Follow these five tips to braai chicken perfectly at your next gettogether.
Elevate your braai skills at home by learning from Silindokuhle Mafenuka, 2024 Nando’s National Grillers Challenge Champion. Silindokuhle shares some invaluable tips on preparing the perfect chicken - read on and take your grilling skills to the next level.
1. Know Your Chicken
Silindokuhle emphasises the importance of knowing what perfectly grilled chicken looks like. “Firstly, you need to know how your chicken must look when it’s perfect. It must look nice and charred on the outside, so you know it has cooked through properly,” he says.
2. Avoid Over-Checking The Chicken
One of the most common mistakes people make is checking the chicken too frequently. Silindokuhle advises against this: “Don’t panic. While grilling with the skin side down, check it only once. The more you keep on checking, the less likely you are to get those perfect grill marks.” Instead, trust the process and allow the chicken to reach a golden-brown colour on the skin side before turning it.
3. Handle with Care
Turning the chicken can be tricky, but Silindokuhle suggests a simple trick: “When you turn your chicken, pull up a small section and be gentle so that the skin won’t be stuck on the grill.” This technique helps you turn the chicken without breaking the skin, ensuring that it stays intact and looks as good as it tastes.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
When grilling for a large group, it’s tempting to throw as many pieces on the grill as possible. However, Silindokuhle warns against overcrowding. “Don’t grill too many chicken pieces at once,” he advises. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and make it difficult to manage the the chicken effectively.
5. Have Patience
Finally, Silindokuhle encourages a relaxed approach. “Don’t rush,” he offers, emphasising the importance of trusting your instincts and the process. With practice and patience, you can achieve the perfect grilled chicken.
So, light up the coals, and follow Silindokuhle’s advice for perfectly grilled chicken for your family and friends.
Comments