If you're looking for an affordable and versatile cut of chicken, chicken back meat and skin is a great choice. One unit, which yields from one pound of ready-to-cook chicken, contains approximately 188 calories. Whether you're feeding a crowd or whipping up a meal for yourself, this cut is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here's everything you need to know about cooking with chicken back meat and skin.
Not only is chicken back a tasty source of protein, it's also a good source of nutrients. A one-unit serving contains approximately 23 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, chicken backs are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you get the most out of this versatile cut of chicken.
As mentioned earlier, chicken back meat and skin is a great source of protein, with one unit containing approximately 23 grams. It's also relatively high in fat compared to other cuts of chicken, with one unit containing approximately 13 grams of fat. However, this fat is largely unsaturated, which means it's a healthier option than saturated fats found in other meats. In addition to being a good source of protein and unsaturated fat, chicken backs also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. One unit of chicken back meat and skin contains approximately 1.8 milligrams of niacin, which is a B vitamin that helps your body produce energy. Chicken backs are also a good source of phosphorus, with one unit containing approximately 186 milligrams. Phosphorus is important for bone health, among other things. Finally, chicken backs are a good source of selenium, with one unit containing approximately 21 micrograms. Selenium is an essential nutrient that helps keep your immune system functioning properly.
Calories
A one-unit serving of chicken back meat and skin contains approximately 188 calories. While this is higher than some other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, it's still a reasonable number of calories for a meal or snack. Keep in mind that the calorie count will vary depending on how you prepare the chicken. For example, if you deep-fry it, the calorie count will be higher than if you grill or bake it.
Fat Content
As mentioned earlier, chicken back meat and skin is relatively high in fat compared to other cuts of chicken, with one unit containing approximately 13 grams of fat. However, the majority of this fat is unsaturated, which means it's a healthier option than the saturated fats found in other meats. If you're concerned about the fat content, you can remove the skin before cooking to reduce the fat content.
Uses in Cooking
Chicken back meat and skin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. One popular use is to make chicken stock, which is a staple ingredient in many soups and stews. To make chicken stock, simply simmer chicken backs in water for several hours, along with vegetables and seasonings. Once the stock is ready, strain out the solids and use the liquid as a base for soups and stews. Another way to use chicken back meat and skin is to grill or roast it. This will give the chicken a crispy, flavorful skin and tender, juicy meat. To grill or roast chicken backs, simply season them with your favorite herbs and spices, and cook them over medium heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finally, you can use chicken backs to make chicken adobo. Adobo is a popular Filipino dish that consists of chicken (or other meats) cooked in a soy sauce and vinegar marinade. To make chicken adobo with chicken backs, simply marinate the chicken in the marinade for several hours, then cook it in a pot or slow cooker until tender. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a tasty, nutritious meal.
Culinary Pairings
Chicken back meat and skin pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Here are a few culinary pairings to try:
- Garlic and lemon
- Ginger and soy sauce
- Rosemary and thyme
- Paprika and cumin
Storage and Handling
To store chicken back meat and skin, simply place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to three days. If you don't plan to use it within three days, you can freeze it for up to six months. When handling raw chicken, be sure to wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the chicken thoroughly with soap and hot water.
Health Benefits
Chicken back meat and skin is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Additionally, chicken backs are a good source of unsaturated fat, which can help lower your risk of heart disease.
Cooking Tips
When cooking with chicken back meat and skin, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Remove the skin before cooking if you want to reduce the fat content.
- Simmer chicken backs in water to make chicken stock, which can be used in a variety of soups and stews.
- Grill or roast chicken backs to get crispy skin and tender meat.
- Marinate chicken backs in soy sauce and vinegar to make chicken adobo.
Economic Benefits
Chicken back meat and skin is an affordable ingredient that can help stretch your food budget. Because it's a relatively low-cost cut of chicken, you can buy more of it for your money, and use it to create a variety of tasty meals. Additionally, because many people overlook chicken backs as an ingredient, you may be able to find them on sale or at a discount at your local grocery store or butcher shop.
Popular Recipes
Here are a few popular recipes you can try that use chicken back meat and skin:
- Chicken stock: Simmer chicken backs in water with vegetables and seasonings to create a flavorful base for soups and stews.
- Grilled chicken backs: Season chicken backs with your favorite herbs and spices, then grill or roast them until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
- Chicken adobo: Marinate chicken backs in a soy sauce and vinegar mixture, then cook them in a pot or slow cooker until tender.
No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers.
FAQs About Chicken Back Meat and Skin
1. How many chicken backs are in one pound?
It varies, as the size and weight of each chicken back will differ. However, typically you will get around 2-3 chicken backs from one pound of ready-to-cook chicken.
2. How many calories are in one unit of chicken back meat and skin?
One unit, or one pound of chicken back meat and skin, contains 188 calories.
3. Can chicken back meat and skin be a healthy option?
Chicken back meat and skin is high in calories and fat, so it may not be the healthiest option. However, it does contain protein and can be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. How is chicken back meat and skin typically prepared?
Chicken back meat and skin can be used in soups, broths, and gravies as a flavorful way to add richness and depth to dishes. It can also be roasted or grilled for a crispy and satisfying meal.
5. What are some alternatives to chicken back meat and skin?
If you're looking for a lower calorie and lower fat option, chicken breast and lean turkey are good alternatives to chicken back meat and skin. Vegetarian options, such as tofu or tempeh, can also be used in recipes that call for chicken back meat and skin.