Just because you have responsible health and fitness goals doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good buzz! There are plenty of cocktails and beers you can order without feeling any guilt about ruining your diet! Continue below for some top recommended, low calorie and low carb bar drinks, plus where to get the best drink specials in Downtown Indy this weekend!
Best Drink Specials in Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Low Calorie Cocktails For Any Occasion
Here are some common bar drinks that run in a very low calorie range. Keep in mind that these caloric values can differ slightly depending on brand, flavor, mixer, garnishes, and more.
Cocktails (1.5 Ounces)
Rum and Diet – 97 Calories
Vodka and Soda w/Lime – 96 Calories
Wine Spritzer – 100 to 125 Calories
Classic Martini – 128 Calories
Wine (5 Ounces)
Champagne or Prosecco – 96 Calories
Rosé – 130 Calories
White Wine – 127 Calories
Red Wine – 125 Calories
Riesling – 128 Calories
Beer
White Claw – 100 Calories
Light Beer – 90 to 105 Calories
Corona Light – 99 Calories
Miller Lite – 96 Calories
Michelob ULTRA – 95 Calories
Yuengling Light Lager – 99 Calories
Tonic Water Versus Soda Water
Tonic water is a type of soda water, but it contains sugar; although just a smidge, it makes a big difference in taste. Tonic water can contain up to 30 grams of sugar in a 12 ounce serving. Seltzer water is simply plain soda water. Club soda, on the other hand, is soda water that contains a bit of sodium, usually salt, and sometimes a few other additives. But it does not contain any sugar.
So, you had a little more to drink than you intended to last night? Bad hangovers are the worst. A standard hangover can be tolerable, still allowing you to pull it together and eek your way through your daily obligations. But when you have a hangover from H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks, it can feel impossible doing anything other than going back and forth to the bathroom. Fortunately, if you did in fact drink too much last night and today you feel like you are at death’s door, there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate your agony without even leaving your house!
Continue reading to learn some effective methods for curing a nasty hangover so you can get back to real life sooner than later!
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Hangover Treatment 101
Have a nasty hangover? Don’t let it get in the way of your day! Try these remedies to quickly reduce the ailing effects of over-drinking from the night before:
Drink Several Glasses of Water
This is by far the most important and most effective method for treating a hangover. Your body is deprived of hydration right now and needs as much water as you can give it in a 24 hour period. Aim for one gallon of water. This is a sure way to flush out all those residual toxins and get your body back to a normal state.
In fact, if you feel like you’ve had too much to drink before going to bed, drink a few bottles of water to lessen the symptoms of a hangover the next morning. This truly works, especially if you are prone to headaches when hungover. If you are a coffee or tea drinker in the morning, limit your intake to one cup. Too much caffeine can enhance your hangover symptoms.
Eat As Soon As Possible
You likely did not eat as much as you should before drinking alcohol last night. So, with your water, you will need increase your blood sugar levels by filling your belly with something that will give you energy and absorb the digestive acids in your stomach, which can cause indigestion, upset stomach, and acid reflux. It should also help reduce the feeling of nausea and prevent you from vomiting.
When choosing something to eat, you’ll want to reach for the phone and dial a pizza or Chinese delivery service, but don’t. Try to eat something hearty and healthy if you want to feel better soon, like eggs, oatmeal, whole grain breads, deli meats, grilled fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole wheat pasta are great choices.
Stay away from heavy creams, syrups, sugars, and grease. Highly processed foods and foods high in sugar will not make you feel better. They can actually prolong your hangover symptoms, like fatigue, headache, and upset stomach. You might just feel worse tomorrow if you spend all day consuming sugary frappuccinos, buttery cookies, and greasy fried foods.
Medicate Your Symptoms
If you are open to taking over-the-counter medication, consider taking Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and even an antacid to help alleviate your symptoms. This will help reduce body aches, headaches, and heartburn, and can even help settle an upset stomach. Never drink another alcoholic drink in the morning to alleviate your hangover. This will just prolong the inevitable. Try to not drink for a full 48 hours after curing your hangover too. This is the best way to get your body back on track after a night of drinking.
Are you looking for a Hair of the Dog? Or perhaps some delicious, hangover-worthy bites in Downtown Indianapolis? Come to English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery for our Thursday drink specials, including $5 Margaritas, $3.50 Corona Bottles, $3 Fireball, $5.35 Pitchers, $10 Beer Buckets. We also have a full bar that can make any cocktail you request!
