2 weeks Ago By Claire Schofield
Chicken can be a difficult meat to cook as it easily dries out in the oven, leaving it tough, chewy and pretty tasteless. As chicken cooks, the protein in the meat contracts as it’s exposed to heat which pushes out the moisture and if overcooked, the result will be unappetisingly dry. But juicy, tender chicken doesn’t have to be limited to restaurant meals only, as it is possible to get the meat deliciously moist when cooking at home - and all you need is one kitchen item.
According to cooking experts, covering your chicken in tin foil before putting it in the oven is the key to helping it lock in moisture, resulting in a juicer and more tender dish. Tin foil essentially acts as a barrier in the oven, helping to trap steam and moisture as the chicken cooks, preventing it from drying out. Not only that, it also helps to seal in any seasonings or marinades that you’ve coated your chicken breast in before cooking, leaving you with tastier and more flavourful chicken.
Restaurant chain La Rosa Chicken & Grill explains: “When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results. The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. “Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.
Covering the chicken creates a barrier that prevents the top surface from drying out, resulting in tender meat. “By covering the chicken, the flavors from seasonings, marinades or sauces have a better chance to infuse into the meat. The enclosed environment allows the flavours to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavourful dish.
“Covered baking typically requires a longer cooking time due to the slower heat transfer. This slower cooking method can be beneficial when working with larger cuts of chicken or tougher pieces, as it allows the meat to become tender and fully cooked without drying out.” You can also take further advantage of this foil method of cooking chicken by throwing in other ingredients, like vegetables, to create a quick and easy meal all-in-one.
Not only does this save you a lot of time and effort, but it will also save you some washing up which is a welcome bonus. ButcherBox adds: “Foil allows you to combine chicken with other ingredients like vegetables, starches, and seasonings, creating a complete, one-pan meal. This saves time and effort, as you don't need multiple pans or dishes.
“The foil is disposable, making cleanup a breeze. You can either eat directly from the foil packet or transfer the contents to a plate, eliminating the need to wash pots and pans.”.
