Chicken Fondue: A Tasty, Easy-To-Make Dish

Chicken fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family. It's a simple concept: small pieces of raw chicken are cooked in a hot pot of oil or broth, then dipped in a variety of sauces. This paragraph will introduce you to the world of chicken fondue, covering the different cooking methods, important safety considerations, and the endless customisation options to make your next dinner party a fondue feast.

Characteristics of Chicken Fondue

Oil-based or broth-based fondue

Oil-based Chicken Fondue

Hot oil fondue is also called Fondue Bourguignonne. This method involves cooking small cubes of raw chicken in hot oil (180 to 190°C or 350 to 375°F) for a minute or two. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slightly larger than dice.
• Keep the chicken refrigerated until it's fondue time.
• Use a stainless steel or cast-iron fondue pot.
• Fill 2/3 of your fondue pot with oil. Do not overfill to avoid splashing hot oil on your guests.
• Turn on the burner and heat the oil to the desired temperature.
• Cook the chicken pieces for a minute or two.
• Let the meat cool off, then dip it into your chosen sauce.
• Repeat the process, but avoid double-dipping!

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. Here's how to do it:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Keep the chicken refrigerated until you're ready to cook.
• Use a fondue pot suitable for meat fondue, such as a stainless steel or cast-iron pot.
• Fill the pot with broth and bring it to a boil.
• Cook the chicken pieces in the boiling broth for a minute or two.
• You can also add vegetables to the broth.
• Dip the cooked chicken (and vegetables) into your chosen fondue sauce.
• Avoid double-dipping by using individual dip containers or special fondue plates with compartments.
• Keep extra broth on hand, as broth evaporates quickly or gets soaked into the food.

Chicken preparation

Chicken fondue is a delicious dish, perfect for a dinner party. You can choose between an oil-based or broth-based fondue, and both are equally tasty.

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of chicken you wish to use. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are a good option, and you will need one per person. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 2.5 cm cubes, or slightly larger than dice. It is important that the chicken is raw when it goes into the fondue pot, so ensure it is kept refrigerated until cooking time.

For an oil-based fondue, you can coat the chicken pieces with a delicious breading. To do this, prepare a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, chili pepper, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken on a plate lined with paper towels and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to cook.

If you prefer a broth-based fondue, you can simply keep the chicken plain, or you can thread the chicken pieces onto bamboo skewers for easier cooking and handling.

Cooking:

For oil-based fondue, fill your stainless steel or cast-iron fondue pot with oil to about two-thirds full. It is important not to overfill to avoid splashing hot oil on your guests. Heat the oil to 180-190°C (350-375°F). When the oil is at the right temperature, cook the chicken pieces for just a minute or two.

For broth-based fondue, prepare your broth in a saucepan or the fondue pot over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and add any desired seasonings or vegetables. Keep the broth at a low boil, and cook the chicken for 2-4 minutes, or until it is no longer pink in the centre.

Always ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving. Enjoy your chicken fondue with a variety of delicious dipping sauces!

Dipping sauces

When it comes to chicken fondue, there are a variety of dipping sauces that can be used to enhance the flavour of the dish. Here are some ideas for delicious and creative dipping sauces that will complement your chicken fondue:

Creamy Cucumber Sauce

This refreshing sauce is perfect for those who want something light and tangy to dip their chicken in. To make it, simply beat some cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then stir in finely chopped cucumbers and onions. This sauce is a great way to add a crunchy and cooling element to your fondue.

Teriyaki Sauce

A classic and versatile sauce, teriyaki sauce is a perfect match for chicken fondue. To make it, simply sauté garlic and ginger in oil, then add soy sauce, water, and sake. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add brown sugar and cornstarch to thicken it. This savoury and slightly sweet sauce will add a unique flavour to your chicken fondue.

Horseradish Mayonnaise

For those who like a little kick, horseradish mayonnaise is a great option. The sharp flavour of horseradish adds a spicy twist to the creamy mayonnaise, creating a bold and flavourful dipping sauce. This sauce is perfect for those who want to add a bit of heat to their chicken fondue.

Green Onion and Parsley Sauce

This sauce is simple yet packed with flavour. To make it, mix wine, vinegar, green onions, parsley, thyme, and tarragon in a pot and bring to a boil. Strain the liquid, then gradually whisk in egg yolks and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you have a delicious and elegant dipping sauce for your chicken fondue.

Tomato and Ginger Sauce

A unique and flavourful sauce, the combination of tomato and ginger creates a tangy and slightly sweet dipping option. This sauce is perfect for those who want something a little different, as the ginger adds a subtle spice and warmth to the tomato base.

Additional Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your dipping sauces! Other options include pesto, chilli sauce, guacamole, and even a unique raspberry-jalapeno jam for those who want something sweet and spicy. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect dipping sauces for your chicken fondue.

Cooking methods

Chicken fondue is a fun and interactive way to cook and enjoy your meal. It can be cooked in broth or hot oil. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook chicken fondue:

Broth-based Chicken Fondue:

For a broth-based fondue, you will need a fondue pot and a burner to maintain a high enough temperature. Tea candles won't be sufficient. You can use chicken broth, or vegetable stock, and add in vegetables, potatoes, meats, and other dippers of your choice.

Firstly, prepare your broth by bringing it to a boil in the fondue pot. You can add in spices and herbs like garlic, parsley, thyme, and salt to taste. Keep the broth at a low boil.

Next, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You can also add other meats like beef, and vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots. Keep the raw chicken separate from other raw foods and cooked foods.

Now, you can start cooking! Using long-handled fondue forks, spear the chicken and vegetables, and place them into the hot broth. Cook for 2-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is no longer pink in the centre.

Hot Oil-based Chicken Fondue:

For an oil-based fondue, also known as Fondue Bourguignonne, you will need a stainless steel or cast-iron fondue pot. Do not use other types of fondue pots as they may crack under the high heat and present a safety hazard.

Prepare your chicken by cutting it into 1-inch cubes. You can coat the chicken pieces with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, chili pepper, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper. Beat some eggs in a bowl, and dip each piece of chicken in the egg before rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a clean plate covered with a paper towel, and refrigerate until it's fondue time.

Fill 2/3 of your fondue pot with oil. Do not overfill to avoid splashing hot oil on your guests. Turn on the burner and heat the oil to 180-190°C (350-375°F). When the temperature is right, cook the chicken pieces for about a minute or two.

Always be cautious when dealing with hot oil, and do not move the pot once it's filled with oil. Ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked, and let it cool off a bit before dipping it into your favourite sauces!

Now you're all set to host your chicken fondue party!

Equipment

The equipment you will need to cook chicken fondue depends on the type of fondue you are making.

For a hot oil fondue, you will need a stainless steel or cast-iron fondue pot. Other types of fondue pots are not designed for hot oil and could crack under the high heat or present a safety hazard. You will also need a burner to maintain a high enough temperature—tea candles will not be sufficient. Ensure you have a long-handled fondue fork for cooking the chicken and a table fork for eating.

For a broth fondue, you can use an electric fondue pot, a Sterno fuel fondue pot, or a regular saucepan. If using an electric pot, be careful of the cord getting in the way. You will also need skewers for placing the chicken and other foods into the broth.

For both types of fondue, you will need plates for serving the raw chicken and cooked chicken separately, and individual dip containers or special fondue plates with compartments for the various dips.

Frequently asked questions