There is a rare breed of chicken called “black chicken,” which is also called “Silkie chicken.” Its markings are all black. Because it looks and tastes so different, black chicken needs some extra care when you’re cooking it, but the end result is a tasty and impressive meal. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to make black chicken from beginning to end.
Let’s start with some background on this unusual ingredient. Black chicken originates from Asia and gets its dark coloration from a genetic condition called fibromelanosis. This causes hyperpigmentation in the chicken’s tissues, turning the skin, bones, muscles and organs black.
The Silkie chicken is the most famous breed for having this trait. People say that a silky ibis’s fluffy, silky feathers feel like silk or fur. Their meat is lean but tasty, and it tastes almost gamey and duck-like.
While you may not find black chicken at your regular grocery store, they can be sourced from Asian markets, specialty butchers and online retailers. Prices range from $15 to $30 for a whole bird.
Prepping and Sourcing Your Black Chicken
To choose a black chicken, look for one that weighs about 4 to 5 pounds and has smooth, unblemished skin. The best way to eat it is fresh, but frozen and thawed will also work.
Before cooking remove any feathers, innards and trim off excess fat. Rinse thoroughly and pat the outside dry. You can also brine the bird which helps keep the lean meat moist and well-seasoned.
Cooking Methods for Black Chicken
Due to its lean and slightly tough nature, black chicken benefits from slow, moist cooking methods. Here are some techniques to try:
Braising
This method turns the meat fall-off-the-bone tender. Brown the chicken first in a pan, then braise in broth and aromatics for 1-2 hours until fork-tender.
Slow Cooking
Let a slow cooker work its magic for 6-8 hours on low. Combine the chicken with vegetables, broth and seasonings.
Grilling
Go for medium heat and baste frequently while grilling to prevent drying out. Allow 10 minutes of resting time.
Roasting
Roast at 325°F, basting often, until 165°F internal temperature. Lower heat prevents drying.
Seasonings and Flavor Combos
Black chicken takes well to lots of global flavors. Try:
- Chinese – garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, rice wine
- Korean – gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, ginger
- Moroccan – cumin, saffron, parsley, lemon
- Indian – garam masala, curry powder, cilantro
- Cajun – paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, bell peppers
Don’t be afraid to experiment with marinades, spice rubs and glazes. Allow time for the flavors to permeate the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Black chicken offers visual appeal and intrigue to dishes like:
- Coq au vin or chicken cacciatore
- Chicken salad or wraps
- Chicken and dumplings or pot pie
- Chicken noodle or rice soup
- Tacos or fajitas with black chicken
- Chicken curry with fragrant spices
Take your recipe repertoire to new heights with black chicken. Just remember to cook it slowly and take into account how lean it is. If you know what to do, you can make a beautiful and delicious meal.
Step 3: Mixing Up Your Rub
Rinse off your Silkie and pat dry with a paper towel.
You will want the skin dry so the rub will adhere well. Too wet and it will slide off.
Mix together the paprika, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper and cayenne until it forms a thick paste.
Reserve 1 Teaspoon of your paste and set aside for later.
Introduction: Fowl Most Foul – Roasted Black Silkie Chicken With Smoked Paprika Rub
The Black Silkie is a small chicken with naturally black bones and skin and dark, rich meat. It is one of the birds that looks best with a dark dinner. Before you think the color of this chicken is a result of photo manipulation or dye, let me assure you, this is how these chickens are born and bred. The black color is a result of fibromelanosis, a rare genetic mutation of hyperpigmentation and is 100% natural.
Silkies look like they’re on the run from a Goth KFC, and their meat is much less greasy than any other chicken you can buy at the store because they are leaner. What they lack in grease, however, is more than made up for with taste. A Silkie tastes a bit like a traditional roasted chicken, but with a light touch of duck, giving it a subtle, exotic flavor that lends itself well to the smoky flavor of the paprika rub in this recipe.
How to Cook Black Chicken : Tasty Recipes
FAQ
How long does it take to cook black chicken?
It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook black chicken until it is tender. If you marinate the chicken for longer, the cooking time might be lower. What are the side dishes that complement the flavors of black chicken in this recipe?.
How to cook black chicken?
There are several cooking methods you can use to cook black chicken, depending on your preference: Roasting: Roasting black chicken in the oven can result in tender and flavorful meat. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices, and place it on a roasting rack.
How do you cook black chicken in the oven?
Set the oven to the temperature you want, add salt, pepper, and any other spices you want to the chicken, and then put it on a roasting rack. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Stewing: Stewing black chicken is a popular method that creates a rich and aromatic dish.
What are some good black chicken recipes?
Here are a few delicious black chicken recipes to get you started: Black Chicken Soup: Simmer black chicken with ginger, goji berries, and Chinese herbs for a nourishing soup that is believed to have various health benefits.
How do you Grill blackened chicken?
GRILLED BLACKENED CHICKEN: To grill Blackened Chicken, preheat grill on medium heat. Follow all steps as-is from Recipe Card. Instead of baking in Step-5, grill on medium-low heat until chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. For more flavor, brush with melted butter in last 5 mins of cooking.
What is black chicken?
Black chicken, which is also called Silkie chicken, is an interesting ingredient. Its dark, almost black skin is beautiful to look at, and it has a unique flavor and texture. Cooking black chicken requires some specific knowledge and techniques to bring out its full potential.
What’s the best way to cook black chicken?
Cook black chicken on a gentle simmer. Black chicken is the most delicious when the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. At this point, the skin will also have a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. You also want to cook the chicken long enough to flavor the soup richly.
Does black chicken taste different?
A lot of people say that black chicken meat tastes a little richer, gameier, or more savory than regular chicken, but some food blogs say that the difference isn’t that big. Some people describe it as having a more intense, earthy, or mushroom-like taste. Others find it to be more tender and succulent, with a slightly more pronounced flavor.
Is black chicken good to eat?
Research suggests that the dark meat of black chicken breeds like the Kadaknath provides a rich source of carnosine. Carnosine is a protein-building compound that has antioxidant properties, so eating black chicken meat may be a healthier choice than white meat.Aug 16, 2024
How do they make black chicken?
Black chickens, like Ayam Cemani and Silkie breeds, get their unique color from a genetic mutation called fibromelanosis. This mutation causes excessive pigmentation, resulting in black feathers, skin, and even internal organs.