Are you a bacon lover who is looking for a healthier alternative? Or perhaps you follow a religious or personal diet that prohibits the consumption of pork?
Whatever your reason may be, chicken bacon might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Made from thin strips of chicken meat, this bacon alternative offers a lower fat and calorie content compared to traditional pork bacon. But what exactly is chicken bacon made of?
In this article, we’ll explore the origins and uses of this popular food item, as well as its nutritional benefits and cooking instructions.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of chicken bacon.
What Is Chicken Bacon Made Of?
As the name suggests, chicken bacon is made from chicken meat. Specifically, it is made from the leaner parts of the chicken, such as the breast or thigh meat. The meat is sliced into thin strips and then cured and smoked to give it a bacon-like flavor.
Compared to traditional pork bacon, chicken bacon contains less fat and fewer calories. It may also be higher in protein per strip because there is less fat and more meat. Additionally, it might require less salt to cure, so it could be lower in sodium. This makes it a healthier option for those who are watching their fat or salt intake.
Chicken bacon also offers an alternative for people who do not eat pork for religious or personal reasons. Several religions prohibit the consumption of pork on the grounds that it is an unclean meat. There are also people who simply do not eat pork because of the diet that most pigs eat. A bacon product made from another meat solves the problem for both groups of people.
The Origins Of Chicken Bacon
The origins of chicken bacon can be traced back to the early 1990s in Texas, where it was invented by an inn owner named Frank Sodolak. He came up with the idea of dredging bacon strips in batter and deep frying them, much like chicken fried steak. Sodolak’s version of chicken bacon became a local favorite and eventually gained popularity across the United States.
However, there is evidence that a similar recipe for chicken-fried salt pork existed as far back as 1954 in the cookbook Louisiana Cookery by Mary Land. This recipe used salt pork instead of bacon and was served with cream gravy or sausage gravy for dipping.
Despite its uncertain origins, chicken bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. It offers a healthier option for those watching their fat or salt intake and provides an alternative for people who do not eat pork for religious or personal reasons. With its unique flavor and texture, chicken bacon has become a staple in many kitchens and restaurants across the country.
How Is Chicken Bacon Made?
To make chicken bacon, the leaner parts of the chicken, such as the breast or thigh meat, are sliced into thin strips. The strips are then cured and smoked to give them a bacon-like flavor. The curing process involves adding salt and other seasonings to the meat and allowing it to sit for a period of time. This helps to enhance the flavor and preserve the meat.
After curing, the chicken strips are smoked using wood chips or other smoking agents. This gives them a smoky flavor similar to traditional bacon. The smoking process also helps to cook the meat and give it a crispy texture.
Compared to traditional pork bacon, chicken bacon has a lower fat content and fewer calories. It may also be higher in protein per strip because there is less fat and more meat. Additionally, it might require less salt to cure, so it could be lower in sodium. This makes it a healthier option for those who are watching their fat or salt intake.
Nutritional Benefits Of Chicken Bacon
The nutritional benefits of chicken bacon are numerous. One slice of chicken bacon has only 15 calories, making it a low-calorie option for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight. It also contains only 0.8g of fat, which is significantly less than traditional pork bacon. This makes it a great option for those who are looking to reduce their fat intake.
In addition, chicken bacon has only 4% of the daily value of cholesterol, with one slice containing only 13mg of cholesterol. This is a good amount, considering that high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
Chicken bacon also contains sodium, which is an important element for our health. It helps us to make muscle and increases fluid in our body. One slice of chicken bacon has 75mg sodium, which is 3% of the daily value.
However, chicken bacon does not contain as much protein as traditional pork bacon. One slice of chicken bacon has only 2mg protein, while pork bacon has 3g protein per slice. Therefore, it may not be the best option for those who are looking to increase their protein intake.
Cooking With Chicken Bacon
Cooking with chicken bacon is an easy way to add a smoky, bacon-like flavor to your dishes without the added fat and calories of traditional pork bacon. Here are some ideas for incorporating chicken bacon into your meals:
1. Add it to breakfast: Chop up some chicken bacon and use it as a topping for your morning eggs or sprinkle it on your avocado toast.
2. Make a BLT: Swap out the pork bacon in your classic BLT sandwich with chicken bacon for a healthier twist.
3. Wrap it around chicken: Wrap chicken breasts or thighs in chicken bacon before baking or grilling for a flavorful and moist dish.
4. Use it in pasta dishes: Add chopped chicken bacon to your favorite pasta dish for a smoky and savory flavor.
5. Top salads with it: Crumble chicken bacon over your salad for added crunch and flavor.
When cooking with chicken bacon, keep in mind that it may cook faster than traditional pork bacon due to its lower fat content. Be sure to watch it closely while cooking to prevent burning.
