Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious way to prepare chicken dark meat for your next meal? Look no further than stewing! With only 165 calories per unit (yield from 1 lb ready-to-cook chicken), dark meat is a great choice for adding flavor and texture to your meals.

Not only is chicken dark meat a tasty addition to any dish, but it also has numerous nutritional benefits. A 3.5-ounce serving of chicken dark meat contains approximately 218 calories, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 25 grams of protein. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of chicken dark meat stewing and how you can incorporate it into your healthy diet.

What is Chicken Dark Meat?

Chicken dark meat refers to the meat from the legs, wings, and thighs of the chicken. It is darker in color and has a higher fat content than chicken breast. Dark meat is also known for its rich and savory flavor which makes it perfect for slow cooking methods like stewing. Additionally, dark meat contains more myoglobin, a protein that helps the muscles use oxygen efficiently. This gives dark meat a darker color and also contributes to its unique taste and juiciness.

How Many Calories are in Chicken Dark Meat?

A 3.5-ounce serving of chicken dark meat contains approximately 218 calories. However, when stewing chicken dark meat, it is important to note that the calorie count may vary depending on additional ingredients added to the stew.

What are the Nutritional Values of Chicken Dark Meat?

Chicken dark meat is a great source of protein, providing approximately 25 grams per 3.5-ounce serving. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Additionally, chicken dark meat contains a small amount of healthy fats, which can be beneficial for heart health and overall wellness.

What Minerals and Vitamins are Present in Chicken Dark Meat?

Chicken dark meat contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals including:

• Iron: important for red blood cell production and energy production
• Zinc: key for immune system function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis
• Vitamin B12: helps with brain function and red blood cell formation
• Niacin: aids in digestion and energy production
• Phosphorus: important for bone health

What are the Health Benefits of Chicken Dark Meat?

In addition to its high protein content and essential vitamins and minerals, chicken dark meat also offers numerous health benefits. For instance, the niacin present in chicken dark meat may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the iron content in dark meat can help improve hemoglobin levels in the blood, which is essential for reducing the risk of anemia. Zinc, another essential mineral in dark meat, has been linked to immune function, wound healing, and even the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. Overall, adding chicken dark meat to your diet can help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

How to Store Chicken Dark Meat Stewing?

When storing chicken dark meat for stewing, it is essential to take proper food safety precautions. Ideally, chicken should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, and cooked within 1-2 days of purchase. If you are not planning to use the chicken right away, it can be frozen for up to 6 months. When thawing frozen chicken, it should be done slowly in the refrigerator. Chicken can also be thawed in the microwave or in cold water, but it is important to ensure that it is cooked immediately after thawing.

What are the Different Ways to Cook Chicken Dark Meat?

There are numerous ways to cook chicken dark meat, but one of the best methods is stewing. Stewing involves cooking meat slowly in liquid until it becomes tender and flavorful. Other methods of cooking chicken dark meat include grilling, baking, broiling, and frying. However, it is important to note that these methods may add additional calories and fat to the chicken.

Can Chicken Dark Meat be Part of a Healthy Diet?

Absolutely! Chicken dark meat can be a healthy part of any balanced diet when consumed in moderation and cooked using healthy methods such as stewing. Additionally, dark meat provides important vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health and wellness. When including dark meat in your diet, it is important to watch portion sizes and avoid cooking methods that add excessive fat and calories.

How to Make a Delicious Stewed Chicken Dark Meat?

To make a delicious stewed chicken dark meat, you will need:

• 1 lb chicken dark meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Are there any Precautions to Take When Cooking Chicken Dark Meat?

When cooking chicken dark meat, it is important to take food safety precautions to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken, and cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from other foods and using separate cutting boards and utensils.