kosher chicken recipes | video

Kosher cooking adheres to dietary laws outlined in Jewish tradition, which not only respect religious customs but also offer a range of healthy and flavorful dishes. Among the diverse options in kosher cuisine, chicken is a versatile and popular choice, perfect for various meals from everyday dinners to special occasions. This article explores a variety of kosher chicken recipes, ensuring that they comply with dietary laws while tantalizing your taste buds.

 

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Understanding Kosher Chicken

Before diving into the recipes, it’s essential to understand what makes chicken kosher. Kosher chickens are raised and processed according to specific guidelines. The chickens must be slaughtered by a trained individual (a shochet) in a humane manner, and all blood must be removed through a process called kashering, which involves soaking and salting the meat. Additionally, the chickens must be free from specific defects or diseases to be considered kosher.

Classic Kosher Chicken Soup

Chicken soup, often referred to as “Jewish penicillin,” is a beloved dish in Jewish cuisine, especially during holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole kosher chicken
• 4 quarts water
• 6 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
• Fresh dill and parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Matzo balls (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken thoroughly and place it in a large pot with water.
2. Boil: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
3. Add Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, onions, parsnip, dill, and parsley. Continue to simmer for another hour.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If using matzo balls, prepare them according to the package instructions and add them to the soup.
5. Serve: Remove the chicken and vegetables, shred the chicken meat, and return it to the pot. Serve hot.

Savory Kosher Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel is a favorite in many kosher households due to its crispy exterior and tender meat inside.

Ingredients:

• 4 kosher chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Coating: Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges and a side of salad or potatoes.

Sweet and Tangy Apricot Chicken

This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for Shabbat dinners or festive occasions.

Ingredients:

• 4 kosher chicken thighs
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for better flavor.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
4. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, alongside rice or couscous.

Kosher Lemon Herb Roast Chicken

A classic roast chicken with a bright, citrusy flavor is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is simple yet impressive, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole kosher chicken
• 2 lemons, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh rosemary and thyme
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Rub the inside with salt and pepper.
2. Stuffing: Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon quarters, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Season and Roast: Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place in a roasting pan and roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Kosher Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella is a classic dish with a blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Originating from the famous Silver Palate Cookbook, it’s a favorite for festive meals.

Ingredients:

• 4 kosher chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup prunes, pitted
• 1/2 cup green olives
• 1/4 cup capers with a bit of juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine prunes, olives, capers, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer chicken and marinade to a baking dish. Sprinkle brown sugar over the chicken and pour white wine around them.
3. Cook: Bake for 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve: Serve the chicken with the pan juices, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by a side of couscous or quinoa.

Kosher Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s perfect for casual dinners or a delicious lunch.

Ingredients:

• 4 kosher chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread, hummus, and fresh vegetables for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix olive oil with cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly. Marinate for at least an hour.
3. Cook: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let them rest, then slice thinly.
4. Serve: Serve the chicken in pita bread with hummus, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

Kosher Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a tangy, lemony dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 kosher chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
2. Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add capers, chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet to coat with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside pasta or a green vegetable.