Have you tried air chilled chicken? Have you even heard of it? While this process of air chilling has been the norm in many European countries for decades, it is quickly gaining popularity in the United States and with so many taste, health and environmental benefits, we can see why! Read on for more details around the air-chilling process and for some of our favorite recipes featuring our new Open Nature® Air Chilled chicken, available at your local Shaw’s!
We won’t bore you with the details but air chilled chicken differs from other conventional chicken simply in the way the product is processed before making its way to your local store. Air chilled chicken is cooled by air as opposed to water so all the natural juices and flavors are not diluted, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Without the added water, air chilled chicken also tends to cook faster, saving you precious time in the kitchen! Plus, by using little to no water in the processing stages, air chilling chicken could potentially save billions of gallons of water in the US alone.
We even consulted one of our fave Registered Dietitians, Elaine Magee, on her thoughts around this emerging product. She was absolutely thrilled to learn Open Nature® Air-Chilled chickens are fed a flaxseed-rich diet. “Flaxseed is one of the more powerful plant foods on the planet,” notes Elaine. Flaxseed is rich in plant omega-3 fatty acids but also brings both types of fiber and assorted antioxidant plant compounds to the air chilled chicken’s diet.
Okay, sure, that all sounds great. But how can I use it? It’s really quite simple! Add air chilled chicken to your favorite recipes and find 7 of our faves below! From soup to salad and everything in between, there is an air chilled chicken recipe for everyone to enjoy (even the kids!).
Salad
Whether you enjoy this Chicken & Wilted Spinach Salad as a starter before dinner or as a hearty and healthy lunch, you will love how easy it is to make and how perfectly the air chilled chicken adds to the natural flavors of the spinach, red onion and hard-boiled eggs. And oh yeah, did we mention this salad is also topped with sliced pancetta or bacon? Um yum!
Weeknight Dinner
These classic dinners are a must-have in your weeknight dinner rotation! With only 15 minutes of prep time, this Lemon & Garlic Chicken recipe is quick, delicious and packed with protein. In this dish, the Open Nature® Air Chilled chicken breast is seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice, making it easy to make and universally enjoyed. “With so much natural flavor from the Open Nature® air-chilled chicken, you won’t feel the need to add flavor from ingredients that add saturated fat, calories or sodium, like butter or bacon,” Elaine explained.
For an added weeknight kick, try this Spicy Chicken with Lime and Cilantro Quinoa recipe! Seasoned with just two ingredients—salt and cayenne pepper, this air chilled chicken dish could not be any simpler… or delicious!
Wrap
If you’re in a lunch break rut, try this Chicken Salad Wrap! Made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, grapes, celery, toasted pecans, feta cheese and Kalamata olives, this upgraded chicken salad is about as dreamy as it gets. Using Open Nature® Air Chilled chicken will allow even more of the Mediterranean-inspired flavors to absorb into the protein, making for a delicious and memorable lunch time dish. Elaine even says, “since Open Nature® Air-Chilled Chicken is naturally moist, you won’t miss the skin.” She went on to explain that skipping the skin will actually save you up to 28 calories per breast and 45 calories per thigh!
Soup
Put a new spin on the classic chicken noodle soup! This recipe features onion, celery, carrots, garlic and beans but Open Nature® Air Chilled boneless skinless chicken is the real star of the show, providing protein and rich flavor. Whether you are feeling under the weather or just need a warm bowl of heaven, this Dairy-Free Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken Soup is the solution to all of life’s problems!
One Pan Wonder
If you have one pan and 30 minutes, you are ready to whip up this One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Vegetable dish! Marinated in balsamic vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper, this tangy and flavorful air chilled chicken recipe pairs perfectly with roasted zucchini, pepper and onion, also tossed with balsamic vinegar. The absolute best part? Little to no clean up, of course!
Kid-Friendly
If your kids love fried chicken nuggets (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this Crispy Chicken Nugget with One-Minute Ranch recipe is baked and a delicious, healthier alternative. Coated with buttermilk, crushed crackers and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, this air chilled chicken dish will be a major hit among the young (and young at heart)! The one-minute homemade ranch will be the icing on top of the cake, if you will. And yes, it really will only take you one minute to make!
Are you ready to give air chilled chicken a whirl? Find your local store here, look for Open Nature® Air Chilled boneless skinless chicken breast and get cooking!