From Claws to Cuisine: How to Prepare Chicken Feet for Delicious Eating

Let’s face it – chicken feet aren’t exactly the first thing most Westerners think of when planning dinner. But trust me, these underappreciated poultry parts pack serious flavor and health benefits when prepared properly! I’ve been experimenting with chicken feet recipes for years, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know about transforming these odd-looking appendages into delectable dishes.

Why Eat Chicken Feet? The Benefits You’re Missing

Before we dive into preparation methods let’s talk about why chicken feet deserve a spot on your plate

• Rich in Collagen: Chicken feet are loaded with collagen, which supports gut health, improves skin elasticity, and strengthens bones and joints.
• Natural Glucosamine Source: They contain glucosamine that reduces inflammation and supports joint mobility.
• Nutrient Powerhouse: They’re packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, plus B vitamins.
• Flavor Bomb: When simmered, chicken feet create an incredibly rich, gelatinous broth that adds depth to soups, stews, and sauces.

Where to Find Chicken Feet

You might be wondering where to get your hands on some quality chicken feet Here are your best options

• Grocery Stores: Check the meat or freezer section (sometimes in the international foods aisle)
• Asian or International Markets: Often sold already peeled and packaged
• Local Farmers: Connect with small-scale poultry farmers in your area
• Backyard Chicken Raisers: If you raise chickens or know someone who does, save those feet!

Essential Prep: Cleaning Chicken Feet Step-by-Step

Properly cleaning chicken feet is crucial before cooking. Follow these steps for the best results:

Method 1: The Basic Soak and Clean

1. Soak feet in cool water for about 30 minutes to remove dirt (longer if they’re particularly dirty)
2. Scrub each foot thoroughly under running water
3. Use a small knife to remove any remaining scaly yellow skin
4. Clip off toenails with kitchen scissors or nail clippers

Method 2: The Blanch and Peel Method (My Preferred Technique)

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a near-boil
2. Add chicken feet and blanch for 30-60 seconds
3. Transfer feet immediately to an ice bath to cool
4. Once cooled, the skin should peel off easily from the top of the leg down
5. Remove toenails by cutting through each toe at the first joint or pulling them off with tweezers
6. Rinse thoroughly under cold water

Pro tip After blanching, the skin should come off like paper! If it doesn’t peel easily, blanch for 15 seconds more and try again

4 Delicious Ways to Cook Chicken Feet

Now for the fun part! Here are my favorite methods for preparing chicken feet:

1. Making Rich Bone Broth from Chicken Feet

This is probably the easiest way to use chicken feet and a great introduction if you’re new to cooking them.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 peeled chicken feet
• Water
• Optional: vegetables, herbs, and spices for flavoring

Instructions:

1. Place cleaned feet in a large stock pot
2. Fill with water until the pot is about 2/3 full
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer
4. Let cook for 12-18 hours, or until the tendons break down and the feet fall apart
5. Strain the broth through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh colander
6. Discard the bones and cartilage
7. Use immediately or store for later use

You can also make this in a crockpot on high for the same amount of time, or use a pressure cooker to speed up the process (40 minutes on high pressure).

2. Deep-Fried Chicken Feet

If you want a crispy treat, deep-fried chicken feet are utterly addictive!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) cleaned chicken feet
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a saute pan, combine chicken feet, salt, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic
2. Add enough water to cover everything
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours until tender
4. Remove feet and let cool
5. Whisk eggs and flour together to make a batter
6. Heat oil to 375°F (191°C) in a wok or deep fryer
7. Dip each foot in batter, coating evenly
8. Fry in small batches until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes)
9. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce

3. Braised Dim Sum Style Chicken Feet

This is the preparation you’ll typically find in dim sum restaurants – succulent, flavorful, and slightly sticky.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) cleaned chicken feet
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 Thai chili peppers, chopped (optional)
• 1 inch ginger, chopped
• 2 star anise
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of water with salt and sugar to boil
2. Add chicken feet and boil for 2 minutes, then drain
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and oyster sauce, letting them marinate for 30 minutes
4. Heat oil to 356°F (180°C) and deep-fry feet until golden brown and dry
5. Place feet in a steamer and steam for 15 minutes
6. Add chopped garlic, green onions, chili peppers, ginger, and star anise
7. Steam for an additional 30 minutes
8. Transfer everything to a saute pan with 1 cup water
9. Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens
10. Serve hot

4. Roasted Chicken Feet

For a simple preparation with concentrated flavor, try roasting:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cleaned chicken feet
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Toss feet with olive oil and seasonings
3. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer
4. Roast for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway
5. They’re done when deeply browned and meat is pulling from bones

How to Eat Chicken Feet Like a Pro

Eating chicken feet can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. Here’s my guide to enjoying them without embarrassment:

1. Use chopsticks or your hands – Forks don’t work well with chicken feet
2. Start with the toes – Bite at each joint and suck the meat off the bone
3. Spit out the bones – It’s perfectly acceptable (and expected)
4. Move to the footpad – This has the most meat and cartilage
5. Enjoy the gelatinous texture – It’s supposed to be slightly jiggly!

Serving Suggestions: What to Do With Your Chicken Feet

Not sure how to incorporate chicken feet into your meals? Here are some ideas:

For Broth:

• Use as a base for Asian soups like pho or ramen
• Cook beans, lentils, or grains in it for extra nutrition
• Make rich gravies and sauces
• Create aspic or meat jellies

For Braised or Fried Feet:

• Serve as an appetizer or snack
• Add to stews and curries
• Serve over rice or noodles
• Chop and add to congee (rice porridge)
• Use as a crunchy topping for salads

FAQs About Preparing Chicken Feet

Q: Is eating chicken feet actually good for you?
A: Yes! They’re packed with collagen, glucosamine, and minerals that support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health.

Q: Do you eat the skin on chicken feet?
A: Once the hard outer skin is removed during preparation, the edible tissue is mostly skin and tendons, giving chicken feet their distinctive gelatinous texture.

Q: How long do chicken feet keep in the refrigerator?
A: Raw chicken feet can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Cooked chicken feet will last 3-4 days when properly refrigerated.

Q: Can I freeze chicken feet?
A: Absolutely! Both raw and cooked chicken feet freeze well for up to 6 months.

Q: My chicken feet smell strange. Are they bad?
A: Fresh chicken feet should have a mild poultry smell. Any strong, unpleasant odor indicates they’ve gone bad and should be discarded.

Conclusion: Don’t Be Chicken About Trying Chicken Feet!

I know chicken feet might seem intimidating at first, but they’re truly a culinary treasure once you get past their appearance. The rich flavor and incredible nutrition they provide make them worth the initial effort of learning how to prepare them.