When cooking broilers or fryers, stewing the chicken back meat can yield approximately 1 unit or 54 calories per pound of ready-to-cook chicken. This article will cover everything you need to know about this type of chicken meat.
Chicken back meat is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamins B6 and B12. A single serving contains 25g protein, 1.7mg iron, 0.5mg vitamin B6, and 0.5mcg vitamin B12.
In this article, we'll explore cooking tips, nutritional information, recommended serving size, storage guidelines, buying guide, preparation techniques, safety precautions, and meal ideas.
One serving of chicken back meat delivers essential nutrients, including protein, iron, and vitamins B6 and B12. These nutrients are vital for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and blood. According to the USDA, a 100g serving of chicken back meat contains 19g of protein, 1.6mg of iron, 0.4mg of vitamin B6, and 0.2mcg of vitamin B12. Chicken back meat is also a good source of choline, which is essential for brain health and development.
Health Benefits
Eating chicken back meat can have numerous health benefits, including promoting muscle growth, improving digestion, and building a strong immune system. The high protein content in chicken back meat helps repair and build lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining overall health and fitness. Additionally, chicken back meat contains several nutrients that support healthy digestion, such as vitamin B6 and choline. These nutrients help break down food and absorb nutrients from it, leading to better gut health.
Cooking Tips
When cooking chicken back meat, it's important to stew it for a long time to ensure it becomes tender and flavorful. To stew chicken back meat, add the meat to a pot with water, vegetables, and spices. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the meat falls off the bone. You can also use a slow cooker to stew chicken back meat. This method is more convenient and requires less attention. Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and leave it to cook for several hours.
Meal Ideas
Chicken back meat can be used in a variety of dishes, such as chicken soup, chicken stew, and chicken curry. You can also use shredded chicken back meat as a filling for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. For a simple and healthy meal, try cooking chicken back meat with vegetables and quinoa. This dish is high in protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Recommended Serving Size
The recommended serving size for chicken back meat is 3-4 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards. Consuming too much chicken back meat can lead to an excessive intake of protein, which can strain the liver and kidneys over time. It's important to balance your intake of chicken back meat with other protein sources, such as fish, beans, and nuts.
Comparison with Other Cuts
Compared to other types of chicken meat, such as breast and thigh, chicken back meat contains less fat and fewer calories. However, it also contains less protein and is less tender. Chicken back meat is best used in dishes that require long cooking times, such as stews and soups, where the meat can become tender and fall off the bone.
Storage Guidelines
To store chicken back meat, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, chicken back meat can be frozen for up to 6 months. When thawing frozen chicken back meat, it's important to do so in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Never thaw chicken back meat at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Buying Guide
When buying chicken back meat, look for cuts that are fresh and free of bruises or discoloration. Make sure the meat is stored in a refrigerated case or freezer and has a sell-by date that has not passed. If you're unsure about the quality of the meat, ask your butcher for advice or choose a different cut of chicken meat.
Preparation Techniques
To prepare chicken back meat for cooking, wash the meat thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel. You may also want to remove any excess fat or skin from the meat, as this can affect the taste and texture of the final dish. Once the meat is cleaned and trimmed, it's ready to be used in your recipe of choice.
Safety Precautions
When handling chicken back meat, it's important to follow proper food safety practices to prevent the spread of bacteria. Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken meat. Cook chicken back meat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
Eating chicken back meat can provide a range of health benefits, including promoting muscle growth, improving digestion, and building a strong immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Back Meat calories
What is chicken back meat?
Chicken back meat is the meat derived from the back of a chicken, typically broiler or fryer chickens that have been stewed and cooked.
How many calories are in one unit of chicken back meat?
One unit of chicken back meat, which is typically yielded from one pound of ready-to-cook chicken, contains 54 calories.
Is chicken back meat a healthy protein source?
While chicken back meat does contain protein, it is also high in fat and calories. For a healthier protein source, consider opting for skinless breast meat or leaner cuts of chicken.
What are some dishes that use chicken back meat?
Chicken back meat is often used in soups, stews, and broths as a flavorful and inexpensive protein source. It can also be used to make chicken stock.
Can I substitute chicken back meat for other chicken cuts?
Chicken back meat has a different texture and flavor profile than other cuts, so it may not be the best substitute for recipes that call for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.