Are you tired of the same old Manhattan or glass of red wine with your steak dinners? Vodka-based cocktails are the perfect pairing for beef entrees because they are light, refreshing, and full of flavor. But if you want to pair a vodka cocktail with your filet Mignon or prime rib, it is important to order the right concoction.
Continue below for the top 4 vodka cocktails that pair best with steak and beef, plus a bonus tip on where you can get a decadent prime rib special tonight in Downtown Indy!
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The Best Vodka Drinks to Have With Steak or Beef
Although it is arguably true that virtually any drink pairs well with steak, because let’s face it, steak is just that delicious, when you are aiming for a true compatible pairing, some cocktails complement the flavor and consistency profiles of mistake better than others. As for vodka cocktails, you should choose your cocktail that work well with the richness, beefiness, and fattiness of your average cut of steak.
Here are 4 Vodka Cocktails that Work Well With Steak or Beef:
Dry Martini
A classic dry martini made with vodka is an excellent pairing for a steak or beef dinner. Crisp and light, vodka martinis are an enjoyable complement to your steak and an effective palate cleanser. Order with regular queen olives or some salty blue cheese stuffed olives. Or take it up a notch and request something a little more, like capers and cocktail onions.
Bloody Mary
Tangy and bright, Bloody Mary’s aren’t just for breakfast; they have been a traditional steak dinner pairing for generations. The mix of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, seasonings, and creative or classic garnishes bring out the best flavor profiles in a cut of beef. For more expensive cuts of beef, it’s recommended to cut back on the heat. Ask your bartender to go light on the Tabasco or horseradish.
Ginger Mule
Ginger beer is crisp and refreshing on its own. Plus, ginger is excellent for digestion. When you’re eating a big cut of beef, improved digestion is a must. With factors like these, it is no surprise that the ginger mule is the perfect vodka cocktail for any steak dinner. Made from a combination of ginger beer and vodka, with a splash and garnish of lime, you just can’t go wrong with this order, no matter what you’re eating.
Vodka Soda
For those who really like a large glass of water with their meals, a vodka soda could be the perfect cocktail for your steak dinner. Vodka sodas can be garnished with your choice of citrus, traditionally lime, but you can also choose lemon or orange. They are crisp, icy, refreshing, and certainly hydrating considering they are 50% carbonated water. Not only are you abating dehydration from drinking alcohol, but you are aiding in digestion and complementing the flavor profiles within your cut of steak.
Nobody likes to waste food. Especially really delicious food! So, when you have some leftovers to stow away for another day, be sure you are making all the right moves. Continue below to learn how to properly store your leftover meals so they stay fresher for longer.
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It All Starts With Quality Food Storage Containers
Although it can be tempting to leave last night’s leftovers in the takeout box they came in, it is important to make the effort and switch containers before popping it into the fridge. Oxygen is a leftover’s worst nightmare, so airtight storage is a must for preserving your excess foods. Not only do airtight containers keep moisture in and bacteria out, but they also prevent odor leaks.
When choosing a quality food storage container, glass or plastic will do. If you are someone who often takes food on the go, plastic might be the more versatile option; just be sure to use leak-proof containers. Glass is also a great option, especially for home storing. Aim for a set made with borosilicate glass so that you can transfer the containers directly from the fridge or freezer into the oven or microwave.
Timing is Everything
Aside from air, there are other impactful factors that decrease the quality of leftovers, like time. It is important to get your timing right when stowing leftovers away, whether in the refrigerator or freezer. It is also important to enjoy your leftovers within a specific amount of time, while they are still safe to consume.
It is encouraged to place your leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you are through eating. If your leftovers are still warm, it is recommended to store them in a shallow container so they can cool faster. As for how long leftovers stay good in storage, it depends on whether they are frozen or thawed. When storing leftovers in the fridge, the USDA recommends consuming leftovers within 4 days’ time. In the freezer, food can generally maintain quality between 3 and 6 months.
Common Types of Leftovers and How Long They Last in the Fridge:
✤ Sushi, Sashimi & Poke – 2 to 3 Days ✤ Fish – 2 to 3 Days ✤ Steak – 3 to 4 Days ✤ Chicken – 3 to 4 Days ✤ Pizza – 4 to 5 Days ✤ Pasta – 4 to 5 Days ✤ Beans & Rice – 3 to 4 Days ✤ Salad – 1 to 2 Days
Now that you know how to make your leftovers last longer, test your skills by getting some delicious carryout tonight!Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place an extra-large takeout order at our highly-rated Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant so you can have your meals planned for the next few days! Or just stop in! No reservations required. Enjoy a wide menu selection of lunch and dinner options, plus drink specials, all at neighborhood prices!
