Chicken Recipes Are Perfect For Parties

Chicken recipes that can be prepared ahead of time before the cooking process are simply ideal for serving at parties or special occasions. Preparations can be done the day or night before and the chicken can be conveniently stored covered or wrapped in the refrigerator until it is time to cook. However, keeping chicken from drying out both before and during the cooking process may be a challenge for some unless you know of a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

To prevent chicken from drying out before it is time to cook, wrap it tightly using a few layers of plastic wrap underneath a layer of aluminum foil if you do not have a container with an airtight lid. You should also keep the chicken's skin intact during cooking as this will help to keep the juices in which helps the meat to be more tender and juicy.

If you will be roasting or baking a whole chicken in the oven, lay a piece of aluminum foil over the breast area to keep it from drying out while cooking. Remove the foil about 20 to 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time to give it a chance to brown nicely with the rest of the bird.

Then, allow your chicken to set for about 15 minutes, which will let the juices distribute evenly, before carving with a sharp knife.

Remember, dark meat tends to stay moist and tender longer than sections of white meat so use this type if you are following a particular recipe that calls for long cooking time such as a stew.

Colorful Chicken Kebabs Recipe
What You Need

• 12 metal or wooden skewers
• 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 36 pieces
• 2 medium sized green peppers, cut into 12 pieces
• 2 medium sized red peppers, cut into 12 pieces
• 2 medium yellow peppers, cut into 12 pieces
• 1 large bottle Italian dressing

How to Make It
Preheat the grill or the broiler to medium to high heat.
Wooden skewers will need to be soaked in water for about 20 minutes before using to keep them from burning during the cooking process.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut pieces of chicken, the cut peppers, and the Italian dressing and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly.

Alternate pieces of chicken with pieces of peppers in various colors so that there are 3 pieces of chicken and 3 pieces of peppers on each skewer. You can adjust these numbers accordingly if you have less or more skewers.

If you will be cooking the chicken on the grill, heat for about 12 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Turn the kebabs halfway through grilling.

If you will be broiling the chicken, place the kebabs on baking sheets lined with aluminum foil and broil for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Turn the kebabs halfway through broiling.

Serve your colorful chicken kebabs with appetizers such as fresh garden salads, steamed vegetables, rice, potatoes, or baked beans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Christine_Szalay_Kudra/73485