Malaysians are hooked on chicken chop! One glaring reason the dish is in high demand is its versatility. There’s a version for every craving, from grilled chicken chops smothered in BBQ gravy to deep-fried, crispy cutlets topped with cheesy sauce.
As a restaurant operator, you might need to choose one cooking method for your chicken chop. Profitability and efficiency rely heavily on using the optimal practices and recipes after all. So, should you stick to grilling or frying? Before you make the decision, explore the pros and cons of each technique.
Grilled Chicken Chop: The MVP for Health-Conscious Diners
Grilled chicken chop calories are lower than those of its fried counterparts, thanks to the lack of added fats.
The numbers don’t lie. Market research by Oppotus reveals Malaysians eat out frequently, averaging 15-16 times per month. However, a shift towards health-conscious eating has become more evident: 46% prefer less salt, 45% reduce sugar, 36% choose low-fat, and 35% opt for low-oil diets.
The good news? A portion of skinless grilled chicken chop contains approximately 55 grams of lean protein and only 2 grams of saturated fat, making it a guilt-free choice. It’s also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like B6 and selenium, which are necessary for muscle growth and repair.
Grilling enhances the chicken’s natural flavours while allowing excess fat to drip away. As the meat cooks, the intense heat creates a beautiful caramelisation on the surface, adding a rich smokiness to the protein. Additionally, the fat that drains off during grilling significantly reduces the dish’s calorie content – a perk for weight-conscious customers.
Another advantage? You avoid hot, hazardous oil. Plus, this method eliminates the need for breading, which not only adds extra calories but also absorbs more oil.
However, grilling poultry is not without its challenges. Achieving a perfectly char-kissed chicken chop requires precise timing and temperature control. Overcooking the meat for even a few seconds can result in a dry and chewy texture. Brining the poultry the night before can help keep it juicy and tender, but it’s an additional step that requires time and effort.
Grilled Chicken Chop Recipes to Boost Your Menu
Transform the basic grilled chicken chop into an array of exciting dishes showcasing this cooking method’s versatility. Here are some inventive recipes you can feature on your menu.
1. Satay chicken chop with peanut sauce
Cater to Malaysians’ love for the sweet-and-savoury flavour combination with this satay chicken chop recipe. Grill the meat over the stove to lock in the juices, then finish it over direct heat to achieve that crispy, crackling skin. As for the sauce, mix peanut butter, turmeric, lemongrass, and dry chillies. Round out the meal with nasi impit and a splash of key lime juice.
2. Chicken chop burger with gravy
If your restaurant specialises in burgers, turn to this grilled chicken chop recipe to make healthier, flavour-packed patties. Marinate the protein in advance to keep it juicy during cooking. For the gravy, dissolve Knorr Demi Glace Brown Sauce Mix in water, bring the mixture to a boil, and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Then, stir in tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock to amp up flavours. Done and ready!
3. Cheesy orange demi-glace chicken chop
Here’s a kid-friendly dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. This cheesy chicken chop recipe features a rich demi-glace sauce with a citrusy twist. Plus, it gets a blow-torched cheese topping that even the kids at heart will appreciate.
Fried Chicken Chop: The Unbeatable Crowd-Pleaser
Fried chicken chop is a childhood favourite for many Malaysians.
The hype surrounding chicken chops has reached near-mythical proportions. Some people are willing to queue for hours just to get their hands on this crispy treat, and it’s easy to see why. From the aroma of freshly fried meat to the golden, crunchy crust, feasting on fried chops is as much about the sensorial experience as it is about the taste. But all this delight comes at a price.
While undeniably delicious, fried chicken chop is high in calories and fat. Each bite is laden with trans fats, which can quickly stack up and contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Additionally, the complexity of fried chicken recipes often means a longer ingredient list and higher food costs compared to grilled options.
Despite these drawbacks, fried chicken chop remains a surefire crowd-pleaser, especially for younger diners. Besides, who doesn’t love a little indulgence now and then?
Next-Level Fried Chicken Chop Recipes
Fried chicken chop may be a classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it to new heights. Elevate this nostalgic dish with these inventive recipes.
1. Crispy chicken chop with wasabi mayo drizzle
Give the OG fried chicken chop a zesty kick with a wasabi mayo sauce. First, marinate the protein in Knorr Chicken Stock to infuse it with umami-rich flavour. Then, coat it in all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. For the sauce, mix mayonnaise with wasabi paste and a dash of water. Pro tip: prepare several batches of sauce with varying levels of spiciness to suit all tastes.
2. Cornflake-crusted chicken chop with buttermilk sauce
If there’s ever a competition for the crispiest fried chicken, this cornflake-crusted chicken chop is a top contender. Begin by dredging the meat in a mixture of wheat and rice flour. Then, coat the battered pieces in crushed cornflakes for a golden exterior that stays audibly crunchy for hours. Serve the chicken chop with a punchy curry buttermilk sauce and creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
3. Salted egg fried rice with crispy chicken chop
This dish has everything your customers want in a meal: a generous mound of fried rice infused with savoury salted egg and the juiciest crispy chicken chops. What’s even better? It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish! For more heft, feel free to add other ingredients to the fried rice, like shrimp, diced vegetables, and peas. Top it off with fried garlic for extra crunch!
In the great debate of fried vs grilled chicken chop, the choice boils down to your restaurant’s target market. If your customers prefer low-calorie options, opt for grilled recipes. Conversely, if your audience leans towards indulgent comfort food, the fried version should be your go-to. Weigh all the pros and cons so you can plan your menu wisely.
