Chicken Fondue: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Chicken fondue is a fun and interactive way to serve a meal to a small group. It involves cooking small pieces of chicken in hot oil or broth, and then dipping them into various sauces. The cooking time for chicken fondue is typically between 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. It's important to note that the chicken should be thoroughly cooked, with no pink remaining in the centre. Before cooking, the chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces, slightly larger than dice, and kept refrigerated until it's fondue time.

Characteristics of cooking chicken in fondue

Oil-based or broth-based fondue

Oil-based fondue

Oil fondue is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. It is important to prioritise safety when handling hot oil to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience fully. Here are some key tips for an oil-based fondue:

• Use a stainless steel or cast-iron fondue pot. Other types of fondue pots are not designed for hot oil and may present a safety hazard.
• Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower seed oil.
• Do not fill the fondue pot more than two-thirds to halfway full with oil. The oil will expand and bubble when heated, and overfilling can lead to spills.
• Heat the oil to 180-190°C (350-375°F). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
• Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes of about 2.5 cm (1 inch).
• Cook the chicken pieces in the hot oil for about 1-2 minutes.
• Allow the meat to cool before dipping it into sauces.
• Be mindful of food safety and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
• Keep raw chicken refrigerated until it's fondue time.
• Prevent double-dipping by using individual dip containers or special fondue plates with compartments.

Broth-based fondue

A broth-based fondue is a healthier alternative to oil-based fondue, offering a significant reduction in calories, fat, and sodium. Here are some tips for a broth-based fondue:

• Use a fondue pot suitable for meat fondue, such as a Lazy Susan Fondue Set.
• Prepare a delicious boiling soup broth. You can control the ingredients and seasoning to suit your taste.
• Cut chicken into small cubes or slices, about the size of your palm.
• Cook the chicken in the boiling broth for 1-2 minutes.
• You can also dip vegetables into the broth, ensuring they are bite-sized and won't fall off the fork easily.
• Keep extra broth nearby as broth evaporates quickly.
• Be careful not to move the pot filled with hot broth, and be mindful of any cords on electric pots.
• Ensure you use the right equipment to maintain a high enough temperature. Tea candles may not be sufficient.
• Prevent double-dipping by using individual dip containers or special fondue plates with compartments.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken fondue depend on the type of fondue you are preparing.

Broth-based Chicken Fondue

Chicken fondue in broth involves cooking small cubes or slices of raw chicken in a boiling soup broth for a minute or two. The ideal temperature for broth-based chicken fondue is 375°F, just below boiling. You can use chicken broth or beef broth. To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, cook for about 3 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre.

Oil-based Chicken Fondue

Oil-based chicken fondue, also known as Fondue Bourguignonne, involves cooking small cubes of raw chicken in hot oil at 350 to 375°F (180 to 190°C) for about a minute or two. Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the centre.

Baked Chicken Fondue

A variation of chicken fondue involves baking chicken pieces stuffed with a compound butter mixture in an oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. This is then served with a cheese dip.

General Tips

Regardless of the type of fondue, it is important to keep the chicken refrigerated until it's time to cook. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slightly larger than dice, and ensure that the portions are equal to the size of your palm.

Additionally, always use the appropriate equipment, such as a metal fondue pot for high-heat fondues, and a burner to maintain the desired temperature. Tea candles may not provide sufficient heat.

Chicken preparation

Broth-based Fondue

Chicken fondue in broth involves cooking small cubes or slices of raw chicken in a boiling soup broth for a minute or two. You can use ready-made or homemade chicken broth. If making your own, place chicken in a large stock pot and fill with cold water. Bring to the boil and skim off the froth. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on a medium heat for at least 3 hours. Strain and add salt to taste.

Oil-based Fondue

Chicken fondue in hot oil involves cooking small cubes of raw chicken in hot oil (180 to 190C or 350 to 375F) for a minute or two. You can use a variety of oils, including peanut, vegetable, canola, or olive oil.

Cooking

Regardless of whether you use broth or oil, ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. To cook, dip the chicken into the boiling broth or hot oil with a long-handled fork or long skewer. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, keeping the broth at a low boil, until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre.

Portion Size

A portion of chicken should be equal to the size of your palm and cut into bite-sized pieces, slightly larger than dice.

Food Safety

Keep chicken refrigerated until it's fondue time. If you have different types of meat, keep them on separate plates to avoid contamination or salmonella.

Presentation

If serving raw chicken, arrange on a lettuce-lined platter.

Dipping sauces

When it comes to dipping sauces for chicken fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Creamy Cucumber Sauce

This sauce is a great option for a refreshing and light dip. To make it, simply beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with a spoon until creamy, and then stir in the remaining ingredients: 1 cup of finely chopped, peeled cucumber, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion, and some salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill the sauce for about 2 hours before serving.

Miracle Whip Dips

For something a little different, you can combine Miracle Whip with other ingredients to make two different dips. For the first, mix 1/2 cup of Miracle Whip with garlic and lemon juice. For the second, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Miracle Whip with an Italian dressing mix. These dips are great for adding a tangy flavour to your chicken fondue.

Teriyaki Sauce

This classic sauce is a great option for chicken fondue. To make it, sauté one clove of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of finely chopped ginger in 2 teaspoons of sesame oil for 30 seconds. Then, add 1/4 cup of sherry wine or sake, 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until it thickens. You can serve this sauce at room temperature or warm.

Tomato and Ginger Sauce

While there is no specific recipe for this sauce, it is mentioned as a potential dip for chicken fondue. It is likely a combination of pureed or finely chopped tomatoes and ginger, with additional spices and ingredients to taste.

Curry Sauce

Another sauce with no specific measurements, curry sauce is likely made with a combination of spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder, mixed with a liquid base such as coconut milk or broth, and thickened with flour or cornstarch.

Remember, when serving chicken fondue, it is ideal to offer a selection of at least three dipping sauces to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Fondue pot and utensils

Fondue pots are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, enameled cast iron, and cast iron. When choosing a fondue pot, it is important to consider the type of heat source, the material, temperature control, safety features, the number of forks included, and the size of the pot.

Electric fondue pots are a popular choice as they are easy to adjust the heat and can reach high temperatures, making them suitable for cooking with oil or broth. They are also a good option for cheese and chocolate fondue as the heat can be dialled down to prevent scorching. The Cuisinart 3-Quart Electric Fondue Set is a top-rated electric fondue pot that features a temperature probe with eight settings, a notched fork rack, and eight colour-coded forks. It is available for $80 at Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair.

Manual fondue pots use an open flame, such as a tealight or fuel burner, and can also be placed on a stovetop or burner. While they offer more flexibility in terms of placement, manual fondue pots may not reach the same high temperatures as electric pots. The Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is a highly-rated manual fondue pot that features a wrought iron stand, a gel fuel burner, and six fondue forks. It is designed for use with cheese, oil, broth, or chocolate fondue and can be purchased for $120 at Amazon, Walmart, and Sur La Table.

For smaller gatherings or fondue for two, the Boska Tea Light Tapas Fondue Set is a ceramic fondue pot that can be heated using a tealight. This set is easy to use and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

When selecting a fondue pot, it is important to consider the number of people you will be serving and the type of fondue you plan to make. Larger pots are typically better for parties or families, while smaller pots are suitable for couples or appetizers. Additionally, some fondue pots are specifically designed for certain types of fondue, such as meat, cheese, or chocolate.

Frequently asked questions