Whether you have been a vegetarian for years or considering the transition, you might be surprised to discover that there is more than one way to adopt the vegetarian lifestyle. Scroll down to review the different types of vegetarianism practiced today and perhaps decide which is most compatible with your healthy lifestyle goals.
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The Benefits of a Vegetarian Lifestyle
Vegetarianism is revered for several reasons. Not only is a plant-based, meat-free diet suggested to boost heart health, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower cholesterol, but it is also good for the environment and the economy. It is also proposed that vegetarianism can abate Type 2 diabetes, prevent cancer, help manage weight, and even sharpen your brain!
Regardless of why you have chosen to become a vegetarian, your efforts will not be wasted. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are excellent sources of healthy, all-around nutrition. Before deciding on making the switch or modifying your current vegetarian diet, be sure to do your research or consult with your doctor to learn how to adequately nourish yourself with the right portion of protein, nutrients, and vitamins.
Most Common Types of Vegetarianism
The conventional vegetarian diet eliminates animal meat and fish, but still includes eggs and dairy. Yet the vegetarianism lifestyle entails a lot more than just that, and even makes room for personalized options. Traditional vegetarianism, which strictly excludes meat and meat-based products, is basically the umbrella category for a longer list of sub-categories of vegetarianism. These include pescatarians, flexitarians, lacto-vegetarians, ovo-vegetarians, and lacto-ovo vegetarians. Confused? Intrigued? Here’s a breakdown of each type of vegetarian diet:
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians
Lacto-ovo vegetarianism is just a fancy name for the traditional, universally-accepted vegetarian diet, which excludes meat and fish, but includes eggs (ovo) and dairy (lacto).
Flexitarians
A flexitarian diet is a great starting point for anyone who wishes to transition from a meat-eating diet to a plant-based one. Flexitarians basically maintain an 80:20 or 70:30 type of vegetarian lifestyle. So, while they mainly eat a vegetarian diet, perhaps on the weekends or special occasions they eat meat.
Pescatarians
Pescatarians practice the traditional vegetarian diet but also eat fish and seafood. This diet provides omega-3 fatty acids and other fish-derived nutrients that are good for our health.
Lacto-Vegetarians
Lacto-vegetarians keep dairy products in their diet, like milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. However, they omit eggs, fish, and meat.
Ovo-Vegetarians
Ovo-vegetarians keep eggs in their diet, but exclude meat, fish, and dairy products. Those who are lactose-intolerant prefer this type of vegetarianism.
Vegans
Vegans take vegetarianism to the strictest level, excluding all animal meat and products, including fish, eggs, and dairy. Some even avoid animal-based goods like leather.
You might be doing the whole “beer thing” wrong. So, if you are someone who likes to drink beer, then it is your duty to learn how to enjoy it the most. Review these tips to forever enhance your beer-drinking experiences. With so many styles, flavors, and brands of beer on the market, it can be quite the challenge choosing one to fit your mood. But with the right beer drinking knowledge, you can ensure that any beer you order or take home from the store will be a great-tasting brew. Understanding the proper ways to order, purchase, pour, and drink beer will immediately improve the way you enjoy the overall experience.
Continue below to learn if you’ve been drinking beer the wrong way all this time!
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How to Buy the Best Beer
If you are not brewing your own beer, chances are you are procuring it from a local store or brewery. If this is the case, you need to be on alert and choose a quality product. First, avoid buying bottled beer that is old and covered in dust. So, it is not likely to have the best taste and mouth feel. Always check freshness and expiration dates on all beers, canned or bottled. More importantly, do not buy it if it is too close or passed the printed date.
If you have the choice of selecting beer from a refrigerated area or beer from a shelf, go with the refrigerated products. This is likely to have to the freshest dates and flavors. Although it goes without saying, never buy beer that has been sitting in the sun. Likewise, avoid leaving your beer in the sun unless it is iced and cooled properly.
Also, do not buy bottled beer that has solid debris, flakes, or floaters inside. This is an indication of a poor-quality product. It can also make you sick. If you are drinking beer from a growler, it is important to consume it before it goes flat. Once flat, the taste and quality become compromised. Enjoy your growler within the first day or two of opening.
