What does the term hard cooking mean for chicken?

"Hard cooking" is a bit of an informal term, but in the context of chicken, it generally refers to cooking the chicken until it's fully cooked through and the meat is firm and dry.

Here's what it means:

* Fully Cooked: The internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe level of 165°F (74°C) for at least 15 seconds.

* Firm: The chicken meat feels firm and springy to the touch, not soft or jiggly.

* Dry: The chicken has lost most of its moisture and may appear slightly shrunken.

Hard cooking is typically used for:

* Chicken salads: The dry, firm texture holds up well in salads and doesn't make the salad soggy.

* Chicken stock: The bones and meat release more flavor when cooked for a longer time.

* Shredded chicken for dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or burritos: Hard-cooked chicken can be easily shredded and mixed into these dishes.

It's important to note that hard cooking can make chicken a little tougher and drier. If you prefer a more juicy and tender chicken, you might want to choose a different cooking method or cook it for a shorter time.