Description

Chicken leg or thigh refers the lower joint of the leg of a chicken. Chicken legs/thighs are a child's and adults favourite alike. Being really simple to prepare and cook, especially in the oven, chicken drumsticks are a favoured cut among all. Pieces may be sold in packages of all of the same pieces, or in combination packages. Chicken legs/thighs are sold boneless and/or skinless and are used in recipes as varied from baked to deep fried crusted thighs.

How to select

An important aspect to remember when choosing chicken legs 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 legs. 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 legs. You may purchase them already skinned and boned. This is the best way to buy them and the least expensive way since nearly 25-percent of a whole thigh is bone.

Culinary Uses

" Chicken thighs can be cooked in innumerable ways; it can be made into crock pots, 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.
" An easy chicken leg preparation requires you to melt the butter in a medium frying pan either on the stove or on the grill. Fry the chicken until tender. Chop up the green peppers, onions, and tomatoes and add the oregano and pepper to taste (about 1 tablespoon of each). Pour this over the chicken and cook about 20-30 minutes until marinated in the sauce it makes. Top with the cheese and let it brown.
" Chicken thigh 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, chicken legs are also cooked by deep frying and prepared as fast food as batter Fried Chicken legs., deviled chicken legs, sweet n sour chicken legs, etc
" Economical, versatile, and readily available, chicken drumstick 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 leg masala, tangdi kabab, chicken parmesan, chicken enchiladas, and sesame chicken, to oven fried chicken legs.

How to store

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

Health benefits

" Chicken legs/thighs 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.
" Most feel that chicken thighs are too fatty to eat on a regular basis. While it is true that chicken thighs contain twice the amount of fat of boneless, skinless breasts, it is only at a mere 11 grams of fat per 4-ounce serving. That is less than you will find in the same size serving of beef, lamb or pork