Chicken Fondue: A Creative Way To Use Your Pot

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to cook and enjoy food with friends and family. While cheese and chocolate fondue are popular, savoury meat fondues are also possible. But can you cook chicken in a fondue pot? The answer is yes! Chicken fondue is a delicious way to cook and enjoy chicken, and there are several ways to do it. You can use a broth or stock-based fondue, where you dip chicken pieces into the hot broth and cook them until they are done. You can also use a hot oil fondue, where you coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and cheese and then fry it in hot oil. So, if you're looking for a unique and tasty way to cook chicken, give chicken fondue a try!

Chicken stock fondue

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• Boneless beef sirloin, cubed
• Tuna or halibut fillets, cubed
• Carrots, sliced
• Small Chinese cabbage, chopped
• White potatoes, whole and canned
• Green snap peas
• Chicken stock
• Marinade ingredients (optional): lemon juice, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chilli powder, pepper, peanut oil, soy sauce
• Dipping sauces: toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, hot sauce, plum sauce, sweet and sour sauce, Thai hot sauce, peanut sauce, mustard, barbecue sauce

Method

Firstly, prepare all your vegetables, chicken and meat. If you are using the optional marinade, add it to the bowls of meat. You can also serve a variety of dips and sauces for your guests to use.

Bring your chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan. While you are waiting for the stock to boil, set out plates and bowls for your guests, and any condiments you wish to use.

Once the stock is boiling, transfer it to your fondue pot and light the heat source. Ensure your guests are seated and give them fondue forks. They can then spear their chosen ingredients onto the forks, using a carrot or similar to hold everything in place.

Make sure all the food is fully submerged in the stock and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. You can also cook rice to go alongside, and any leftovers can be simmered in the stock at the end of the night to make a flavoursome soup.

Tips

This recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences, so feel free to add or remove any vegetables or meats. If you are using an electric fondue pot, heat the stock on a medium setting. For a Sterno fuel fondue pot, partially cover the can so the fondue doesn't heat too quickly.

Hot oil fondue

Choosing the Right Equipment:

Use a stainless steel or cast-iron fondue pot specifically designed for hot oil fondue. Other types of fondue pots may not be suitable for high temperatures and could crack or present a safety hazard. Ensure your fondue pot is positioned appropriately and stable on the table.

Selecting the Right Oil:

Choose a neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower seed oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a strong flavour and a relatively low smoke point.

Filling the Fondue Pot:

Fill your fondue pot with oil to no more than two-thirds of its capacity. Overfilling the pot can be dangerous, as the oil will expand and bubble when heated. You want to prevent hot oil from splattering onto your guests.

Heating the Oil:

Use a thermometer to heat the oil to a temperature between 180°C and 190°C (350°F to 375°F). This temperature range ensures that your food will cook properly. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil's readiness by placing a cube of bread into it. If the bread browns in less than a minute, the oil is ready.

Cooking the Food:

Use fondue forks to cook bite-sized pieces of meat, chicken, or vegetables in the hot oil. The cooking time will depend on the type of food and your desired doneness. For example, meat should be cooked for 25-30 seconds for rare, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well-done. Be mindful of the amount of food you add to the pot, as it will impact the oil temperature and cooking time.

Dipping Sauces:

Provide a variety of dipping sauces for your guests to enjoy with their cooked food. It's recommended to have at least three dips to cater to different tastes. Some popular options include creamy cucumber sauce, horseradish sauce, chilli sauce, and garlic butter.

Remember always to exercise caution when working with hot oil, and if children are present, ensure they are supervised at all times. With the right preparation and safety measures, hot oil fondue can be a delightful and unique dining experience for everyone.

Electric fondue pots

There are many electric fondue pots available on the market, with a range of features and at various price points. Here are some options to consider:

Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Pot

This highly-rated electric fondue pot has eight adjustable heat settings and a non-stick insert for easy cleaning. It comes with eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place. While it is best suited for a smaller group, this fondue pot is a great choice for beginners and fondue enthusiasts alike.

Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot

This low-priced electric fondue pot is very easy to use and offers 11 heat settings. However, the thin pot material can make it unstable and cause uneven heating. It comes with six forks and is best suited for a group of four people.

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Electric Fondue Pot

The Hamilton Beach electric fondue pot has a capacity of three quarts and features temperature control. It comes with six colour-coded forks and is suitable for cooking cheese, chocolate, hot oil, and broth.

Artestia 2-QT Electric Fondue Pot

This electric fondue pot has a ceramic chocolate melting pot with an adjustable temperature setting and a glossy base. It comes with six fondue forks and has a capacity of 1500 watts.

Sunvivi Electric Fondue Pot

The Sunvivi electric fondue pot has a capacity of three quarts and features adjustable temperature control. It comes with eight colour-coded forks and has a non-stick surface for easy cleaning. It is suitable for melting chocolate, making desserts, and cooking with oil and broth.

These options provide a range of features and price points to consider when choosing an electric fondue pot. It's important to select a fondue pot that suits your needs, whether you're looking for a simple, low-priced option or a more advanced model with various settings.

Sterno fuel fondue pots

Sterno fuel is a brand name for fuel that comes in a container. It is a type of fondue fuel that can be used for hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue. It is a solid fuel source that comes in small cans and is made from gelled alcohol.

Sterno fuel is ideal for fondue pots that require a high temperature, such as those used for hot oil fondue. These pots are designed to withstand high heat and require a different type of fondue burner than those used for chocolate or dessert fondue.

When using Sterno fuel, it is important to follow safety precautions. The fuel should be placed in a burner designed to hold it, and the burner should be returned to a stable position under the pot before lighting it. It is also crucial to ensure that the fondue pot is appropriately positioned and not overfilled to avoid the risk of hot oil being splashed onto guests.

Sterno fuel is a convenient option for those who wish to enjoy a fondue meal, as it can be purchased online or at local grocery stores near the BBQ supplies. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the fondue pot and use the recommended type of fuel to ensure a safe and enjoyable fondue experience.

Chicken cooking time

If you are using an oil-based fondue, you will need to heat the oil to 180-190°C (350-375°F). You should only fill the pot 2/3 full to avoid dangerous splashing. Once the oil is at the right temperature, cook the chicken pieces for 1-2 minutes.

If you are using a broth-based fondue, you will need to bring the broth to a boil. Cut the chicken into small cubes or slices and place them into the broth for 1-2 minutes.

For a safe and enjoyable fondue experience, it is important to follow some basic guidelines. Firstly, ensure that you are using the correct type of fondue pot. For oil-based fondues, use a stainless steel or cast-iron pot, as other types of pots may crack under high heat. For broth-based fondues, you can use an electric fondue pot or a Sterno fuel pot. If using an electric pot, be careful with the cord to avoid any accidents. Secondly, always use long-handled fondue forks or skewers to cook the chicken, and provide separate regular forks for eating. Fondue forks can become very hot, so it is important to handle them with care. Thirdly, keep the fondue pot in a fixed position to avoid spills or burns. Finally, make sure that everyone is sober and careful around the hot oil and open flames.

Frequently asked questions