Chicken Recipes: A Global Culinary Adventure

Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world, and it's no surprise that there are countless ways to cook it. From fried chicken to chicken stew, there is a chicken dish for every taste and occasion. Chicken is a versatile meat that can be prepared in a wide variety of ways, with recipes varying by region and culture. With so many options available, it's hard to pinpoint the exact number of chicken recipes in existence, but it's safe to say that the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a fan of spicy wings, juicy thighs, or a hearty soup, there's a chicken recipe out there for you. So, how many chicken recipes are there in the world? Let's take a journey through some of the most popular chicken dishes and explore the diverse and delicious ways chicken is prepared globally.

Chicken is the world's most common poultry

There are numerous chicken recipes worldwide, and chicken is prepared in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, barbecuing, frying, boiling, and roasting. Chicken is a staple of fast food and is often considered healthier than red meat due to its lower cholesterol and saturated fat content. The ease and low cost of raising chickens compared to other animals have contributed to its popularity as a source of meat and eggs.

Chicken is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes, including international recipes such as Thai peanut noodles, chicken samosas, and Malaysian butter chicken. It is also a key ingredient in regional specialties like Andong jjimdak (a Korean steamed or boiled dish) and Ayam bakar Padang (Indonesian grilled chicken).

Chicken is also a prominent feature in folklore, religion, and literature across many societies. Its economic importance has made it a central component of global animal husbandry and agriculture. The poultry farming industry has led to the development of specialized breeds, such as broilers for meat and laying hens for egg production.

While chicken is a prevalent and popular source of meat, there are concerns about the intensive farming methods used in many parts of the world. Issues of ethical consumerism have been raised, with opponents arguing that intensive farming harms the environment, creates human health risks, and is inhumane towards animals.

Chicken is versatile and global

Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins in the world of cuisine. It is the most common type of poultry or meat globally and was one of the first domesticated animals. Chicken is a significant source of meat and eggs worldwide for human consumption, with almost the entire bird being edible and easy to raise. The variety of chicken dishes around the world is a testament to its versatility.

Chicken has been consumed globally for centuries, dating back to Babylonian carvings from around 600 BC. It was also a staple during the Middle Ages, eaten across the Eastern Hemisphere with various preparations of capons, pullets, and hens. Today, chicken remains a global favourite, with numerous recipes showcasing the diverse cultural and regional influences.

One of the most beloved ways to prepare chicken is by frying it. Fried chicken is a universal comfort food that can be found in many cultures, each with its unique twist. For example, Korean fried chicken is twice-fried, resulting in a tender and juicy interior with a crispy crust. It is often tossed in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. Southern fried chicken is another popular variation, evoking fond food memories.

Chicken is also a versatile protein that can be grilled, baked, poached, braised, or steamed. Grilled chicken dishes are popular worldwide, such as the Indonesian Ayam bakar Padang, which is grilled with a rich spice mixture including shallots, garlic, chili pepper, and turmeric. Baked chicken dishes like tandoori chicken are flavourful and easy to prepare, making them a weeknight favourite. Poached chicken is another healthy and adaptable option, with Hainanese chicken rice being a well-loved dish in Asia.

Braised chicken dishes are also popular, with chicken braised in white wine being a simple yet flavourful option that can be made in a single stovetop pan. Steamed chicken dishes are also common, such as the Korean Andong jjimdak, a variety of jjim made with chicken and vegetables marinated in a ganjang-based sauce.

Chicken is a canvas for a multitude of flavours and can be found in countless recipes worldwide. Its versatility knows no bounds, and it continues to be a staple protein in kitchens everywhere.

Chefs' favourite chicken recipes

Chicken is the most common type of poultry or meat in the world, and there are countless recipes to choose from. While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact number of chicken recipes globally, the versatility and popularity of chicken are undeniable. Here are some chefs' favourite chicken recipes to inspire your culinary creations:

Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa)

Peruvian Chicken, or Pollo a la Brasa, is a mouth-watering dish that involves marinating a whole chicken in a blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices. The chicken is then roasted to perfection, resulting in juicy meat and crisp skin. The secret lies in the creamy green sauce that takes this dish to the next level. It's perfect for summer grilling and can be served with basmati rice pilaf or a Greek salad.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. It features tender chicken pieces smothered in a creamy, rich, spice-infused tomato sauce. The key to this dish lies in the spices and the creaminess of the sauce. It is often served with rice or naan bread and can be found in many Indian restaurants.

Moroccan Chicken with Apricots

This exotic dish combines chicken with apricots, chilli pepper paste or chilli sauce, and other Moroccan spices. It can be served alone or with couscous for a more filling meal. The sweetness of the apricots blends beautifully with the spiciness of the chilli, creating a unique and memorable flavour profile.

