Chewy chicken .. Am I just too fussy?

[LeaW21]

Hi lovely people

I love chicken (and beef) curries, stews etc but have gone back to my pressure/slow cookers for them rather than use "Thermie".

I love love LOVE my thermomix but I hate chewy meat. How can I make sure the meat comes out tender? My family don't mind it the way it comes out but I prefer my meat tender .

Beef isn't so hard because u can use chuck steak/gravy beef etc but how can u cook a chicken dish using chicken breast and ensure tenderness? Do I cook it longer than the recipe says?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[judydawn]

I find chicken thighs are best for Thermomix recipes Lea.  More prep work to cut off the fat but worth it in the end.

[LeaW21]

Mmmmm thanks Judy

I have a freezer full of breasts so will use them up then try thighs

[Nikkit]

Judy, that is what I was going to say!!

Welcome Lea  

I find the chicken breast too dry and cooking it in the TM dries it out more. Thighs are the way to go.

As for beef and the cuts you mentioned, I do it low and slow on the cooktop or in the oven as I find it keeps my TM out of action for too long if I try to cook a stew in it! Plus the oven is quieter!

[CreamPuff63]

agree as above as the breast doesn't have a lot of fat, and can be dry if overcooked or the cut is not suitable for the recipe.

[cookie1]

If the chicken is to be cooked in the bowl of the tmx I usually grill it and add the contents of the bowl to the skillet. If it is in the varoma I will use that.

[LeaW21]

Awesome! Thanks ladies
, xo

[gertbysea]

Chicken breasts have their uses but for flavour you really do need thighs.  I may steam or stuff  breasts for the Varoma and they are good for a high heat fast grilling  but not for curry and casseroles.

Gert

[LauraTO]

I love chicken breast cubed and marinated and cooked in the varoma and find it to be melt in your mouth tender. Maybe you're overcooking? Try marinating?

[cookie1]

I must try this Laura. Thanks.

[gertbysea]

Another Varoma goodie is to flatten a chicken breast, stuff it with whatever then roll it up , wrap it tight like a Bon Bon. Put in the fridge to chill a bit then put into Varoma to steamcook. Really juicy and tender.

Gert

[CreamPuff63]

I've linked up some recipes that use chicken breasts that my family love:

Red Curry Chicken Risotto
Baf's Chicken in Varoma
Chicken Breasts in Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms
Hazelnut, Mushroom & Cream Chicken

[gertbysea]

Good one CP I had almost forgotten Baf's  chicken in Varoma.. Great variations .

Gert

[Itsnotartitsdinner]

I just prefer thighs. Not as dry!

[CreamPuff63]

I prefer thighs unless otherwise specified, but I thought she may have a few breasts to get rid of from the freezer. Hello LW21 what is your feedback