How to Pre-Cook Chicken for a Recipe

Q: When a recipe calls for cooked chicken to be used and you only have raw on hand, what is the best way to cook the chicken for the recipe? Sue Jordan, Hamden, CT

A:
Depending on the sort of recipe, chicken can be cooked any number of ways. For chicken salad, where there are myriad other flavors in the final product, the chicken is best cooked with an eye to its texture -- so poaching is ideal. It's quick, you can change the flavor by adding herbs, wine, or spices to the poaching liquid, and it gives you a tender, pull-apart texture.

To use as an add-in for salads or sandwiches, use a broiler or a stovetop grill pan for a browned, crispy exterior and a moist interior.

- Food Network Kitchens

Next Up

How to Boil Chicken

Right this way for juicy chicken, perfect for chicken salad and other meal prep.

The One Grilled Chicken Mistake You Don't Want to Make

It leads to dry chicken — and no one wants that!

Chicken Is Better with Grill Marks

When this go-to white meat hits the grates and lets out a searing sizzle, the meat that always has your back becomes tender, juicy and full of charred flavor.

Best 5 Grilled Chicken Recipes for Summer

Check out these grilled chicken dishes for summertime cooking from Guy, Bobby and Alton more Food Network chefs.

How Long Should You Bake Chicken?

Your best bet when baking chicken is to follow the recipe and use a thermometer. If you’re winging it, we can help.

3 Ways to Thaw Your Chicken Quickly

Here, the only ways to safely thaw chicken quickly according to the USDA.

How to Shred Chicken

Here, two ways to make it - including a fast hack.

6 Ways to Enjoy Buffalo Chicken

From salads and subs to pizza and dip, learn all-new ways to celebrate the classic flavors of Buffalo chicken just in time for game day.

How to Minimize Cross-Contamination If You Rinse Raw Chicken

While the official stance of food safety experts is, well, to never do it, there are practical, culinary reasons for doing it anyway.

How Long Does Raw Chicken Last In the Fridge?

And is it safe to eat after the sell-by date?

More from:

Kitchen Shortcuts

Latest Stories