[BetsyPage]

I have this HUGE pastured broiler/fryer in my freezer. I got it through my co-op and I was expecting one half that size. I am totally intimidated by it!

I had planned on using it to make stock, and then using the meat for chicken salad. But I'm not sure if that is the best use for it. Should I stick with that plan, or consider something else? It's totally the size that has thrown me for a loop- should I treat it like it's 2 chickens basically?

Thanks!

 

[Indigo73]

That is my favorite size to throw in the crockpot for stock and chicken meat.

I just plop it in with some onions, a cup of water and salt/pepper (or a pkt of onion soup).

Low for 8-10 hours. Admittedly I have a big crockpot.

 

[gardenmommy]

Place the chicken in a baking dish. Chop onions, garlic, and celery coarsely. Spread carrots around chicken in the dish.

Melt some butter, pour over the chicken, salt and pepper it, bake it at 325F for about 2-3 hours, or until done.

After you've eaten what you want from the first meal, pick the carcass clean. Place it in a crockpot, cover with water, and cook on high overnight, or until you are ready to deal with it.

Strain out the bones and bits. Use the broth for whatever you like: drinking, cooking, soups, etc.

Use the leftover meat for sandwiches, soups, salads, casseroles, snacks, etc.

 

[BetsyPage]

Thanks ladies!

 

[JessicaS]

You need parsley in that..how can anyone not use parsley??

ETA: Mushrooms are also good in it.

 

[artemis33]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardenmommy Place the chicken in a baking dish. Chop onions, garlic, and celery coarsely. Spread carrots around chicken in the dish. Melt some butter, pour over the chicken, salt and pepper it, bake it at 325F for about 2-3 hours, or until done. After you've eaten what you want from the first meal, pick the carcass clean. Place it in a crockpot, cover with water, and cook on high overnight, or until you are ready to deal with it. Strain out the bones and bits. Use the broth for whatever you like: drinking, cooking, soups, etc. Use the leftover meat for sandwiches, soups, salads, casseroles, snacks, etc.

That's just what I do as well! I get 5-6 lb chickens pretty regularly - you just have to roast them a little longer.

 

[cobluegirl]

yup what they said...lol roast it.

 

[2sweetboysmom]

I actually dry roast my birds in the crock pot. onions, cellery, carrot etc. in the bottom, dry rubed bird on top, then 2 T butter or olive oil on top of the bird. Lid on 6-8 hrs on high. Mine come out great and super yummy.

 

[BetsyPage]

Hmmm, I'm tempted to do it in the crock-pot b/c it's still pretty warm around here... but I'm not sure if it would fit in my crock-pot!

 

[cobluegirl]

well you could cut it up first to fit into your crockpot...hehe

 

[Threefold]

Or roast it, eat what you want, and then make the stock.
Remember the vinegar in the stock, it pulls more nutrients out of the bones.

artemis33, great user name! (Its my dd's name

)