Forum Thermomix

Questions Doubts and Requests => Tips and Tricks => Topic started by: LeaW21 on March 25, 2014, 12:30:07 am

Title: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: LeaW21 on March 25, 2014, 12:30:07 am
Hi lovely people

I love chicken (and beef) curries, stews etc but have gone back to my pressure/slow cookers for them rather than use "Thermie".

I love love LOVE my thermomix but I hate chewy meat. How can I make sure the meat comes out tender? My family don't mind it the way it comes out but I prefer my meat tender .

Beef isn't so hard because u can use chuck steak/gravy beef etc but how can u cook a chicken dish using chicken breast and ensure tenderness? Do I cook it longer than the recipe says?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: judydawn on March 25, 2014, 01:15:53 am
I find chicken thighs are best for Thermomix recipes Lea.  More prep work to cut off the fat but worth it in the end.
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: LeaW21 on March 25, 2014, 01:22:49 am
Mmmmm thanks Judy :)

I have a freezer full of breasts so will use them up then try thighs :)
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: Nikkit on March 25, 2014, 01:25:36 am
Judy, that is what I was going to say!!

Welcome Lea  :)

I find the chicken breast too dry and cooking it in the TM dries it out more. Thighs are the way to go.

As for beef and the cuts you mentioned, I do it low and slow on the cooktop or in the oven as I find it keeps my TM out of action for too long if I try to cook a stew in it! Plus the oven is quieter!
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: CreamPuff63 on March 25, 2014, 02:43:35 am
agree as above as the breast doesn't have a lot of fat, and can be dry if overcooked or the cut is not suitable for the recipe.
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: cookie1 on March 25, 2014, 02:59:14 am
If the chicken is to be cooked in the bowl of the tmx I usually grill it and add the contents of the bowl to the skillet. If it is in the varoma I will use that.
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: LeaW21 on March 25, 2014, 06:25:04 am
Awesome! Thanks ladies
, xo
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: gertbysea on March 25, 2014, 06:36:22 am
Chicken breasts have their uses but for flavour you really do need thighs.  I may steam or stuff  breasts for the Varoma and they are good for a high heat fast grilling  but not for curry and casseroles.

Gert
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: LauraTO on March 25, 2014, 12:43:56 pm
I love chicken breast cubed and marinated and cooked in the varoma and find it to be melt in your mouth tender. Maybe you're overcooking? Try marinating?
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: cookie1 on March 26, 2014, 07:34:48 am
I must try this Laura. Thanks.
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: gertbysea on March 26, 2014, 07:50:58 am
Another Varoma goodie is to flatten a chicken breast, stuff it with whatever then roll it up , wrap it tight like a Bon Bon. Put in the fridge to chill a bit then put into Varoma to steamcook. Really juicy and tender.

Gert
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: CreamPuff63 on March 26, 2014, 10:47:16 am
I've linked up some recipes that use chicken breasts that my family love:

Red Curry Chicken Risotto (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=6114.0)
Baf's Chicken in Varoma (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=5526.0)
Chicken Breasts in Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1111.0)
Hazelnut, Mushroom & Cream Chicken (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=6590.0;prev_next=next)
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: gertbysea on March 26, 2014, 11:18:14 am
Good one CP I had almost forgotten Baf's  chicken in Varoma.. Great variations .

Gert
Title: Re:
Post by: Itsnotartitsdinner on March 26, 2014, 11:52:51 am
I just prefer thighs. Not as dry!
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: CreamPuff63 on March 26, 2014, 03:44:57 pm
I prefer thighs unless otherwise specified, but I thought she may have a few breasts to get rid of from the freezer. Hello LW21 what is your feedback  :D
Title: Re: Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?
Post by: Halex on March 26, 2014, 10:29:16 pm
Breasts are good in the varoma as long as they are marinated or have a sauce as steamed chicken is boring. Thighs in the bowl. I tend to cook my meat on the hob or oven.