How to Drink Your Best Beer Yet
Beer should be served at proper temperatures, which vary depending on the style of beer you are drinking, as well as your personal preference. The way you pour and serve your beer also influence your total beer enjoyment.
First and foremost, beers that are lighter in body and color should be served quite cold, between 40 and 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Darker beers should be served slighter warmer than lighter beers, between 44 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are drinking a high-octane beer, room temperature will uncover its best flavors.
It is best to drink beer from a glass. When poured into the glass, a lot of the CO2 is released, thus enhancing the aromatics. It also reduces your carbonation intake, which is easier on your belly. When drinking beer from a glass, always use a clean one. Any settled dust or invisible pollen can alter the overall experience and reduce foam faster.
When serving beer in a glass, try to use proper style, such as Pilsner glasses, Weissbier glasses, wine flutes, and brandy snifters. Although this is not incredibly important compared to the other tips mentioned above, it can bring your beer-drinking experience o the ultimate level.
When pouring beer into a glass, go for at least 2 fingers of head depth. A fuller head delivers a fuller aromatic bouquet. To get experience the aroma the most, be sure to take a sip before the head dissipates entirely.
There’s just something about ginger beer and lime combo that really makes the traditional Mule cocktail so tempting. Well, they just got even better! There is more than one way to build a delicious Mule cocktail aside from the classic vodka ginger beer recipe.
Scroll down to learn 6 new Mule cocktails to add to your cock-tailing routine, plus where to get the best bar specials on Mules and more in Downtown Indianapolis!
Best Drink Specials in Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Appreciate a Copper Mug
Most admirers of Mule cocktails insist that they taste crisper and more aromatic when served in a copper mug. This is likely due to the fact that the copper decreases the temperature of the drink, thus delivering consistent, chill-worthy sips from start to finish. It is also said that copper mugs create extra fizz and carbonation, which in turn enhances the core flavor of the ginger, citrus, and mint inside.
6 Tasty Mule Recipes to Try
All Mule recipes below call for 1.5 ounces of liquor and 4 ounces of ginger beer. Serve them on the rocks, over ice, in a copper mug. Finish them with a splash of lime juice, then garnish with fresh mint springs and a lime wedge!
Dutch Mule
The Dutch Mule is today’s Mule; a classic made better! In fact, the Dutch Mule is made specifically with Ketel One Vodka. Simply combine Ketel One vodka with ginger beer and a splash of lime juice to bring this cocktail to life!
Kentucky Mule
In Kentucky, Kentuckians love their bourbon, which is what this delicious Mule cocktail is built upon! The Kentucky Mule is made exclusively with Bulleit Bourbon, which hails from Lebanon, Kentucky! Follow the traditional recipe, combining Bulleit Bourbon with ginger beer and a splash of lime!
London Mule
If you are a lover of gin, the London Mule is for you. Featuring Bombay Sapphire Gin, the combination of the floral bouquets awakens all the senses! When you want elegance with a little kick, opt for the London Mule!
Irish Mule
When whiskey is what you want, go for the Irish Mule, made specifically with Jameson Irish Whiskey! This rich and crispy combination will delight your taste buds and have you craving more before the last sip! Pair your Irish Mule cocktail with some fish and chips!
Mexicali Mule
Want something that will deliver some instant arousal? Get your fiesta on with a Mexicali Mule, made exclusively with Espolòn Blanco Tequila! This is a delicious alternative to a margarita or Ranch water cocktail. Something magical happens when you combine Espolòn Blanco Tequila with ginger beer!
Dark & Stormy
Brooding? Or just bored? Perhaps you need to spice things up a bit with a Dark & Stormy Mule! This incredibly satisfying cocktail can only be made using Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, so you can see where it gets its name!
Don’t let all this rain put a damper in your Hoosier spirit! Keep your hopes high for better weather this weekend! And even if the rainy, cloudy weather decides to stick around, there is still plenty to do in Downtown Indianapolis! Scroll below to review some of the top events and attractions happening in Downtown Indy this weekend that you do not want to miss, rain or shine!
Indiana Repertory Theatre Hi-Fi Annex IMAX Movie Theater Prime Rib Friday Special at English Ivy’s – Downtown Indianapolis
Looking for Something To Do This Weekend in Downtown Indianapolis?
Check out these top events and attractions happening now through Memorial Day weekend!
