How do you remove fat from chicken before cooking?

1. Inspect the Chicken:

Before cooking, inspect the chicken for excess fat. Look for areas with thick layers of fat, particularly on the skin and around the thighs and abdomen.

2. Trim the Fat:

Use a sharp knife to carefully trim away the visible fat. Be sure to remove the fat from the skin, around the neck and cavity, and from the wings and thighs.

3. Debone the Chicken:

If you are comfortable with kitchen knives, you can debone the chicken to remove more fat. By removing the bones, you'll also have more control over the cooking process.

4. Use Paper Towels:

After trimming, pat the chicken pieces with paper towels to absorb any remaining surface fat. This helps to reduce grease during cooking.

5. Salt the Chicken:

Rubbing the chicken with salt helps draw out moisture, including fat, from the meat. Do this before cooking, but keep in mind that salting too early can lead to a tough texture.

6. Rinse the Chicken:

After salting, rinse the chicken under cold water to remove any excess salt or loosened fat. Pat dry again with paper towels.

7. Poaching:

Poaching the chicken before cooking can help remove some fat. Bring water to a simmer, add the chicken pieces, and cook until they are partially cooked. Discard the poaching water and continue with your preferred cooking method.

8. Broiling:

Broiling chicken allows the fat to drip away from the meat as it cooks. Place the chicken pieces on a broiler pan and set the oven to the desired temperature. Avoid turning the chicken too frequently to prevent sticking.

9. Baking:

When baking chicken, place the pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This elevates the chicken, allowing the fat to drip off as it cooks. You can also place a baking sheet below the wire rack to catch the drippings.

10. Steaming:

Steaming is a healthy method of cooking that retains moisture and nutrients. Fill a steamer with water, bring it to a boil, and place the chicken pieces inside. Cover the steamer and let the chicken cook until done.