Moroccan Braised Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

2 kg chicken, cut into 8 pieces
500 g onions, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger (Askin Jbir)
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon red olives
1 preserved lemon, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

- Thoroughly wash and clean the chicken. Cut it into 8 pieces: separate the thighs from the legs, remove the wings with kitchen scissors, and divide the breast into two pieces.

2. Cook the Chicken:

- In a large pot, combine the chopped chicken, two sliced onions, minced garlic, salt, ginger, saffron, sweet red pepper, chopped tomatoes, and a cup of olive oil.

- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even browning.

3. Braise the Chicken:

- Add 1 liter of water to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook the chicken for 45 minutes, checking periodically to monitor water absorption, and add more water if necessary.

4. Finish the Dish:

- Once the chicken and onions are nearly cooked, add the remaining sliced onion, chopped coriander, parsley, and cumin to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Serve:

- Arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with red olives and slices of preserved lemon.

Tips:

- Consider adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or turnips to the pot for added flavor and texture.

- For a touch of heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.

- This chicken, marinated in saffron and preserved lemon, is ideal for a special occasion, offering a rich and aromatic dish that's sure to impress.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Moroccan braised chicken!

Calorie Content of Chicken: A Comprehensive Guide

The calorie content of chicken varies depending on the specific part of the bird, the cooking method, and whether the skin and bones are removed. Common questions include: "How many calories are in 200 grams of chicken?" or "How many calories are in 1000 grams of chicken?" or "How many calories are in 100 grams of chicken?"

Calorie Content of Chicken by Weight

While the calorie content of chicken is typically calculated per serving, here's a general overview of the calorie content of a whole chicken based on its weight:

100 grams of chicken: 224 calories
200 grams of chicken: 448 calories
1000 grams of chicken: 2212 calories

Protein vs. Fat Content

Approximately 80% of the calories in chicken come from protein, while the remaining 20% come from fat. The calorie content increases when the skin is left on the chicken. This information refers to the calorie content of chicken without skin and bones.

Low-Calorie Chicken Cooking Methods

To minimize the calorie content of chicken, opt for cooking methods that avoid adding extra fats, such as:

Boiling
Roasting
Grilling
Steaming

Calorie Content of Different Chicken Parts

The calorie content of specific chicken parts can vary significantly. Here's a breakdown of the approximate calorie content per 100 grams of cooked chicken:

Chicken breast: 165 calories
Chicken thigh: 185 calories
Chicken drumstick: 195 calories
Chicken wings: 210 calories

Additional Factors Affecting Calorie Content

Apart from the part of the chicken and the cooking method, other factors can influence the calorie content, including:

Breadcrumbs and coatings: Adding breadcrumbs, flour, or other coatings to chicken before cooking can significantly increase the calorie count.
Sauces and marinades: Sauces and marinades, especially those high in sugar or oil, can add extra calories to the chicken.
Serving size: Be mindful of portion sizes to control calorie intake.

Chicken: A Lean and Nutritious Protein Source

Despite variations in calorie content, chicken remains a lean and nutritious protein source when prepared using healthy cooking methods. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.