Grocery
House of Raeford Whole Chicken
What it is
This is a whole, uncooked chicken, typically sold with the giblets removed. The skin provides a natural barrier during cooking, helping to keep the meat moist. It is a common item found in grocery stores for home cooks.
How people cook with it
A whole chicken is a foundational ingredient for many family meals. It can be prepared in numerous ways, from simple roasting to more elaborate preparations.
- Roast for a Sunday dinner
- Cut into pieces for frying
- Debone for stuffing
- Simmer for broth
To prepare a whole chicken, begin by rinsing it inside and out and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking. You can season it generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. For roasting, place it in a baking dish, perhaps with some vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Cooking times will vary based on the size of the chicken and the oven temperature, but a general guideline is about 20 minutes per pound at 375°F (190°C). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike pre-cut chicken parts, a whole chicken offers the entire bird. This means you have access to different cuts like breasts, thighs, and wings, each with its own texture and cooking properties. It also allows for making homemade stock from the carcass after cooking.
How to keep the rest
Keep raw whole chicken refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. Store it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods. It is best used within one to two days of purchase. For longer storage, it can be frozen.