Wholesome Comfort: Classic and Innovative Chicken Recipes for Winter Nights

Cold winter nights call for wood fires, warm, fluffy blankets and cosy comfort food.  A hearty chicken dish for dinner is just the thing to brighten up a chilly evening. Whether your family is a fan of traditional classics or you enjoy experimenting with modern twists, chicken is a versatile and satisfying choice for winter meals. Whatever your winter tastes, Chicken N Things is right beside you in the kitchen with high-quality, fresh, ethically sourced chicken products.

Chicken – A Winter Dinner Winner

Chicken is a great all-rounder all year round, especially in winter. It is a familiar, comforting protein that easily adapts to different cooking methods and flavours. Whether roasting it in the oven to serve with three veg, simmering it in a stew or grilling it for a smoky flavour, chicken always delivers. Its mild flavour profile also makes it perfect for pairing with all sorts of herbs, spices, and sauces. From nostalgia-evoking classic dishes to inventive recipes a MasterChef would be proud to serve, chicken can be the star of all manner of winter feasts.

Classic Comforts: Timeless Chicken Recipes

When it comes to cosy winter meals, there’s something special about classic chicken dishes that remind us of home. These timeless winter warmers are like slipping into a snuggly onesie.

Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables

Ingredients: Whole chicken from Chicken N Things, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs, then place it in a roasting pan. Arrange the chopped root vegetables around the chicken, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 1.5 hours or until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.

Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients: Chicken breast from Chicken N Things, butter, onion, celery, carrots, peas, flour, chicken stock, milk, and pastry (store-bought, if you like).

Instructions: Sauté the chopped onion, celery, and carrots in butter. Add flour and cook for a minute, then gradually pour in chicken stock and milk to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked, cubed chicken and peas to the sauce. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with pastry. Bake at 190°C until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Chicken Soup with Dumplings

Ingredients: Chicken thighs from Chicken N Things, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, chicken broth, herbs, flour, egg, milk, butter.

Instructions: Sauté chopped onion, celery, and carrots in butter until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cooked, shredded chicken thighs and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. For dumplings, mix flour, an egg, milk, and a pinch of salt to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup and cook until the dumplings are fluffy.

These classic recipes are simple, satisfying and sure to make your home feel cosy on a cold night.

Contemporary Takes on Chicken

For those looking to add a little excitement to their winter dining, here are some modern and inventive chicken recipes that bring a fresh twist to the table:

Spicy Korean Fried Chicken (KFC)

Ingredients: Chicken wings from Chicken N Things, gochujang (Korean chilli paste), soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.

Instructions: In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a marinade. Toss the chicken wings in the marinade and let them sit for a few hours. Coat the wings in cornstarch and fry until crispy. Serve with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Mediterranean-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers

Ingredients: Chicken breast from Chicken N Things, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, rosemary, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers.

Instructions: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs. Thread the chicken onto skewers along with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve with a side of rice or salad.

Coconut Curry Chicken

Ingredients: Chicken thighs from Chicken N Things, coconut milk, curry paste, onion, garlic, ginger, and vegetables (such as capsicum and green beans).

Instructions: Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add your favourite curry paste and cook for a minute. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add chicken thighs and vegetables, and cook until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked. Serve with rice.

Experience a world of flavours without having to venture out into the cold! 

Cooking Tips and Techniques

When preparing chicken dishes, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

Season generously

Chicken benefits from a good amount of seasoning. Use salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices to enhance the flavour.

Check for doneness 

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 75°C.

Rest the chicken 

After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices and keep it deliciously moist.

Why Choose Chicken N Things?

Choosing high-quality poultry products for your winter warmers is easy with Chicken N Things.  We are proud to offer fresh, locally sourced chickens that are raised ethically and humanely. You can feel good about cooking with our products, knowing the chickens are well cared for and not full of unnecessary antibiotics or hormones.

Shopping at Chicken N Things means you’re getting the highest quality chicken for your meals.  Even better, our online store makes it easy to find what you need without needing to don your winter woollies and leave the house. From whole chickens to convenient cuts, check out our online store. Make new, cosy winter memories as you sit down to a delicious chicken meal with Chicken N Things.