In this post I will outline where you are going wrong and show you how to fix your mistakes. Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n Lets break down the leading causes of this rubbery texture on chicken:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It wasn’t until I started working in high-end restaurants that I really began to appreciate the importance of quality ingredients. This is even true for chicken, and here’s why!<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, there is an increasing number <\/a>of cases of woody chicken breasts in the meat industry. In case you are unfamiliar with the term, woody chicken refers to hard, bad tasting, pale chicken. It is the result of an abnormality of muscle fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Woody chicken breast isn’t dangerous to eat, but it certainly isn’t a pleasant experience, either. What’s more, when you cook woody chicken you can end up with a rubbery texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are still determined to buy mass produced chicken breasts, there is something else that you should be aware of. Research has shown<\/a> that free range chicken has a better texture and taste. This means that when you cook it, there are fewer things that can go wrong!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have ever wondered – What does it mean when chicken is very chewy? – Here’s your answer<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It means that you have overcooked the chicken breast. This has caused the protein fibers to lose their elasticity, resulting in a rubbery texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two biggest reasons for overcooking is that you either forgot your dish was on the fire or you were afraid of undercooked meat. Either way, you can find the solution to this problem in a bit…<\/p>\n\n\n Yes, undercooking chicken can yield the same results as overcooking chicken! It can be tricky to know when your chicken is cooked all the way through. This is because the top portion tends to cook and brown much faster than the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Undercooking chicken doesn’t just cause it to be rubbery, it can also be quite dangerous<\/a> for you. Eating chicken that hasn’t been cooked properly can cause food poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, this all depends on why your chicken is rubbery. If you have chosen woody chicken breasts or have overcooked the chicken, then it is fine to eat. It won’t be a pleasant experience, but there is no danger to this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through, you shouldn’t eat it. Either put it back on the stove and cook it until the inside of the chicken is well done or toss the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lets take a look at how you can avoid cooking rubbery chicken in the future:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no denying that organic chicken can be a lot more expensive than the regular ones. If it is within your budget, though, I would certainly indulge. At the very least, buy organic chickens for a special dinner so that you can guarantee things will go right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would also pay attention to the farming conditions where the chickens were raised. Are they free range chickens, allowed to move about? These are better than caged birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you really can’t afford organic chicken, I would suggest to choose your suppliers more carefully. Look for smaller chains, specifically ones who get their chickens directly from farms. There is often a lot more control over quality with these establishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would also choose chicken with the skin on. Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be easier to prepare but it also a lot easier to lose moisture this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the reasons that you may have trouble cooking chicken evenly is because of the lopsided shape and size. To make sure that it is all uniform, use a meat tenderizer to flatten the chicken breasts out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do this every time, you will find it a lot easier to cook your chicken perfectly and be able to avoid chewy chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n You can also make sure that each piece of chicken is similar in size to the rest. This way, the cooking time will be the same for all the meat. There is then less risk of over or undercooking the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to know how to properly cook chicken breasts and chicken thighs. The key to well cooked chicken is a meat thermometer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thats right, no more guess work and no more cutting into the meat to find if it is done. Instead, use a thermometer to determine the internal temperature of the chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For safety purposes<\/a>, the cooking temperature of the chicken must be 165\u00b0F. At this point, it will be fully cooked and there will be no more pink meat on the inside. Take the chicken off the heat and you will be able to avoid a rubbery chicken breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When grilling or cooking, always set the temperature to medium height. The meat will take longer to cook, but you will also have greater control over the heat. In doing so, you will be less likely to overcook the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you are aware, there are lots of ways to cook chicken. However, easiest way to avoid dry chicken that is also rubbery is to use methods that use a lot of moisture. This includes boiling, steaming, braising, stewing, and sous vide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In doing so, you are automatically adding water or some other liquid to the chicken at all times. This makes it a lot harder to dry out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to have lots of liquid while cooking the chicken. This can be broth, sauce, or something equally flavorful. You should also leave the chicken covered during the cooking process to prevent the dish from drying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lets face it, cooking chicken using wet methods isn’t the most appetizing idea. You probably prefer grilling or roasting your chicken. Dont worry, there is a way for you to prevent rubbery chicken when preparing it like this as well – brining<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If I am having guests over and I’m preparing a chicken, I always brine it beforehand – after all, I have a reputation to maintain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brining can be time-consuming but it ensures that moisture and flavor is locked into the raw chicken or chicken breast. This makes it far more likely that when cooked the chicken will turn out tender and juicy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For brining to really work, your chicken will need to be immersed in the solution for at least 12 hours. Thus, it doesn’t really work for an emergency meal. Here is how to brine a chicken:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose to brine a whole chicken or chicken breasts. You will also need a pot or pan that is big enough to fit in all that chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Into this, you will add water, kosher salt, sugar, herbs, and aromatics. Bring this to a boil until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well-mixed. Let the brine cool down completely. Once it is cool, submerge the chicken meat in the pot. Then, refrigerate for at least 12 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then roast or grill as desired and have perfectly roasted or grilled chicken each and every time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Why](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Why-is-My-Chicken-Rubbery_.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\nCauses of Rubbery Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Buying Poor Quality Chicken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overcooked Chicken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"raw](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/raw-chicken.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nUndercooked Chicken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Can You Eat Rubbery Chicken?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Prevent Rubbery Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose Chicken More Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preparing Chicken Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"BBQ](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BBQ-chicken-wings.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nCooking Chicken to the Perfect Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Use Moisture Inducing Cooking Methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learn to Brine Chicken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n