01 October 2026
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THE UNIVERSAL GASTRONOMY AUTHORITY
World Kitchen Journal
Chicken Recipes
The Kitchen
By Claire Beaumont, the Technique desk · 15d ago · Mexico · 3 min ·

Chicken Recipes

What are the parts of a chicken?

It's important to know the different parts of the chicken to make the most of them when preparing delicious dishes. Therefore, here's a summary of the different cuts and the best ways to prepare each one. In addition, there are other edible parts that aren't strictly meat and are often used in traditional recipes, such as the liver.

Chicken giblets. These include parts of the chicken such as the neck, heart, gizzard, liver, comb, etc. If you like to add flavor to your chicken broth, you can add some of these parts and take advantage of, for example, the benefits of the gizzards.

Chicken breast. It's the most popular part of the chicken because it can be cooked in many ways. Cooking it with the skin on adds a bit more flavor, and it can be enjoyed in various ways. It's the cut with the highest protein content and is also the part that tends to break down most quickly.

Wings. They're ideal for roasting, grilling, or frying. They're also the part that concentrates the most flavor when marinated because they have the perfect balance of natural fat and protein. That's why they can be prepared in different ways, such as sweet and sour wings, BBQ wings, or wings with mango habanero sauce.

Leg and thigh. They have a high intramuscular fat content, which gives them a special flavor. That's why they're ideal for more elaborate dishes like mole or adobo. Other secrets to their great taste? The bone, and the perfect marinade.

Chicken feet. This cut is high in collagen, which helps slow down aging. They're very easy to prepare; just clean them well and remove any nails and skin. They can be served as a snack with esquites (Mexican street corn) or added to broth or soup.

Chicken leg. This cut is traditionally Mexican and is the back part of the chicken, consisting of the shoulder blade attached to the breastbone. It can be used to make broth, as it adds a lot of flavor with vegetables or herbs.

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