Whole Chickens

[In the Kitchen]

Anybody buy more than one chicken at a time and have to cut them up? I guess I am just dreading doing all that dividing and packing. AmI the only one who feels this way? Overwhelmed? Better do something quick cause I don't have them in freezer. You can only keep them in fridge for 3 days right? When they are on sale you don't think about the work.

 

[htc]

actually never bothers me. though it could be because I used to work at a meat market.

Though I usually only buy whole chickens if I am poaching or roasting whole. Other than that, I get the frozen parts from Trader Joes.

 

[Chief Longwind Of The North]

Though pre-cut is easier, the whole chickens stay fresher, longer. You are doing the right thing by your family when purchasing whole chickens. Plus, when you take it a step further and bone the birds, you have the skins and carcasses to flavor stocks and gravies.

I like to purchase whole chickens rather than their pre-processed cousins. It's more work, but is worth it IMHO.

Seeeeeeya: Goodweed of the North

 

[In the Kitchen]

Wow! Just what I needed! Encourgement!! I can go in the kitchen and defeat that job. Thanks. Truly lets me know if I want the best I have to do more. Just having so many of them at once, just looks like I won't get it done quick enough. Would you call this anxiety? If I had to do for living, would get old fast. Thank you both so much for your time and most of all understanding. You have made my day.

 

[cafeandy]

if you don't have a freezer, you better start cooking. i don't know how many chickens you bought but this may be an opportunity to make a bunch of home-made tv dinners. go to wal-mart and buy those disposable plastic containers with 3 compartments and make a whole bunch of different recipes.

 

[kitchenelf]

A sharp knife certainly makes it easier but I find it intriquing finding all those perfect spots to cut through. You can do it!!!! And why not keep just 1 of them whole? Just stick it in the fridge when you're ready to thaw it.

 

[In the Kitchen]

You all ARE helping! Guess it is true more heads are better than one! Do appreciate it. You probably have been here before that is why the response. Thanks.

 

[cafeandy]

for the record, how many did you buy and what was the price? we pay .67/lb at wal-mart here.

 

[In the Kitchen]

for the record, how many did you buy and what was the price? we pay .67/lb at wal-mart here.

okay, you beat me. Where yours on sale price? Normally these chickens over dollar something. Our Wal Mart doesn't have grocery store. I bought six. What I like is have the backs for soup.

 

[cafeandy]

believe it or not, the price has been .67/lb at wal-mart for years. that's almost free although i can't remember EVER paying $1.00/lb. these are fryers i'm talking about. the big roasters are a different story.

 

[Claire]

I agree with everyone else, the butchering simply is NOT that difficult. Messy, and puh-leeze make sure to rinse your hands in warm water every few minutes if you're doing a lot. It is VERY easy to cut yourself when your hands are cold!!!! But I'm also of the notion of freezing them whole. Nothing like a great baked chicken, or thaw, then cut in half and put on the Weber (or whatever brand). Please, too, everyone remember that a bird that has been frozen will always be a little red at the joints, no matter how well cooked, and even more so the quicker you thaw it. So buy a good meat thermometer and use it! You'll save yourself a lot of grief.