Chicken for Beginners — 5 Simple Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Chicken is one of the most beloved ingredients in Greek cuisine. It goes into the oven, pot, grill, pan, and every time it can become a different, delicious, family dish. However, chicken easily “betrays” a novice cook: it can dry out, become tasteless, or cook unevenly.

If you want to serve juicy, tender, and safe chicken every time, check out the 5 most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: You wash the chicken in the sink
Many people believe they need to “rinse” it. In reality, this spreads bacteria to the counter and utensils.

✔ What to do:
Simply open the package, gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and get to cooking. Baking will kill any germs.

2nd Mistake: You put the chicken in the oven/pan while it's still cold

Cold chicken cooks unevenly: it dries out on the outside and remains “uncooked” on the inside.

✔ What to do:

Leave it out of the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before cooking. This way it cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Mistake 3: You don't dry it before cooking

If the surface is wet, the chicken will boil instead of browning.

✔ What to do:

Wipe it very well with kitchen paper before adding oil, spices, or placing it on the grill.

Mistake 4: You don't add enough salt and pepper

Chicken has a neutral flavor — it needs proper enhancement.

✔ What to do:
Generously salt and pepper everything, even under the skin if it's a whole chicken.
Want a more intense result? Try simple marinades with:

• yogurt and lemon
• mustard, honey, paprika
• olive oil, garlic, herbs

5th Mistake: You overcook it for fear of it being "raw".

Overcooking is the number 1 problem: it dries out and becomes tough.

✔ What to do:

Follow simple rules:

• Chicken fillet: 20–25 minutes in the oven at 200°C
• Legs: 35–45 minutes
• Whole chicken: 1 hour and 15' – 1 hour and 40', depending on weight

You can also make a small cut in the thickest part to see how well it is cooked.

Conclusion

Good chicken doesn't need effort — it needs proper preparation. With these 5 simple tips, you'll see a huge difference in the result. Tender, juicy, delicious and safe for the whole family.