Why it’s healthy: These methods allow fat to drip off the meat, reducing the overall fat content.
Tips: Use skinless chicken to avoid excess fat, and marinate in herbs, spices, or citrus to add flavor without extra salt or unhealthy fats.
2. Baking or Roasting
Why it’s healthy: Baking requires little to no added fat. You can bake chicken with vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips: Use a wire rack to let fat drip away, and keep the seasoning simple with herbs and spices.
3. Poaching or Boiling
Why it’s healthy: Poaching uses water or broth to cook the chicken, adding no extra fats. It’s gentle, preserving the chicken’s nutrients.
Tips: Flavor the water with vegetables, herbs, and spices to enhance the taste.
4. Stir-Frying
Why it’s healthy: This method uses a small amount of oil (preferably healthy oils like olive or avocado oil) and retains the nutrients from vegetables when cooked quickly at high heat.
Tips: Use lean chicken cuts and limit high-sodium sauces.
5. Steaming
Why it’s healthy: Steaming retains the chicken’s nutrients without adding any fat or oil.
Tips: Season with herbs, ginger, or garlic to boost flavor without adding calories.