Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins you'll find in a UAE kitchen, showing up in everything from weekend biryani to quick weeknight stir-fries. The cut you choose can make a difference to how a dish cooks and turns out.

Here's a simple guide to popular chicken dishes and which cuts tend to work well for each.

Chicken Biryani

Biryani is a popular dish across UAE households, and bone-in pieces are often used because they can stay moist and flavourful through the longer cooking process.

Curry cut or other larger bone-in pieces can work well, depending on the recipe and portion size.

Chicken Curry

For a good curry, cuts with a little more fat, such as thighs, can stay moist through a longer simmer. Curry cut, which typically consists of bone-in pieces, is another popular option.

Grilled or BBQ Chicken

Drumsticks, wings, and whole leg pieces are popular choices for grilling or barbecuing. Their shape and texture make them well suited to cooking over direct heat, especially when marinated beforehand.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Stir-fries usually call for chicken that cooks quickly and evenly, which makes boneless breast a convenient choice. Cut it into smaller, even pieces so it cooks consistently.

Kebabs and Mince-Based Dishes

Chicken mince, like Fresh Chicken Mince, is a convenient option for kebabs, keema and similar dishes. It mixes easily with spices, herbs and marinades and cooks relatively quickly.

What Should You Check Before Cooking?

• Check the use-by date before cooking.
• Make sure the chicken has been stored and thawed properly.
• Keep raw chicken separate from ready-to-eat foods.
• If you're unsure about its freshness or how it has been stored, it's safer not to use it.

Tips for Cooking Chicken at Home

Marinating chicken before cooking can add flavour, especially for grilled or barbecued dishes.

When frying or stir-frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. Giving the pieces enough space can help them cook more evenly and brown properly.

Always make sure chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Still Deciding Which Cut to Buy?

If you're not sure which cut fits which dish, our chicken cuts guide breaks it down cut by cut.

Get Tonight's Chicken Delivered

Have the right cut ready before you start cooking. Get the QuicKart iPhone app or install the Android app to get fresh chicken and everyday essentials delivered to your door.

FAQs

1. Which chicken cut is best for biryani?

Curry cut, or larger bone-in pieces, can both work well for biryani, depending on the recipe and portion size you prefer.

2. What's the best cut for curry?

Thighs or curry cut are commonly used for curry, as they can stay moist during a longer simmer.

3. Which cut should I use for grilling?

Drumsticks, wings, and whole legs are popular choices for grilling, although other cuts can work depending on the recipe.

4. Is bone-in or boneless better for soup?

Bone-in pieces or a whole chicken are commonly used for soup, as they can add flavour to the cooking liquid as the soup simmers.

5. What's the best cut for kebabs?

Chicken mince is a convenient choice for kebabs and similar minced chicken dishes, as it mixes easily with spices and other ingredients.