Bored of making boneless chicken in the same way every time? Try these quick, easy methods to keep things interesting and experiment with new recipes!

Let's face it- although chicken is a preferred option when it comes to having a quick and tasty weekday dinner, making it regularly in the same way takes the fun out of it. You can beat this monotony by trying varying methods of cooking with different recipes!

Fresh chicken’s bones and skin add to its flavor but for boneless options, like chicken kheema or breast pieces these are already removed. Thus, making it juicy and flavorful can get tricky. There are several methods to cook fresh boneless chicken and we've put together a quick list you can refer to anytime, to get the most out of this lean protein.

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A few things to remember before you begin cooking-

1. Make sure the thickness of the meat is even all over by pounding it lightly with a mallet, especially for pieces like chicken breast and thigh where the center is thicker compared to the edges.
2. Bring the meat to a room temperature if it has been refrigerated. Thaw it completely if frozen.

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Bring out the flavors!

Basting

This method works best for larger pieces like a whole breast or thigh piece. As the meat cooks in the pan, take the cooking juices, sauce or butter and pour/spread it over the meat. This builds a deep flavor and does not dry out the meat during the cooking process.

Brining

Make the brine by dissolving 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of water. Soak your chicken in this solution for about an hour or two in the refrigerator, prior to seasoning and cooking. This allows the meat to absorb and retain the salt water, ensuring your meat is moist every single time- even if you accidentally overcook your meat!

Baking

A healthier alternative to frying, this is a great option if you are a hands-off cook. All you have to do is turn up the heat on your oven to 350 degrees, place your meat on a baking tray and pop it into the oven for 45-60 mins. Baking skinless, boneless chicken can make it dry, therefore generously coating it with oil, salt and pepper or a marinade of spices, or alfredo sauce will result in juicy, tender pieces.

Marinating

Sweet, tangy or spicy whatever your palette prefers, marinating your meat prior to cooking makes it rich and flavorful. Even if you don't want to try out any of the other methods, marinate your meat for a minimum of 20- 30 minutes (the longer it sits, the better it tastes) and you can taste a world of difference!

Coating

For creating a crunchy exterior for the juicy insides, you can dip your fresh meat in breadcrumbs or seasoned flour. This has the added advantage of making it easier to cook as it will not stick to the base of the pan.

Pair with fresh ingredients

The use of fresh ingredients can make or break the dish. Simply marinate your chicken with a range of spices, grill or pan fry it and pair it with some fresh vegetables or fruits (think Pineapple, cherry tomatoes or Mango!). Load up on the spices if your recipe includes minced chicken.

Leave it to rest

The simplest tip of all- Do yourselves a favor and resist cutting into your meat as soon as it is done. Let it rest for just 5 minutes, allow the juices to redistribute and then cut in to taste the deliciousness you have created!

Mix and match these 7 tips to create the variety you seek in your weekly meals! Can’t find the time to go shop for fresh meat? We’ve got your back! Click here to get high quality fresh halal chicken delivered right to you, from ND Fresh.