It’s a typical end-of-the-day: You’re running late and everybody’s hungry. What would make a good, last-minute main course with no muss, no fuss and plenty of nutrition? Chicken, of course!

Chicken is one of the most versatile foods around. It’s delicious baked, broiled, stewed, grilled or stir-fried. It’s convenient, too.

Chicken is chock-full of protein, which helps supply energy and build tissue. It is a very good source of niacin, selenium, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, helps produce energy from the foods we eat. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to cells and tissue. Vitamin B6 helps the body form hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Phosphorus helps build strong bones and teeth.

Chicken is naturally lower in fat than red meat, but 40% of its fat is in the skin. So the most nutritious way to eat chicken is to remove the skin — or to purchase boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. One exception: If you’re broiling, baking or grilling chicken, it’s a good idea to leave the skin on until the chicken is cooked. Otherwise, the meat will lose its moisture and become tough.

Keep these points in mind when cooking chicken:

• Store raw chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, and use it within two or three days.
• Make sure that raw chicken does not touch other foods; wash your cutting board, utensils and hands with hot, soapy water after handling raw chicken
• Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
• Always defrost frozen chicken on a plate in the refrigerator; the plate will collect any drippings.

Whether you buy fresh or frozen chicken and cook it yourself or take home rotisserie chicken from the deli, there are dozens of ways to turn it into a delicious meal for your family. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Combine chicken with canned chicken broth, diced carrots and your favorite small pasta for a hearty chicken soup, or add chicken to your favorite canned soup.
• Substitute cooked, chopped chicken for beef in your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas and burritos.
• Sprinkle seasoned chopped chicken on top of frozen cheese pizza for an extra protein boost.
• Need a great game-day meal? Add your favorite sauce to chicken wings, bake and serve!
• Make a quick stir-fry even quicker by using a package of pre-cut chicken strips.

There’s no question that chicken is nutritious, delicious and can be added to almost any main-course dish, from salads to stir-fries. Any day of the week, the answer to “What’s for dinner?” can be chicken.