Is expensive Chicken actually worth it?

Summary

The video explores the differences between inexpensive and premium chicken breasts through a taste test of fried chicken sandwiches. It delves into factors affecting chicken prices such as breed, raising methods, processing, and certifications. The taste test reveals that while premium chicken offers better texture, it doesn't necessarily enhance flavor in a fried chicken sandwich due to the absorption of additional water during the chilling process, which affects the crust adherence.

Takeaways

• 💲 The price of chicken can be influenced by four main factors: breed, how it's raised, how it's processed, and its certifications.
• 🐓 The breed of chicken affects its size and growth rate, with modern broiler chickens being larger and faster-growing than other breeds.
• 🌾 How a chicken is raised, including its diet and living conditions, can impact its flavor, texture, and cost.
• 🏞️ 'Free range' and 'pasture raised' are terms with specific definitions, but they generally mean the chicken had more space and outdoor access.
• 🥶 The method of chilling chickens, either water or air, affects the texture and moisture content, with air-chilled chicken potentially having a better texture.
• 🔍 Marketing terms like 'natural' or 'fresh' on chicken packaging are not regulated and do not guarantee specific qualities.
• 📄 Certifications like USDA Organic, Certified Humane, and Global Animal Partnership provide more reliable information about the chicken's quality and treatment.
• 🍗 The taste of chicken breast is generally bland and can be significantly influenced by added seasonings and fats.
• 💧 Water-chilled chicken breasts can absorb more water, which may lead to a less desirable texture when cooked, especially in fried chicken.
• 🥪 In a fried chicken sandwich, the texture of the chicken and the adherence of the breading are more important than taste, as the chicken breast itself is naturally bland.
• 🛒 The choice between expensive and inexpensive chicken breasts comes down to personal preference for taste, texture, and ethical considerations related to how the chicken was raised.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on understanding the differences between chicken breasts of varying prices and their impact on taste, texture, and cooking.

What are the four variables that affect the price of chicken mentioned in the video?

The four variables affecting the price of chicken are breed, how it's raised, how it's processed, and how it's certified.

What is the difference between air-chilled and water-chilled chicken?

Air-chilled chicken is cooled using cold air, which can make the flesh more concentrated, while water-chilled chicken is immersed in cold water, potentially adding up to 12% of its weight in absorbed water.

What does the USDA define as 'free range' for chickens?

The USDA defines 'free range' as continuous free access to the outdoors for over 51% of the animal's life.

What is the difference between 'pasture-raised' and 'free range' according to the Certified Humane certification?

Certified Humane defines 'free range' as at least 2 square feet per bird and outdoors for at least 6 hours a day, while 'pasture-raised' requires 1,000 birds per 2.5 acres or 108 square feet per chicken, with year-round outdoor access.

What is the significance of the breed of chicken in terms of flavor and texture?

The breed can affect the flavor and texture of chicken. For example, the modern Broiler chicken is bred for fast growth and may have a different taste and texture compared to slower-growing breeds like the air-chilled chicken.

What is the role of salt in enhancing the flavor of chicken breast?

Chicken breast is naturally bland, so the addition of salt is crucial for enhancing its flavor. The sodium in chicken is not enough to be identified by our taste buds until salt is added.

How does the water content in chicken affect the frying process?

Higher water content in chicken, often found in water-chilled chicken, can lead to a less crispy crust and a soggier texture when frying due to the release of absorbed water during cooking.

What is the conclusion of the taste test comparing the cheaper and more expensive chicken breasts?

The taste test concluded that the more expensive chicken breast, which was pasture-raised and air-chilled, provided a firmer and more tender texture, but the taste and aroma were similar between the cheaper and more expensive options.

What advice does the video give regarding the purchase of expensive chicken breast?

The video suggests that while expensive chicken breast may offer better texture, you can still make good fried chicken with cheaper, water-chilled, or non-organic chicken. The decision to purchase should be based on personal preference and household needs.