Effect of cooking methods on lipid oxidation, microbiological and sensory quality of chicken nuggets under refrigerated storage

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oven, steam and microwave cooking methods on lipid oxidation, microbiological and sensory quality of chicken nuggets. Nuggets were prepared and analyzed at a regular interval of 5 days from day of production to spoilage of products under refrigerated storage. Cooking methods significantly affected the lipid oxidation of nuggets under refrigerated storage. Highest lipid oxidation was reported in microwave cooked nuggets, however cooking methods did not affect the microbiological quality of nuggets during storage. Products were safe for consumption up to 15 days at refrigerated storage as the microbial count had not exceeded the permissible limit. Steam cooked nuggets had better sensory scores in comparison to microwave and oven. Overall acceptability scores for all the products were more than 6.0 at the end of storage period, reflecting more than moderate acceptance till the products were microbiologically safe. Subjects: Food Microbiology; Lipids; Meat & Poultry; Sensory Science