Chicken – Food for the soul. There is nothing like comfort food no matter how old or young you are. Everyone has there favorite flavors and with chicken you have so many different ways it can be prepared. Chicken can be baked, fried, stewed, barbecued, cooked on a rotisserie, grilled, or blackened. It can be served as a main dish, casserole, added to salads, soups or chili recipes, dressing, rice or pasta. There are just so many variations, there is surely one that will please even the pickiest eaters.

Easy chicken recipes are so versatile, they can be both economical and delicious. Chicken is not only high in protein, but also low in fat and cholesterol, has zero carbs, all of which makes it a winning choice when it comes to eating healthy. Cooks love the choices you have when cooking chicken, and each has their own favorite easy chicken recipes.

When purchasing chicken at your grocery store there are a couple of things you should remember so that you get the best quality for your money:

• Check the package for the U.S.D.A. Grade A rating
• Make sure the packaging is not broken and sealed securely
• Always check the “sell by” date stamp to insure freshness
• Inspect the chicken (if not skinless) – the skin should be creamy white to deep yellow
• The meat should never appear gray or pasty
• And a foul odor is always a dead give away for spoiled chicken!

Another good tip when preparing chicken is that it should always be cooked completely,never partially cooked and then stored. This can promote bacteria growth. Also, always remember to wash uncooked chicken thoroughly before cooking to help prevent salmonella poisoning.

A good way to make the process of cooking easy is to prepare ahead of time with any seasonings or sauces you may need for your chicken recipe. You can also prepare vegetables and measure out other ingredients ahead of time to make cooking a breeze.

I hope some of these tips are useful and also serve as a reminder how delicious chi ken can be! If you love to cook for your friends and family, finding an easy chicken recipe to prepare is sure to please. Remember eating does not only provide nutrition but it also provides food for our souls, eating a good home cooked meal is a great way to share time with your family and friends.