Cuts of Chicken: A Guide to the Most Popular Asian Recipes

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated June 14, 2022

Chickens are the most common type of poultry in the world, and were some of the first domesticated animals. They are a major world wide source of eggs and meat called chicken.

It can be cooked in a variety of ways, from fried chicken to grilled chicken, and served with a variety of sides and sauces. 

In this article, I’ll explore how chicken is used in Asian cuisine and why it’s such a popular ingredient. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite chicken recipes.

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The Evolution of Chicken in Asian Cuisine

The usage of chicken in Asian cuisine varies from region to region. Here are some examples:

• Northern and Central Asia: In these regions, chicken is often cooked with oil or butter to create rich and flavorful dishes.
• Southern Asia: In these regions, chicken is often cooked with coconut milk to create creamy and flavorful dishes.
• East Asia: In these regions, chicken is often served with rice and vegetables to create healthy and nutritious meals.

The Art of Cutting Chicken: Understanding the Different Cuts and Techniques

When it comes to cooking chicken, it’s important to know the different cuts of meat and how they can be used in various recipes. Here are some of the most common cuts of chicken:

• Whole Chicken: This is the entire bird, including the breast, legs, wings, and thighs. It can be sold fresh or frozen and is often used for roasting or grilling.
• Chicken Breast: This is the white meat of the chicken and is known for its lean protein content. It’s often used in recipes that require a solid, consistent piece of meat.
• Chicken Thigh: This is the darker meat of the chicken and contains more fat than the breast. It’s often used in recipes that require a more tender and juicy piece of meat.
• Chicken Wings: These are the smaller pieces of chicken that are sold separately from the rest of the bird. They’re often served as an appetizer or snack and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
• Chicken Legs: These are the drumsticks and thighs of the chicken and are often sold together as a single piece. They’re great for grilling or roasting and can be served with a variety of sauces.

The Proper Technique for Cutting Chicken

Cutting chicken can be a delicate process, but with the proper technique, anyone can do it like a pro. Here are some steps to follow when cutting chicken:

• Start with a clean, sharp knife: A dull knife can make the process more difficult and dangerous.
• Remove any excess fat: This can be done by hand or with a knife, depending on the size of the fat.
• Cut the chicken into pieces: Depending on the recipe, the chicken may need to be cut into smaller chunks or served as a whole piece.
• Store the chicken properly: Chicken should be stored in a dry, cool place and should be cooked within a few days of purchase.

The Importance of Proper Cutting Techniques for Asian Cuisine

In Asian cuisine, the way chicken is cut can have a big impact on the resulting dish. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing chicken for Asian-style recipes:

• Consistent cuts: To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, it’s important to make sure that the pieces are all the same size.
• Energy content: Depending on the recipe, the energy content of the chicken may be important. For example, in Chinese cuisine, chicken is often used for its warming effects on the body.
• Sauce and seasoning: Many Asian-style recipes call for soy sauce or other flavorful seasonings, so it’s important to make sure that the chicken is cut in a way that allows it to absorb the flavors properly.
• Pine cuts: In Vietnamese cuisine, chicken is often cut into small, round pieces called “pine cuts” that are easy to eat with chopsticks.

By understanding the different cuts of chicken and the proper techniques for cutting them, anyone can create delicious Asian-inspired dishes at home.

Chinese Chicken Delights: A Journey Through Regional Flavors

Sichuan cuisine is known for its spicy and bold flavors, and Sichuan chicken is no exception. This dish is made with tender chicken meat, cooked in a tray with chili peppers, bell peppers, and garlic. The dish is served with noodles or rice, depending on the region. The Sichuan version of this dish is famous for its spicy flavor, but it can also be made mild for those who prefer a less fiery taste.

Kung Pao Chicken: A Classic Favorite

Kung Pao chicken is a famous dish found in many Chinese restaurants around the world. This dish is made with diced chicken, cooked with peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables. The dish is served with rice and has a mild spicy flavor. The dish is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province, but it has become a favorite in many other regions as well.

Xinjiang Chicken: A Regional Delight

Xinjiang chicken is a traditional dish found in the Xinjiang region of China. This dish is made with tender chicken meat, cooked on a grill or in an oven until it is crisp and delicious. The chicken is then wrapped in lotus leaves and roasted until it is tender and flavorful. This dish is a favorite in the region and is often served at special occasions.

Hainanese Chicken: A Cultural Favorite

Hainanese chicken is a dish that is popular in the Hainan province of China. This dish is made with chicken that is cooked in a pot with ginger and garlic until it is tender and flavorful. The chicken is then served with rice and a side of chili sauce. This dish is a cultural favorite and is often served at special occasions and festivals.

Japanese Chicken Delights

Yakitori is a popular Japanese dish that consists of grilled chicken skewers. The meat is usually marinated in a soy sauce mixture that includes sweet and natural ginger. The skewers are then grilled over hot coals until the chicken is sticky and golden brown. Yakitori is served in most Japanese restaurants and is a quick and easy dish to prepare. It can be eaten straight off the skewer or served in a bowl with rice.

