Winner Winner Worldwide Chicken Dinners
- Paul McClanahan
- Mar 10, 2019
- 4 min read
Government organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimate 19 billion chickens occupy earth today. Our feathered friends outnumber us more than 2 to 1. Is it any wonder they have become an important ingredient to every country and culture’s cuisine? Chicken has become a popular staple because it is healthy, inexpensive, little waste for consumption, and it stores well. Freezing chicken meat doesn’t change the flavor profile once it’s thawed and cooked. Many cultures use every part of the bird for their meals. In China, the head is split, and the brain is considered a delicacy. Caribbean islanders love the feet and pate’s are made from livers in the U.K. While I would try those, today I’ll stick with the dark and white meat dishes. Here are 5 of my favorites:
5. If you have traveled to the Caribbean, especially to the island of Jamaica, then you have had jerked chicken. Jamaica is one of our favorite travel destinations and Sandals all-inclusive resorts are always on point. The accommodations, the service, and especially the food, add up to the best travel value one can find. Local foods including fruits, vegetables, and an abundant list of meat dishes are on display daily. My wife loves the jerked chicken. The dish originated in the mid-1600’s, created by the indigenous people of the island. Strips of chicken are coated with allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, then they are grilled or smoked. Other variations add ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon. The outcome is both spicy and succulent. Yah Mahn, Iree!
4. Throughout the famous wine regions of France, Coq au vin (rooster with wine) is lovingly prepared. As the name suggests, the male of the species is used to create this classic dish. Most recently, in the U.S., hens are being used in restaurants still preparing this dish. Coq au vin has a long history going back to Caesar and his occupation of the region. It made its American debut in 1961 when Julia Child included the recipe in her cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” She also prepared it twice on The French Chef on PBS. Simple to make and delicious, begin by seasoning a whole chicken, sear it in oil, and cover with a hearty red wine. Bundle parsley, thyme, and bay leaf to season, and braise until tender. Reduce the sauce to a glaze. C’est Magnifique!
3. Southeast Asia has many countries with booming economies: Viet Nam, Singapore, and the foodie paradise of Thailand. The street food scene in this kingdom is incredible. Food hawkers line the streets 24/7 preparing their dishes including fried basil and pork, spicy green papaya salad, spicy shrimp soup, and my favorite … green curried chicken. The flavor profile is amazing: savory, rich, creamy, spicy, sweet, and citrus flavors feel like they have been layered on your tongue. If you have a wok, it’s time to get it good and hot. Fry curry paste in coconut oil, add diced chicken thighs,1 can of coconut milk, a dash of fish sauce, brown sugar, the juice and zest of a lime, chopped basil, zucchini, and green beans complete this exotic meal. Aun (Enjoy).
2. Italy is one of my favorite travel destinations. Touring this country several times has afforded me the chance to see numerous landmarks and taste some of the best food in the world. What I love about Italy is that the foods are regional, and the locals are proud of their cuisines. Venice with its succulent seafood and risotto, Roman pasta carbonara, and juicy steaks in Florence. Chicken cacciatore isn’t identified by a region. You'll find this tomatoey delight throughout the entire country. Cacciatore means hunter in Italian, referring to being cooked hunter style. Follow these steps after the hunt. Sear off chicken parts until brown and remove, add chopped peppers and onions, deglaze with red wine, add 1 can diced tomatoes, rosemary, and replace chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for one hour. Serve the chicken with pasta and top both with sauce. Mangia!
1. Nashville is a blast! I knew I was in for a treat on my first visit, the experience was far beyond my expectations. “Music City” has so much to see and do and some terrific food. Broadway is “the spot.” Pop into the numerous saloons, bars, and honky-tonks— each with its own live music style. The Country Music Hall of Fame & Johnny Cash Museums are a must visit for all music lovers. Of course, the Grand Ole Opry was also on our list. Brad Paisley and John Fogerty closed the night. Nashville Hot Chicken is the “hot” food item. Crispy, spicy, and lip-smacking good. Try my version with wings. Dredge the wings in flour, eggs, more flour, and fry. Toss in hot sauce with melted butter, 2 tablespoons cayenne, 1 tablespoon each brown sugar and garlic salt, and a teaspoon of pepper. Slightly sweet and lots of heat.
Chicken can be prepared using every cooking technique: baking, frying, braising, stir fry, grilling, boiling, and of course … barbecuing. I chose these 5 dishes not only because they represent great travel destinations, but they also use different cooking techniques. Apart from its versatility, this breed of fowl has a long history originating thousands of years ago in northern Indian. In the states, during the 1800's, it was more expensive than beef, but beef shortages during WWII created a rise in demand and a drop in the price. Chicken is also a great source of protein with far less fat than beef. To summarize, chicken is versatile, abundant, inexpensive, and healthy. Any way you choose to cook it … you’re a winner winner.
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