Fryer Chicken: Cut-Up Convenience For Quick Cooking

Yes, you can still buy fryer chicken cut up. A fryer chicken is a young, small chicken that is perfect for frying. You can buy a fryer chicken either whole or cut up into pieces. When cut up, a fryer chicken usually comes with two breasts, two legs, two thighs, and two wings. This cut of chicken is a great option for those looking for a convenient and affordable way to feed a family or large group.

Where to buy cut-up fryer chicken

You can buy cut-up fryer chicken from several places, including online butchers and physical stores. Here are some options:

Online Butchers

• Gerber's Amish Farm Chicken Cut-Up Fryer: This option includes 8 pieces (2 drums, 2 thighs, 2 breasts, and 2 wings). You can choose between bone-in, boneless skinless, or whole chicken options.
• John Henry's: They offer a cut-up fryer chicken weighing between 4 to 4.5 lbs. Their chickens are free-range and kept in large pens with outdoor access. The package includes 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 wings, 2 thighs, and 2 drumsticks).
• Fischer Farms: They offer an all-natural, whole cut-up chicken sourced from Indiana farms. The package includes 8 standard pieces. Fischer Farms delivers to doorsteps across the Midwest and beyond, with pickup points in Indiana and Chicago.

Physical Stores

• Schneiders Quality Meats & Catering: Located in Waterloo, IL, they offer cut-up chicken fryers. You can visit their store or potentially order online.
• Lake Geneva Country Meats: They have a blog post about cut-up fryer chickens, indicating that they likely sell them. Their physical store is located in Lake Geneva, and they also offer online ordering.

Cost of cut-up fryer chicken

Cut-up fryer chicken is a convenient and affordable option for those who want to enjoy delicious fried or baked chicken without breaking the bank. A cut-up chicken typically comes with eight pieces, including two breasts, two legs, two thighs, and two wings. These chickens are young and smaller, weighing around 3-4 lbs., making them perfect for frying.

The cost of a cut-up fryer chicken can vary depending on the source and the weight of the chicken. For example, John Henry's Meats offers a cut-up fryer chicken weighing 4 to 4.5 lbs. for a regular price of $35.99. On the other hand, Schneiders Quality Meats & Catering prices their cut-up chicken fryer by the pound, with the average chicken weighing around 3 lbs.

When considering the cost of cut-up fryer chicken, it is important to note that there is usually only a small price difference between purchasing a whole fryer chicken and a cut-up one. In some cases, the convenience of having the chicken already cut up into pieces may outweigh any minimal cost difference.

Additionally, cut-up fryer chickens can be a good deal because they include a variety of cuts, such as breasts, thighs, legs, and wings. As breast meat is typically the most prized cut, the prices of other chicken parts are driven down, making it more cost-effective to purchase a whole cut-up fryer chicken rather than individual pieces. This is especially true when feeding a family or a large group, as the eight pieces can easily satisfy different preferences and taste buds.

Recipes for cut-up fryer chicken

A cut-up fryer chicken typically comes in eight pieces: two breasts, two legs, two thighs, and two wings. Fryer chickens are young, small (3-4 lbs), tender, and perfect for frying. They are also great for baking. Here are some recipes you can try with cut-up fryer chicken:

Baked Cut-Up Chicken

A super simple recipe that delivers delicious results. Just season the chicken pieces and bake them in the oven.

Braised Cut-Up Chicken

This recipe builds layers of rich flavor. Braising with chicken is quick and easy, making it a great introduction to the braising technique.

Simple Fried Chicken

A classic recipe with classic seasonings. This dish is perfect for a Sunday dinner or summer picnic.

Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This recipe takes the heat up a notch with Tabasco sauce and other seasonings. It combines a spicy kick with a down-South buttermilk flavor.

Lemon Herb Broiled Chicken

A flavorful dish that involves cutting the chicken into halves, quarters, or eighths.

Honey Cornbread Chicken

Another tasty option that utilizes cut-up fryer chicken.

Bourbon-Peach Glazed Chicken

A simple yet elegant roasted chicken recipe that typically takes around 1.5 hours to prepare.

Nutritional value of cut-up fryer chicken

A cut-up fryer chicken is a young, small chicken that typically weighs between 3 and 4.5 pounds. It is cut into eight pieces: two breasts, two wings, two thighs, and two drumsticks. This cut of chicken is known for its tenderness and flavour, with each piece offering a unique taste and texture.

The breasts of a cut-up fryer chicken are lean and white, providing a familiar taste for those who prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thighs and legs, on the other hand, offer darker and juicier meat, while the wings deliver the classic chicken wing experience.

From a nutritional standpoint, fryer chicken provides a good source of protein. Chicken meat is also a good source of certain B vitamins, such as niacin and vitamin B6, which are important for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy nervous and immune systems. Additionally, fryer chicken contains selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties, and phosphorus, which is essential for bone health.

When it comes to cooking, cut-up fryer chicken offers versatility. The pieces can be cooked using various methods, including frying, baking, roasting, and grilling. However, due to the varying sizes of the pieces, care must be taken to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

In summary, cut-up fryer chicken is a convenient and affordable option that delivers on taste and nutrition. It provides a good source of protein and offers various cooking options to suit different preferences and recipes.

How to store cut-up fryer chicken

Storing cut-up fryer chicken correctly is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the meat stays fresh until you're ready to cook it. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cut-up fryer chicken:

Step 1: Allow the Chicken to Cool

If you've just cut up a whole fryer chicken, it's important to let the pieces cool down before storing them. Place the chicken pieces on a clean plate or container and leave them at room temperature for no more than two hours.

Step 2: Wrap the Chicken

Once the chicken pieces have cooled, wrap them securely in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Make sure each piece is well covered to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause bacteria to grow.

Step 3: Place in an Airtight Container

Place the wrapped chicken pieces in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against bacteria and helps to prevent odours from escaping.

Step 4: Store in the Refrigerator

Put the container or bag of chicken in the refrigerator, making sure it's set to 40°F (4°C) or colder. Raw chicken should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the lower shelves or meat drawer.

Step 5: Use Within Two Days

Cut-up fryer chicken should be used within one to two days of being stored in the refrigerator. After this time, there is an increased risk of bacterial growth, even if the chicken looks and smells fine.

Step 6: Freeze for Longer Storage

If you don't plan on using the chicken within two days, it's best to freeze it. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to two months and thawed in the refrigerator when needed.

Remember, it's important to handle raw chicken with care to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken, and clean all utensils, surfaces, and cutting boards that have come into contact with the raw meat.

Frequently asked questions