What are the Different Chicken Parts?
Here’s the third part of our series of posts that explains the different meat cuts. In the first two parts, we saw respectively beef and pork.
In this third part, let’s see an animal and a meat that pretty much everyone cherishes: the chicken.
Before you start reading this new post, take a moment to read the first two.
The chicken
There are obviously many ways to cook chicken. Whether you want to cook the wings, the thighs, the breast or the whole, everyone seems to agree on the rich taste and ubiquitous tenderness of this poultry’s meat.
But we believe that to fully understand why we love one or another part of the chicken more than another, it’s important to know where each of them comes from. This allows us to better choose the cut we want when the time comes to shop for a good chicken recipe.
1. Neck
We will obviously not talk about the chicken's head, so let's go right to the animal's neck. Most people throw this part out, but you could miss something if that's your case, because it's tasty, tender and it costs almost nothing. We would suggest a rillette recipe.
2. Breast
The chicken breast is of course one of the most solicited parts of poultry. It’s always tender and it can be used in various ways. Roasted, simmered, stuffed, skewered ... There seems to be no limit to the recipes that can be accomplished with chicken breasts. What a versatile cut!
Maillard chicken breast products
Chicken breasts
Chicken tournedos
3. Back
It might come very rare that you will find a chicken back alone. Most of the time, you will have to eat it along with a whole chicken, such as a flattened one, for example. But if you manage to get chicken back cuts, know that you can eat it boiled, roasted or even grilled.
Maillard chicken back products
Flattened chicken
4. Wing
This point will certainly please sports fans. Is there something better than to meet friends and eat a bunch of BBQ or Buffalo chicken wings in front of a hockey game or during the Super Bowl. Chicken wings’ reputation is well established.
The chicken wing consists of three parts. At first, there is the drumette, a little smaller than the leg’s drumstick. Then there is the wingette, which is probably everyone’s favorite. Less meaty, but the taste of crispy chicken skin is unmatched. Finally, there’s the tip of the wing. You will find this pointy one very rarely in your chicken wings package, surely because it contains much less meat than its two friends.
Maillard chicken wing products
Chicken wings
5. Thigh
Chicken thighs are between the animal's leg and its tail. Slightly fatter than the breast, this chicken cut is smooth, juicy and thanks to the fat, extremely tasty. It can be eaten grilled or roasted. You will not be disappointed.
Maillard chicken thigh products
Chicken thighs
6. Leg
Chicken leg is another favorite among foodies. It’s also fatter, unlike the breast, and it includes the bird’s whole leg. So juicy, the fat gives it a most appreciable flavour. You will salivate at the thought of any chicken leg or drumstick recipe.
Maillard chicken leg products
Chicken drumsticks
Maillard, online butcher
This post got you hungry? Don’t wait and go get your favorite chicken cuts now and cook yourself a fantastic meal.
Maillard is an online butcher that offers a wide range of exceptional quality meats, delivered right to your doorstep the very next day. You will find all the meat products you love: local and exotic meats, seasoned or regular, ordered by the box or just a single piece, but always with our guarantee of great taste!
Order now: www.maillard.co