Chicken Samosas

Chicken samosas are a delicious appetiser or snack option. They consist of a crispy dough filled with a flavourful chicken mixture and are typically served with a yogurt dipping sauce or chutney, such as coriander and mint, tamarind, or sweet mango chutney. The dough and filling can be prepared ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy when hosting guests.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that combines chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a flaky pastry crust. While traditional recipes can be time-consuming, a shortcut version uses rotisserie chicken for the filling and store-bought puff pastry for the crust, making it a weeknight-friendly option. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

Chicken is incredibly versatile, and these recipes showcase just a fraction of the diverse and delectable options available. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special dish to impress your guests, chicken is a fantastic choice that can be adapted to suit any palate or occasion.

Chicken dishes from around the world

Chicken is one of the most common types of poultry or meat in the world, and there are hundreds of ways to cook and prepare it. Chicken was one of the earliest domesticated animals, and almost the entire bird is edible, making it a popular food worldwide.

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be grilled, fried, steamed, braised, roasted, or tossed in a wok. Here are some chicken dishes from around the world:

Africa

African piri-piri is a grilled chicken dish with a spicy marinade. The chicken can be served with salad, fries, or in a pita with salad and garlic Greek yogurt.

Jamaica

A Jamaica-inspired grilled chicken dish features a marinade made with onion, garlic, habanero pepper, ginger, olive oil, brown sugar, vinegar, orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cilantro.

Peru

Peruvian grilled chicken is marinated in soy sauce, oil, cumin, paprika, garlic, thyme, pepper, oregano, granulated onion, coriander, turmeric, mustard powder, and cinnamon. It is often served with lime juice.

Laos

Laotian ping gai is a grilled chicken dish.

Greece

A Greek chicken and green beans dish features a lemon-tomato flavour. The juices from the chicken help flavour the green beans, which can also be prepared as a side dish without the chicken.

India

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is an Indian gravy chicken dish prepared with butter.

China

Orange chicken is a Chinese chicken dish that originated in the US.

Indonesia

Ayam bakar Padang is Indonesian grilled chicken served in a rich spice mixture called bumbu, which includes shallot, garlic, chili pepper, candlenut, galangal, and turmeric.

Korea

Andong jjimdak is a Korean steamed or boiled dish made with chicken and various vegetables marinated in a ganjang-based sauce.

Netherlands

Chicken satay in the Netherlands is served with peanut sauce, French fries, prawn crackers, and mayonnaise.

Vietnam

Canh is a Vietnamese soup that can be made with chicken.

These are just a few examples of the many chicken dishes from around the world, each with its unique ingredients and cooking techniques, showcasing the versatility and popularity of chicken as a global food.

Chicken's historical presence in food

Chicken is the most common type of poultry/meat in the world and was one of the first domesticated animals. Chickens were domesticated for their meat and eggs, and they are a major worldwide source of both. The prevalence of chickens is due to almost the entire bird being edible, and the ease of raising them.

Chickens were first documented to appear between 4,000 to 10,500 years ago, with most scientists agreeing that the Southeast Asian Red Junglefowl is the primary wild ancestor of chickens. Domestication probably occurred 7,000-10,000 years ago in Southeast Asia and Oceana. Chicken as a meat has been depicted in Babylonian carvings from around 600 BC, and it was one of the most common meats available in the Middle Ages. It was eaten over most of the Eastern Hemisphere, and several different types of chicken, such as capons, pullets, and hens, were consumed. It was also one of the basic ingredients in the so-called "white dish," a stew usually consisting of chicken and fried onions cooked in milk and seasoned with spices and sugar.

The distribution of chickens occurred rapidly and was widespread due to their ability to provide meat and eggs without being competitive for human food sources. However, it is believed that the sport of cockfighting was the principal reason for the dispersion of chickens. In the 19th century, Sir John Sebright developed the Sebright Bantam, and Charles Darwin borrowed extensively from pigeon and chicken breeders of the time to formulate his theory of evolution in "Origin of the Species."

In the 20th century, chickens stopped being a 'luxury' food, and almost every family could afford one. Broilers became the number one source of poultry meat. In 1942, an 'online' eviscerator (a device used to 'gut' the chicken) was invented, making the chicken ready-to-cook. Prior to this, evisceration of a bird was considered a kitchen skill. In 1946, Pilgrim's Pride feed store started giving away free chicks with a bag of feed. Following World War II, there was a massive change in food production, and chickens began to be raised 'intensively.' In the 1950s, the invention of refrigeration allowed produce to be stored at home for much longer. Companies bought feed mills, hatcheries, etc., to control production, and the average flock size increased massively.

Today, chickens continue to be a ubiquitous food, crossing multiple cultural boundaries with ease. They are prepared as food in a wide variety of ways, varying by region and culture.

Frequently asked questions