Ever stumbled upon an unfamiliar cut of poultry at your local butcher, seen its name and wondered, “What in the world is airline chicken?” This intriguing culinary term might conjure up visions of in-flight meals, but the reality is far more delectable. Airline chicken, also known as a Statler chicken breast, is a showstopper on the plate that promises juicier, more satisfying meat than your everyday chicken breast. Curious to learn more about this intriguing chicken cut? Lets get into the delicious details.
Airline chicken breast is a unique cut of chicken that is different from boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you want to try something new when cooking chicken, look for airline chicken breast because it has juicy meat, crispy skin, and great flavor. Keep reading to find out what makes airline chicken breast special and how to cook it at home.
What Sets Airline Chicken Breast Apart
Unlike a regular chicken breast, airline chicken breast contains a part of the wing still attached. Specifically, it includes the chicken breast with the drumette (the upper wing segment) connected. Leaving the drumette attached gives the breast more surface area, allowing for extra crispy skin. It also provides a built-in handle for eating the chicken, which is part of why this cut first became popular on airplanes. The name airline chicken breast comes from its history of being served to airplane passengers since the drumette made it easy to hold and eat during a flight.
This cut is also known as Statler chicken breast, French chicken breast, or suprême breast. No matter what you call it, the breast with the drumette attached and the skin still on it are the most important signs.
Flavor and Texture Benefits
So why would you want airline chicken breast instead of a regular chicken breast without the skin?
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More flavorful meat—The bone-in drumette makes the chicken taste better. As the meat cooks, the bones add flavor by adding savory notes.
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Crispy skin – The skin gets ultra crispy and full of flavor when cooked properly. The ample surface area browns beautifully.
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Juicy meat – With the bone attached, the meat stays extra moist during cooking. Bones conduct less heat than meat, slowing cooking.
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Ease of eating – The drumette acts as a built-in handle, making this chicken easy to eat with your hands. The shape lends itself to being finger food.
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Fun presentation – Visually, airline chicken breast stands out more than a boneless, skinless breast. It looks impressive plated for company or served family-style.
How to Cook Airline Chicken Breast
Cooking airline chicken breast is simple and similar to cooking a boneless, skinless chicken breast. The main keys are getting the skin ultra crispy and ensuring the meat stays juicy. Follow these tips:
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Pat the chicken dry before cooking to remove excess moisture for crisper skin.
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Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent carryover cooking.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot enough for crispy skin.
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Sear the chicken skin-side down first in an ovenproof skillet to start crisping the skin.
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Flip and sear the second side. Then transfer to the oven to finish cooking through.
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Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. The bone may conduct heat less, so use a meat thermometer.
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Avoid overcooking. Pull it at 165°F for tender, juicy meat.
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Let it rest 5 minutes before cutting or eating for juicier meat.
Serving Suggestions
Airline chicken breast is extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
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Serve it with roasted veggies as an easy sheet pan dinner. The chicken fat will drip down and flavor the vegetables.
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Pair it with rice or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious pan juices.
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Drizzle it with a sauce like chimichurri, pesto, or garlic herb sauce for extra flavor.
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Serve it as elegant finger food at a cocktail party. Provide wet wipes for easy hand cleaning.
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Slice and add it to salads, grain bowls or tacos. It stays juicy and adds protein.
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Shred or chop the meat once cooked and use it in chicken salad, wraps, pasta dishes or casseroles.
Where to Buy Airline Chicken Breast
Since it’s a more specialty cut, airline chicken breast can be harder to find than a regular chicken breast. Check with high-end butcher shops or ask the butcher at your grocery store. You may need to special order it. Expect to pay $8-12 per pound since it’s considered a premium cut.
You can also debone a whole chicken yourself to get airline breasts at home. Remove the entire breast with wing attached in one piece. It takes some skill, but with practice it can be done.
Give Airline Chicken Breast a Try
If you typically reach for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, branch out and give airline chicken breast a chance. The crispy skin, juicy meat, rich flavor, and fun shape make this cut worth seeking out. Use it in your favorite chicken dishes or try a new recipe to highlight its best qualities. Airline chicken breast can liven up any chicken routine.
Airline Chicken Recipes To Try
Craving tasty, fuss-free, healthy chicken breast recipes? Look no further than these instant pot chicken tacos. Succulent chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a zesty blend of spices, shredded and piled high on warm tortillas. Top with your favorite fixings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and a dollop of cool sour cream for a satisfying handheld feast. This dish is both quick and easy to make, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s easy and quick to make a tasty and healthy meal, which makes it great for busy weeknights.
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
Make a tastier version of your usual mozzarella stuffed chicken breast with this delectable variation using airline chicken. Butterfly the airline breasts and stuff them with a heavenly combination of melty mozzarella, fragrant herbs and garlic before baking or pan-searing to golden perfection. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will impress anyone. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with something a little fancier.
Sometimes, you just need to grub on some good old-fashioned comfort food, and this crispy fried chicken fits the bill. Dredge your airline chicken in a seasoned flour mixture, then fry until its golden brown and delightfully crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery biscuits or a tangy coleslaw for a downright delicious spread. The crunchy outside gives the juicy chicken a great texture that makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
For a lighter option, try lemon-herb airline chicken. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary together and let the chicken sit in it for a while. Then, bake or grill until the chicken is cooked through and fragrant. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a refreshing and healthy meal. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the aromatic herbs, creating an airline chicken dish that is both simple and delicious.
If youre a fan of barbeque, youll love this masterpiece of a recipe. Coat the airline chicken in your favorite barbeque sauce and bake or grill until its tender and slightly caramelized. Serve with classic barbeque sides like baked beans, cornbread or coleslaw for a meal thats perfect for summer cookouts or any time youre craving that smoky barbecue flavor. The sauce adds a rich, tangy taste to the chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
No matter which recipe you choose, airline chicken is sure to elevate your culinary game and have your guests raving. With its tender, juicy meat and versatile nature, this cut of chicken is perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether youre cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion or just a quick weeknight meal, these recipes are sure to satisfy you.
How to Fabricate (butcher) An Airline Chicken Breast
FAQ
Why do they call it an airline chicken breast?
Reports say that this chicken cut got its name because it was easy for people in tight airline seats to hold and eat. The drumette shape made it possible for people to do this. Others claim that this cut resembles the shape of an airplane, hence its cheeky name.
What is the difference between airline chicken breast and supreme chicken breast?
What is a Chicken Supreme? A Chicken Supreme is a certain cut of skin-on, boneless chicken breast where the wing is still attached up to the first joint. A chicken supreme is the same as an airline chicken breast and a Statler chicken breast.
Why is airline chicken better?
Above and beyond the wing-like shape, this worked so well is because food for air travel needs to be cooked way ahead of time, which means it can dry out, especially something like a chicken breast, but by leaving the wing joint attached, that becomes a little less likely.
Is airline chicken expensive?
$7. 99. Our USDA certified airline chicken features a bone-in breast with the drumette portion still attached. This provides a tender, flavorful cut with an elegant presentation.