Why You Should Buy (and Cook) Whole Chickens
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to grab a pack of chicken breasts and call it dinner. But if you’ve never experienced the flavor, value, and versatility of a whole pasture-raised chicken, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept secrets in real food.
We're about three weeks into our fourth year of raising meat chickens. Up until we raised our own, I had never cooked a whole chicken. Most people don't believe me when I say that, but it's true! I realized, rather quickly, that whether you’re feeding a large family, meal prepping for yourself, or just stocking your freezer with quality protein, whole chickens are the way to go!!
And with preorders opening soon for our pasture-raised birds, now’s the perfect time to make the switch. If you're still not convinced, keep reading for four reasons why whole chickens are the better choice...
1. Value for Your Money
Buying a whole chicken gives you more meat per dollar than individual parts. Instead of paying premium prices for breasts, thighs, or wings separately, you get it all in one package PLUS the bones for broth, which would cost extra on their own.
With a whole bird, you can easily:
- Roast for a Sunday dinner
- Shred leftovers for tacos, sandwiches, or casseroles - use immediately or freeze for later
- Make a hearty, mineral-rich bone broth from the bones and trimmings
That’s multiple meals from one bird, stretching your grocery budget without compromising on quality.
2. Unmatched Flavor and Nutrition
Our chickens are pasture-raised, meaning they live outdoors with access to fresh grass, sunshine, and bugs - just as nature intended. This natural, low-stress lifestyle leads to:
- Richer flavor and juicier meat
- Better fat quality (higher in omega-3s and lower in inflammatory fats)
- More nutrient-dense bones for your homemade broths and soups
Cooking a whole bird allows those flavors to shine. The skin gets beautifully crispy, the meat stays tender, and you end up with a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with store-bought cuts.
3. Less Waste, More Sustainability
Buying whole chickens supports a zero-waste mindset. You’re honoring the whole animal and using every part, just like the older generations did. From roasted chicken dinners to soups, sandwiches, and stock, you’re getting the full benefit of your purchase — and contributing less packaging waste in the process. I've even heard of people baking the skin for a low-carb chip alternative...talk about using the whole bird!
It’s a simple step toward more sustainable eating, which is no small thing.
4. Hands-Off Cooking with Impressive Results
Think cooking a whole chicken sounds complicated? Let's take a closer look at that.
With a few basic techniques, like roasting in the oven, grilling outside, or tossing it in a slow cooker, you can create flavorful, nourishing meals with minimal effort. In fact, roasting a whole chicken is often easier than cooking multiple parts. One pan, one oven, a few basic pantry items, and you’re done until it's done.
Plus, it makes your house smell amazing.
Secure Your Chicken Early
We raise a limited number of pasture-raised chickens each season. That means once they’re gone, they’re gone...probably until next summer. Preordering guarantees that you’ll have high-quality, local meat ready for your freezer - raised with care right here on our farm.
Whether you’re looking to stock up for summer cook-outs, meal prepping for fast and easy weeknight meals, or nourishing soups in the winter, now is the time to plan ahead.
Ready to Fill Your Freezer?
Our pasture-raised chickens are:
- Free from antibiotics and hormones
- Raised outdoors on pasture
- Supplemented with all-natural crumbles (feed)
- Processed by in small batches at a USDA inspected facility
Preorders open next week, and quantities are limited. Reserve your birds early and taste the difference that pasture-raised makes.