Poultry beyond chicken: How to cook duck in the oven & duck fillet

A simple guide for those who want to try something "special" at home

The chicken is the king of poultry. We all know it.
But if you want to try a more "refined", aromatic and special dish, then duck and duck breast are among the most beautiful choices you can bring to the family table.

The good thing? They're not as difficult as you think.

With a few basic instructions, you can cook a truly gourmet result... at home.

✔️ What to know before you start

The duck has:

• more fat
• more intense flavor, which goes well with fruits, honey, herbs
• shorter cooking times, especially for fillets

How to cook a whole duck

Ideal for the table, Sundays, holidays, gatherings.

✔️ The simplest method: Baking in the oven

Duck is best when cooked at a low temperature for a long time, so that the fat melts and becomes more tender.

Basic steps

1. Gently score the skin (without cutting the flesh).
2. We salt and pepper everything.
3. We fill the belly with orange, apple, thyme (or nothing – it turns out just wonderful).
4. Bake at 160°C for 1.5–2 hours.
5. Finally, increase the temperature to 220°C for 10–15 minutes to crisp the skin.

2. How to cook duck fillet

✔️ The most basic: Baking in the pan + oven

This is the technique that gives:

• crispy skin
• pink, juicy interior
• perfect balance of flavor

Step 1 — Preparation

• You carve the skin into rhombuses.
• You season well.
• You don't use oil (the duck produces a lot of its own).

Step 2 — Frying Pan

Place the fillet, skin side down, in a cold pan, without oil.
You light the eye at a medium temperature.

In 6–8 minutes, the fat will have melted and the skin will turn golden.

Step 3 — Baking in the oven

Turn the fillet on the other side for 1 minute and transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 180°C for 6–8 minutes.

For medium → 6 minutes

For well done → 10 minutes

Step 4 — Rest

Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into thin slices.