How to Cook Chicken Like a Pro

7 Easy Tips for Juicy, Flavour-Packed Chicken

Chicken is a favourite in many homes, but getting it perfectly cooked can be a challenge.

Whether you’re roasting a whole chicken, grilling chicken breasts, or making a quick stir-fry, there’s always the risk of dry or bland meat. Don’t worry, though—The Meat Box, your trusted online butcher, is here to help!

In this guide, we’ll share 7 simple tips for cooking chicken that will ensure your meals are always juicy, tender, and bursting with flavour. Let’s get started!

1. Brine Your Chicken for Extra Juiciness

If you want your chicken to stay moist while cooking, brining is the way to go. A saltwater brine helps the chicken lock in moisture, so it doesn’t dry out in the oven or on the grill.

How to brine your chicken:

• Mix ¼ cup of salt per litre of water.
• Submerge your chicken (breasts, thighs, or whole chicken) in the solution.
• Refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.

Brining guarantees a juicy, tender result every time.

Best for: Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs or Whole Chicken from The Meat Box.

2. Pound Your Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking

Chicken breasts are thicker on one end, which can lead to uneven cooking. To avoid this, gently pound the thicker part of the breast with a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to make it an even thickness. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly, leaving you with perfectly tender, juicy meat every time.

Best for: Chicken Breasts from The Meat Box.

3. Get Crispy Chicken Skin with High Heat

Crispy chicken skin is all about using the right technique. Start by cooking your chicken at a lower temperature to keep the meat tender, then crank up the heat to around 220°C for the last 10–15 minutes. This will give you golden, crispy skin without drying out the meat.

For even better results, pat the skin dry with a paper towel before cooking, and rub a little oil or butter on the skin for that extra crunch.

Perfect for: Whole Chicken or Chicken Drumsticks from The Meat Box.

4. Marinate Your Chicken for Extra Flavour

Marinating adds loads of flavour to your chicken while keeping it tender. A simple marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders, but feel free to experiment with your own flavours.

Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for maximum flavour.

Best used with: Your favourite chicken cuts. For conveneince, opt for our pre-marinated chicken options including Chicken Honey Soy & Sesame Chicken Stir Fry or Chicken Nibbles Double Smoked

5. Use a Meat Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection (and safe to eat), a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 75°C in the thickest part of the meat. This helps you avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken, keeping it juicy and delicious.

Bonus tip: Once your chicken is done cooking, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavourful.

Ideal for: Whole Chicken or Sage and Onion Stuffed Chicken from The Meat Box.

6. Save Time with our Heat & Eat Range

We've done all of the hard work for you with our Heat & Eat range that offers ease without compromising on quality! 

Prepared using a Sous Vide method to ensure the perfect texture and flavour, these meals are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining where you want minimal effort and maximum flavour!

Ideal for: Butter Chicken or Chicken Thai Green Curry

7. Get Inspired with New Recipes

Using the same recipe over and over again for your chicken meals? Get inspired with our wide range of Chicken Recipes available on The Meat Box! 

Why Choose The Meat Box for Your Chicken?

At The Meat Box, we pride ourselves on being your trusted online butcher. We offer high-quality chicken delivered straight to your door through our convenient meat delivery service. Whether you're looking for chicken breasts, drumsticks, or a whole chicken, we've got everything you need to make your next chicken dish a success.

Shop Now and get the best chicken from The Meat Box, delivered fresh to your door with our reliable meat delivery service.