Is Baked Whole Chicken Healthier than Fried Whole Chicken?
In Singapore, whole chicken is everyone’s favourite! Although the average retail price of whole chicken in Singapore went up from April 2019 to July 2023, the ingredient is still a staple in many dishes!
There’s no denying how the tantalising aroma of a perfectly cooked whole chicken wafts through the air, bringing families together for generations. Although chicken is considered healthy and a rich source of protein, a culinary conundrum has been there since time immemorial- “Is baked whole chicken healthier than its fried counterpart?”
The cooking method does not just influence the taste and texture; it also impacts the nutritional composition of the dish. So, without further ado, let’s delve into finding out which whole chicken is a healthier alternative and end the longstanding debate.
Baking: A Nutrient Preserving Technique
When you bake chicken, you cook it in an oven, surrounded by dry heat. People who want to preserve the nutritional integrity of the whole chicken go for baking because, unlike frying, where the chicken is submerged in hot oil, baking requires minimal oil if you are using any. The absence of excessive oil significantly reduces the calorie content of the dish, and without subjecting the chicken to direct contact with high temperatures, you retain more nutrients in the dish.
Frying: The Crispy Temptation
On the other hand, frying leads to a crispy, golden-brown exterior that most people find irresistible. However, frying comes with some trade-offs in terms of nutrition. During frying, the chicken absorbs a substantial amount of oil, which leads to an increase in overall calorie content, and the high temperatures during the frying can break down certain high-sensitive nutrients, resulting in the loss of vitamins and minerals.
Baked Whole Chicken Dishes to Try
Singapore’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavours, and if you are looking for a healthier yet delicious option with whole chicken, there are several baked whole chicken dishes. For one, you can try the herb-roasted Haianese Chicken. A delightful twist on the classic Haianese chicken rice, this dish features a tender whole chicken marinated in fragrant herbs and chicken roasted to a golden perfection. Or, you can always go for other recipes like Peranakan Baked Chicken, Lemongrass and Turmeric infused roast chicken, the Mediterranean whole chicken roast, oven-baked soy glazed chicken or something else. Trust us when we say this- the options are limitless!
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