Tebasaki: The Fried Chicken Wings

Tebasaki is a famous Japanese dish that consists of deep-fried chicken wings. The wings are prepared in a unique style that includes a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The result is a crispy and rich flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Tebasaki is usually served with grated daikon and sprinkling of green onions.

Teriyaki: The Soy Sauce Glazed Chicken

Teriyaki is a dish that is known worldwide and is a favorite among many people. It consists of grilled chicken breast that is marinated in a soy sauce mixture that includes ginger and garlic. The chicken is then grilled until it is perfectly cooked and garnished with sliced green onions. Teriyaki is usually served with rice and vegetables and is a common dish found in Japanese restaurants.

Chicken Bowl: The Simple and Delicious Dish

Chicken bowl is a dish that is found in most Japanese restaurants and is a quick and easy dish to prepare at home. It consists of sliced chicken that is simmered in a dashi stock with vegetables and served over a bowl of rice. The dish includes a wide range of ingredients such as ground chicken, egg, and garnished with sliced green onions.

Extra Tips for Preparing Japanese Chicken Dishes

• Look for superior cuts of chicken to ensure the best quality.
• Marinate the chicken in a soy sauce mixture for a few hours to enhance the flavor.
• Use natural ginger and garlic to add a unique taste to the dish.
• Use sticky rice to produce a perfect grain for the dish.
• Clean and hot water is essential to prepare the dish.
• Include a variety of vegetables to add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• The most common way to prepare chicken in Japan is by grilling or simmering.
• Japanese cuisine is known for its unique and rich flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect taste.
• Yakitori, tebasaki, and teriyaki are the most famous Japanese chicken dishes, but there are thousands of other dishes to try.

Get a taste of Korea with these popular chicken dishes

Korean fried chicken is a popular dish that is consumed all over South Korea. The technique used to cook this dish is different from the traditional frying technique found in American cuisine. The chicken pieces are dredged in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, which creates a crispy coating when fried. The chicken is then fried twice, rendering the skin crispy and transforming the bold flavors of the sauce. The sauce is a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, sugar, and gochujang, a red pepper paste that adds a hint of spice to the dish. The chicken is served with a variety of sides, including rice, soup, and anju, which refers to food that is consumed while drinking alcohol.

Chicken wings and nuggets

Korean chicken wings and nuggets are also popular dishes that are often paired with beer or soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage. The wings and nuggets are coated in a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil. The sauce is then garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. The chicken is fried in a heavy skillet until golden brown and crispy. The wings and nuggets are served with a bowl of rice and a side of soup.

Chicken stew

Chicken stew is a simple yet hearty dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. The chicken is cooked in a heavy pot with potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. The stew is then flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The chicken is cooked until it is tender and the vegetables are soft. The stew is served with a bowl of rice and a side of soup.

To make these popular Korean chicken dishes, follow these simple steps:

1. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
3. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy.
4. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Melt butter in a saucepan and add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, sugar, and gochujang.
6. Cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens.
7. Coat the chicken in the sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
8. Serve with a bowl of rice and a side of soup.

Enjoy the bold and delicious flavors of Korean cuisine with these popular chicken dishes.

Discover the Delicious World of Popular Filipino Chicken Dishes

Filipino cuisine is a unique blend of different cultures, incorporating elements from Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences. The food is rich, flavorful, and often incorporates fresh vegetables, rice, and meat. Chicken is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is used in hundreds of different dishes. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular Filipino chicken dishes that are sure to make your mouth water.

Adobo Chicken

Adobo chicken is considered the national dish of the Philippines and is a simple yet delicious way to prepare chicken. The dish uses a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaf to create a rich and tangy sauce that is perfect for chicken. The chicken is cooked in the sauce for a longer time, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a super tender and juicy meat. Adobo chicken is often served with rice and is a popular dinner dish in the Philippines.

Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is a grilled chicken dish that originates from the city of Bacolod in the Philippines. The dish uses a special marinade made with soy sauce, calamansi juice, ginger, and lemongrass to give the chicken a unique and flavorful taste. The chicken is then grilled to perfection and served with rice and a special dipping sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili peppers. This dish is perfect for those looking for a spicy and flavorful chicken dish.

Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is a tomato-based chicken stew that is often served during special occasions in the Philippines. The dish uses a combination of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The result is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a big family dinner. Chicken Afritada is often served with rice and is a popular dish during the holidays.

Chicken Caldereta

Chicken Caldereta is a rich and hearty chicken stew that is often served during special occasions in the Philippines. The dish uses a combination of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, all cooked in a tomato-based sauce that contains liver spread. The result is a unique and flavorful dish that is worth the extra effort. Chicken Caldereta is often served with rice and is a popular dish during weddings and other celebrations.

Conclusion

So there you have it- how chicken is used in asian cuisine. It varies from region to region, but chicken is a popular meat used in a variety of dishes. You can use this knowledge to cook delicious meals for yourself. So go ahead and give it a try!

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.