We all love chicken. Many cultures around the world enjoy classic chicken dishes as part of their cuisine—whether Indian Chicken Tikka Masala, Southern Fried Chicken, or Thai Noodle Stir-fry. The really great news is that most of these are easy to make at home when you’re shown how. Chicken is great for any occasion too—from a fast family supper to an impressive main dish when entertaining—so knowing your wishbone from your drumstick can drastically increase your culinary repertoire. Easy to cook, healthy, and readily available, the benefits of being a chicken whiz are manifold.
Other poultry is equally delicious, so we’ve included some here too. Turkey, goose, poussin, and duck are all readily available and are worth the extra expense. Game meats, such as pheasant and guinea fowl, although more occasional dishes, are thoroughly rewarding to cook and eat.
A range of chicken Techniques at the beginning of the book, including boning, butterflying, marinating, poaching, braising, roasting, and carving, will refine your core skills, enabling you to save time in the kitchen. Following this is a range of Recipe Planners that showcase recipes Ready in 30 Minutes, Healthy, Budget, Prepare Ahead, Spicy, or Light so cooks in a hurry can easily find something right for every occasion.
A selection of hors d’oeuvres and bite-sized finger food in the Eat With Your Fingers section gives great ideas for starting a meal when entertaining, creating an informal buffet, or taking on a picnic. Serve Chicken Liver Pâté to guarantee a flying start to an informal dinner party or add Chicken Croustades to a buffet-style luncheon—it’s sure to be the most popular dish on the table.
Simple Suppers includes recipes that you can easily make in the evening on a hectic weekday, including Chicken Breasts in Garlic Sauce, Chicken Jalfrezi, and Devilled Turkey. These recipes require just a few ingredients and take minimal time to prepare. Simple and tasty, they are guaranteed to become family favorites that you can whip up in no time.