Grocery
Whole Farm Chicken
What it is
This is a whole chicken, raised on a farm. It is a complete bird, ready for preparation. The chicken is typically sold with its giblets inside, which can be used for making stock or gravy. It is a versatile ingredient for many meals.
How people cook with it
Whole chickens are a staple in many kitchens, offering a foundation for a wide range of dishes.
- Roasting
- Braising
- Poaching
- Soups
To prepare a whole chicken, you can start by patting it dry. Seasoning the inside and outside with salt, pepper, and herbs is common. Many people choose to roast it in an oven, often with vegetables. It can also be cut into pieces for other cooking methods. The carcass can be saved to make a flavorful broth, which is useful for many recipes. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the bird.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to chicken parts, a whole chicken offers more flexibility in cooking methods and presentation. It can be roasted to achieve crispy skin and moist meat, a result that is harder to replicate with individual pieces. The bones and carcass contribute to richer flavors when used for stock.
How to keep the rest
After cooking, any leftover chicken should be cooled promptly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within a few days. Uncooked whole chicken should be kept in its original packaging and refrigerated.