Steel Magnolias at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
A beloved Broadway-turned-movie classic has come to the Indiana Repertory Theatre! Catch the famous show, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, presented by OneAmerica Mainstage this weekend! Showing times run 2 hours and 20 minutes, which includes a 15 minute intermission. You can see a show anytime, from today through June 5th. Just be sure to bring age-appropriate guests, as this pop culture favorite tends to include a lot of mature, adult language! Tickets start at $25, and patrons are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
Gondola Rides By Old World Gondoliers
Saturday weather reports suggest a sunny, dry, and warm day! So, ask a date or grab your loved ones and reserve a Downtown Indianapolis Canal gondola ride! Take a marvelous trip down the canals of Downtown Indianapolis, Italian-style. Offered by Old World Gondoliers and offered through September 27th, your Gondolier will serenade you as take in the most beautiful canal views and all the charm of Downtown Indy has to offer! Reservations are required, and admission is $189 per boat, which can hold up to 8 passengers.
Top Gun at the IMAX Theater
Who doesn’t love Tom Cruise? Swoon over the Navy’s top action aviator heroes this weekend by catching Top Gun – Maverick at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum! Showings started today and go through June 9th this year. Relish in the shenanigans and adventures of Maverick, Goose, Lt. Bradshaw, and all the other cult favorites this Memorial Day weekend. This classic, good-time movie is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 131 minutes. Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for kids 12 and under.
‘Michigander’ Presented By Rock for Riley
If you like great music and a good cause, go Downtown this Friday, May 27, to check out Michigander – Rock for Riley at the Hi-Fi Annex. Presented by Rock for Riley, this show will also feature music by Public Universal Friend. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds made from the concert will directly benefit the Riley Hospital for Children. Rock for Riley is an admired philanthropy group that was founded and still operated by Indiana University School of Medicine students. Show your support and enjoy the best music this weekend at the Hi-Fi Annex! Tickets range between $20 and $25.
English Ivy’s Weekend Brunch and Dinner Specials
Before or after enjoying one of these awesome Downtown Indianapolis attractions, be sure to fill yourself up with a delicious meal and some buzz-worthy drinks at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery! All of the above-listed Downtown Indy events are within 10 minutes of our restaurant!
This Friday, relish in our famous $22 Prime Rib Dinner Special! Then choose from our $4 Effen cocktails, $5 Kettle One cocktails, and $3 House Wine by the glass drink specials. Hitting the town this Saturday, May 27th? Stop in from 11am to 3pm for brunch, featuring signature brunch dishes, mimosa carafes, $5 Tito’s Bloody Mary’s, Effen Screw Drivers, Irish Coffees, and an $18 champagne bottle served with an orange juice carafe!
Saturday evening, you can enjoy our delicious Mango Salsa Salmon or 10 oz. Filet special, as well as $4 Effen cocktails and $5 Kettle One cocktails. We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and brunch AGAIN on Sundays from 10AM to 3PM!
When you’ve got an itch for a night of melodies and crescendos, Downtown Indianapolis is the place to go! From jazz and R&B to string symphonies, brass bands, alternative, folk, country, classic rock, pop, and even cabaret, there is a place for everyone to catch their favorite genre of live music!
Scroll down for Downtown Indianapolis’s top 10 best venues to see live music, plus where to grab the ultimate dinner and drink specials nearby!
White River State Park – Downtown Indianapolis
Top 10 Venues for Live Music in Downtown Indianapolis
In no particular order:
The TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
801 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-233-2434 Website ✨ Indy’s most beautiful outdoor music venue offers a wide selection of concerts in the spring, summer, and fall.
The Rathskeller
401 E. Michigan St. The Athenaeum Building, Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-636-0396 https://rathskeller.com ✨ Serving Germanic fare with a European flare, the Rathskeller features a wide selection of live music genres, from country and fiddle players to brass bands, musicians, and more.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
125 S. Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-917-2500 https://www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com ✨ Although a sports venue, you can enjoy a long list of live music concerts, year-round!
The Cabaret
924 N. Pennsylvania St. Ste. B, Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-275-1169 https://www.thecabaret.org ✨ More than just live music, the Cabaret offers an assortment of live entertainment and performing arts.
Slippery Noodle
372 S. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46225 317-631-6974 https://www.slipperynoodle.com ✨ Being established in 1850 makes the Slippery Noodle Indiana’s oldest bar. They feature live blues every day of the week.
Old National Centre
502 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-231-0000 http://www.oldnationalcentre.com ✨ As the oldest standing stage house in Indianapolis, you will feel nostalgic while enjoying a symphony orchestra or ballet performance.
