Chick Chick Chicken

When in the process of purchasing chicken, look at the "Sell By Date" first. If it has already passed, don't buy it. An "off" smell will tell you when it's not fresh, but modern packaging seals in smells, so be aware. The skin should be white or yellow in color and moist, and have no discolorations. If you buy frozen chicken, look for any signs of freezer burn and any indications that it has been thawed and refrozen, such as a lot of pink liquid inside the package. Organic chicken and kosher chicken is usually of better quality, but will be more expensive. Refrigerated raw chicken can keep for two to three days.

As soon as you get it home, remove it from the packaging and wash in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and wrap for storage or freezing. Label your packages with the date. Fresh chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days, frozen, if well wrapped, for 1 year.

The leanest part of the chicken is the breast. Most of the fat is in the skin. Chicken is an excellent source of protein. Four ounces provides 67% of the protein you need for the day. It's also high in niacin, an important B vitamin and is a rich source of selenium.

When handling raw chicken, wash your hands often in hot, soapy water, and clean all work surfaces with hot soapy water, or a tablespoon of chlorine bleach in a quart of water. Rinse well.

On to the good part! So many recipes, so little time!

• First a recipe that's not in the files - Sticky Chicken!
  Use any spice mixture, such as cajun to generously season a whole chicken inside and out. Place a quarted onion, a quartered lemon, several whole garlic cloves, and a handful of parsley inside the cavity. Put into a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate overnight. Put the chicken in a crockpot, without any liquid at all. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The chicken will be falling off the bone tender and spicy. You'll be surprised at the amount of juices in the pot! To reduce fat, you may skin the chicken before seasoning.


• Roast Chicken by member clairelaine -- A traditional classic that is sure to please.


• Skillet Chicken with Apricots by About.com Expert, Diana Rattray -- A savory dish with a little sweetness, very easy to prepare.


• Vietnamese Creamed Corn & Chicken Soup by member lyndamccall -- A soup with a difference! It's only 290 calories a serving.


• Joyce's Chicken Breast by member joycek801 -- Sauteed with mushrooms, onions, and carrots - fast and easy.


• Grilled Rosemary Chicken Thighs by member cornelia Succulent and flavorful!