Description

A chicken is typically cut into two leg quarters and two breast quarters. A breast quarter contains the breast, wing and portion of the back; a breast has the back portion and wing removed. Pieces may be sold in packages of all of the same pieces, or in combination packages. Chicken breasts are sold boneless and/or skinless. Breast meat is often sliced thinly and marketed as chicken slices, an easy filling for sandwiches.

Entire breast portions are available bone-in, boneless, skin-on and skinless.

Breast quarters include half a breast, a wing and part of the back. This is generally a little more than one quarter of the whole chicken.

Breast halves, or split breasts, are portions that have been split lengthwise to produce two halves. They are also available bone-in, boneless, skin-on and skinless.

Cutlets are boneless chicken breasts that have been pounded to produce a tender piece of meat with uniform thickness. They are typically boneless and skinless.

Fillets are boneless strips that have been sliced from the breast.

Tenderloin is the upper muscle portion of the breast that runs along both sides of the breastbone.

How to select

One of the most popular and versatile chicken parts available, white meat chicken breasts are available fresh or frozen in a variety of cuts.An important aspect to remember when choosing chicken breast is the color and smell. To avoid spoiled chicken, be sure to choose chicken breast that is creamy white to deep yellow in appearance. Check for the expiry date , in case of packaged chicken. If you notice a strong, unpleasant odor after opening a package of chicken, leave it open on the counter for a few minutes. Sometimes oxidation takes place inside the package, resulting in a slight, but harmless odor. If the odor remains, do not use the chicken.Because chicken breasts require more "grooming," they are more expensive than other chicken parts. Perfectly skinned, boneless cuts will cost you more, but you may find them worth the price in convenience. Breasts sold pre-seasoned, pre-breaded, fully cooked or in individually wrapped portions can be real time-savers in the kitchen.

Culinary Uses

" Whether baked, broiled, grilled or sautéed, chicken breasts are easily prepared or added to recipes
" Chicken breast can be cooked in innumerable ways; it can be made into crockpots, put in salads, grilled, breaded and deep-fried, or used in various curries
" There is significant variation in cooking methods amongst cultures; historically common methods include roasting, baking and frying.
" Chicken breast dishes are liked by almost all non-vegetarian food lovers. They make for excellent baked dishes with cheese and herbs, casseroles and other Tandoori items.
" Today, chickens breasts are also cooked by deep frying and prepared as fast food as Fried Chicken breasts, chicken sautee with greens and walnuts, chicken satay,etc.
" Economical, versatile, and readily available, chicken breast is the perfect ingredient for easy, everyday recipes, as well as entertaining. It also stars in thousands of sought-after ethnic and regional recipes -- from chicken breast marsala, chicken parmesan, chicken enchiladas, and sesame chicken, to oven-fried chicken breast with apples.

How to store

Chicken breast can keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to two days.Also, make sure to store chicken breast in the freezer in an airtight package.

Health benefits

" Chicken breast boasts a positive nutritional profile, as well. It is high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol, and contains zero carbs, making it a winning choice for healthy eating.