FOUNTAIN SQUARE DISTRICT:
HI-FI
1043 Virginia Ave. Ste. #4, Indianapolis, IN 46203 317-986-7101 https://hifiindy.com ✨ This historical live events venue is adults only and features an assortment of local artists and musicians.
1116 Prospect St. Indianapolis, IN 46203 317-686-9550 https://www.whiterabbitcabaret.com ✨ As an authentic cabaret bar, you can enjoy burlesque bingo night and all sorts of vaudeville-style variety shows.
Where to Get Pre-Show and After-Show Eats
Before or after enjoying a night out at one of these incredible and historic Downtown Indianapolis live music venues, be sure to fill yourself up with some delicious dinner and drinks at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery! All of the above-listed Downtown Indy venues are within 11 minutes of our restaurant!
This Friday, fill your belly with our famous Prime Rib Dinner Special! Hitting the town on Saturday too? Stop in again for our delicious Mango Salsa Salmon! We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and even BRUNCH on SUNDAYS from 10AM to 3PM!
You eat a lot of chicken. You love chicken. Your whole family loves it. So, you must be doing something right; right? Well, let’s check. So many people make mistakes when preparing and cooking poultry, specifically chicken but other birds as well. You can up your chicken cooking game by learning the top chicken cooking mistakes and adjusting them to meet even the most professional chef’s standards.
Continue below to review some of the most common mistakes made when cooking chicken and how to avoid them.
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Don’t Do This When You Cook Chicken
Rinse With Water
Do you have the urge to rinse your chicken breasts or tenderloins before you cook them? Professional chefs would cringe at the sight. Not only does rinsing do nothing to remove bacteria or otherwise de-sterilize your chicken cuts, but it will pose the risk of splattering raw chicken juices around the sink and surrounding kitchen, thus contaminating the sink, dishes, countertops, and more. Next time, simply pat your chicken with dry paper towel.
Over-Marinate
Many people love the results of a citrus marinade. Something about the citric notes and properties pair so well with chicken. But be careful not to make the mistake of over-marinating in citrus juices. This will only cause the meat to take on a mushy or mealy texture, which is very unappetizing. Over-marination can include marinating for too long or marinating using too much citrus juice.
When using a lime, orange, lemon, or grapefruit-based marinade, stick with a 2-hour marker. Longer does not mean better in all cases of marinading. For buttermilk or yogurt marinades, stick with a 24 hour time limit. Otherwise, you run the risk of over-tenderizing the chicken, which can have an unappealing texture and mouthfeel.
Use Only Boneless Skinless Chicken
So many people love to stick to what they like best, which is often the most convenient cut. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts certainly fit this bill. But do not make the mistake of using boneless skinless chicken for every chicken dish. Some chicken meals are better prepared using darker, richer cuts of the bird, such as slow-cooker recipes, soups, and stews.
Over-Stuff the Frying Pan
If you are cooking chicken in the cast iron or frying pan, do not make the mistake of over-crowding the pan. Putting too many chicken cuts in the pan at one time will do a lot to ruin your meal. First, the heat-distribution will be unbalanced, causing the chicken to cook much slower and unevenly. Also, over-stuffing the pan will prevent you from easily flipping and maneuvering each piece. Next time, use a larger skillet or cook your chicken in multiple rounds.
Use Expensive Olive Oil for Fried Chicken
If you love fried chicken and looking to step your game up next time you make it yourself, do not waste your time on expensive olive oil. Fried chicken does not need a fancy oil to taste great, so do not spend the money on the top shelf stuff. Not only will it likely burn and smoke up your place, but it will do nothing to enhance the flavor. In fact, it can make it taste bitter. Stick with your basic vegetable oil for fried chicken. If you insist on using olive oil, use a light one.
Cut Immediately
Many people make the mistake of cutting into their chicken immediately after cooking it. But this is a big no-no! The juices inside the chicken need time to percolate from the center to the skin. This will give you a juicy, mouthwatering chicken. If you cut into it right away, the juices will just flow out and you will have a dryer result. Instead, transfer the chicken to a wood cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then start slicing!
Simultaneously Pan Fry With Vegetables
You do not want to toss in stir-fry veggies with raw chicken into the same pan and cook them. Not only will the cold, raw chicken reduces the heat of the pan, thus increasing cooking times, but the juice will overwhelm the stir-fry vegetables, essentially boiling or steaming them. The result is cold, mushy, soggy stir fry. Instead, cook your chicken first, and just before it is done, toss in the veggies and seasonings.
