Grocery
Fresh Chicken
What it is
This is a whole, raw chicken, typically sold with the giblets inside. The skin provides flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. It is a foundational ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
How people cook with it
Fresh chicken is a staple for home cooks and professional chefs alike. It can be prepared in countless ways, from simple roasting to complex braises.
- Roasting
- Grilling
- Braising
- Poaching
To prepare, rinse the chicken under cool water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can stuff the cavity with aromatics like lemon, garlic, and onion. Roast in a preheated oven until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, it can be cut into pieces for grilling, stewing, or frying.
How it differs from similar foods
Whole chickens offer a complete package for cooking, allowing for different textures and flavors from the breast, thighs, and legs. Unlike pre-cut parts, a whole bird can be used to make stock from the carcass, maximizing its culinary potential.
How to keep the rest
Refrigerate the raw chicken immediately after purchase. Store it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, ideally in a container or on a plate to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods. Use within one to two days for optimal freshness and safety.