recipe. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 35 minutes. If you have chicken breasts, summer squash, zucchini, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 71%. This score is solid. Chicken shish kabobs, Grilled Kabobs, and Sheesh Kabobs with Yogurt Dip are very similar to this recipe.

Chicken Spaghetti II

Chicken Spaghetti II might be just the main course you are searching for. This recipe serves 10. One portion of this dish contains approximately 19g of protein, 17g of fat, and a total of 326 calories. For $1.12 per serving, this recipe covers 13% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 45 minutes. A mixture of spaghetti, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken breasts, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so scrumptious. It is a good option if you're following a dairy free diet. 451 person were impressed by this recipe. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 57%, which is solid. Try Tuna Spaghetti With Fava Beans, Rustic Red Wine Spaghetti, and Caponata Style Celery Spaghetti for similar recipes.

Becel® Chicken Tikka

You can never have too many main course recipes, so give Becel® Chicken Tikkan a try. This recipe makes 4 servings with 206 calories, 27g of protein, and 8g of fat each. For $1.5 per serving, this recipe covers 15% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. 3 people have made this recipe and would make it again. This recipe from Allrecipes requires salt, coriander leaves, garlic, and chicken breasts. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes about 22 minutes. This recipe is typical of Indian cuisine. It is a good option if you're following a gluten free diet. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 54%, which is solid. If you like this recipe, take a look at these similar recipes: Chicken Tikka Masalan Indian, Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala, and Easy Chicken Tikka Masala.

Chicken Satay

Chicken Satay might be a good recipe to expand your main course repertoire. One serving contains 185 calories, 18g of protein, and 10g of fat. This gluten free recipe serves 12 and costs 92 cents per serving. This recipe from Taste of Home has 1 fans. Head to the store and pick up green onion, chicken broth, chicken breasts, and a few other things to make it today. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 20 minutes. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 42%. This score is good. Baked Chicken Thighs with Satay Sauce and Tomato Salad, Chelley's Thai Style Chicken Satay, and Chicken Satay are very similar to this recipe.

Salsa Chicken Fajita Pizza

The recipe Salsa Chicken Fajita Pizza could satisfy your Mexican craving in roughly 35 minutes. This recipe serves 6 and costs $2.57 per serving. One serving contains 484 calories, 30g of protein, and 23g of fat. If you have chicken breasts, bell pepper, cream, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It works well as a main course. 1 person found this recipe to be scrumptious and satisfying. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 52%. This score is solid. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Chicken Pita Fajita, Chicken Fajita Stuffed Bell Pepper, and Chicken Paillards With Clementine Salsa.

Chicken Fingers

Chicken Fingers takes about 35 minutes from beginning to end. One serving contains 409 calories, 43g of protein, and 11g of fat. For $1.8 per serving, you get a main course that serves 6. This recipe is liked by 1 foodies and cooks. A mixture of chicken breasts, salt, egg, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so delicious. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. With a spoonacular score of 69%, this dish is pretty good. Users who liked this recipe also liked Breaded Chicken Fingers, Chicken Fingers, and Crockpot Cashew Chicken.

Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Breasts

Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Breasts might be just the main course you are searching for. One portion of this dish contains around 50g of protein, 57g of fat, and a total of 768 calories. This recipe serves 6. For $3.21 per serving, this recipe covers 34% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. 14 people have tried and liked this recipe. A mixture of chicken breast halves, pistachios, tarragon, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so delicious. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes about 50 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns an awesome spoonacular score of 84%. Baked Chicken Breasts, Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts, and Gluten Free Butternut Squash Pistachio Bars are very similar to this recipe.

Chicken Fajita Spaghetti

The recipe Chicken Fajita Spaghetti can be made in around 20 minutes. One portion of this dish contains roughly 22g of protein, 5g of fat, and a total of 288 calories. This recipe serves 6. For 98 cents per serving, this recipe covers 16% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. A mixture of canolan oil, chicken breasts, taco sauce, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so delicious. It works well as a very budget friendly main course. 1 person has made this recipe and would make it again. It is a good option if you're following a dairy free diet. Not a lot of people really liked this Mexican dish. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 55%. This score is solid. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Chicken Pita Fajita, Chicken Fajita Stuffed Bell Pepper, and Tuna Spaghetti With Fava Beans.

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