Chicken - Just as with names for beef steaks and roasts the
terms for the common chicken can be equally confusing. Allow us to untangle all of
these terms... Also, see recipe suggestions at the
bottom of this page.
Chicken
Types and Flavor
Chickens are categorized by their age
and weight. The age of the chicken determines the proper method for cooking.
The fat content of the bird, size and age as well as cooking method will also affect the
flavor. For the best results use the proper method for the type of chicken you
choose. Also, when possible purchase the chicken from a store that sells high quality
birds.
Grading
Chickens are graded with the standard
USDA classifications of A, B, C. The highest grade is "A" and this is the
grade you should look for in your super market. The lower the grade, the older, and
less tender and usable the meat will be. The grade of the chicken appears on a tag
on the bird. You can always ask the butcher what grade chickens they sell before you
make your purchase.
| American
Name |
French
Term |
Description |
Age |
Weight |
Cooking
Method |
| Broiler |
Poulet Nouveau |
Younger, smallish chicken |
2 -3 months old |
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 lbs. |
Broil, Grill, Roast |
| Capon, Caponette |
Chapon |
Specially fed castrated male
rooster. Tender, juicy, flavorful meat. |
7 - 10 months |
4 - 10 lbs. |
Roast, Casserole, Poach,
Fricassee |
| Fryer |
Poulet de Grain (small) Poulet
Reine (larger) |
Smallish, older chickens |
3-5 months old |
2 -3 lbs. |
Broil, Fry |
| Roaster |
Poularde or Poulet Gras
Poularde |
A fat roasting chicken |
3 -5 months old |
2 -3 lbs. |
Roast, Casserole, Poach,
Fricassee |
| Old Hen, Cock, Rooster |
Vielle Poule Coq |
Older hen or rooster |
over 12 months old |
over 3 lbs. |
Stew, Fricassee, Soup,
Pressure Cook |
| Range or Free Range Chickens |
n/a |
A typical chicken lives
indoors in about 1'sqare foot of space. Range chickens are allowed double that, plus
allowed time to roam outdoors. They are fed special diets, and are commonly but not always
hormone, free, and "vegetarian" fed. This is said to produce a more flavorful
"chickeny" tasting meat. |
10 - 12 weeks old |
4 1/2 lbs. |
Roast, Casserole, Poach,
Fricassee |
| Rock Cornish Hen |
n/a |
Hybrid breed of the Cornish
and White Rock chickens |
4-6 weeks old |
2 1/2 lbs. |
Broil or Roast |
| Squab Chicken |
Poussin Coquelet (or pousson
in Louisiana) |
Small chicken |
4-6 week old |
3/4 - 1 lb |
Broil, Grill, or Roast |
| Squab (true) |
Pigeon' |
A fattened pigeon that is not
allowed to fly (so it's tender rather than sinewy) |
4 weeks old |
1 lb. |
Roast |
| Stewing chicken |
Poule de l' Annee |
Older, larger chicken |
10 -12 months old |
over 3 lbs. |
Stew, Fricassee |
|
Chicken Recipes
Almond Crusted Chicken Tender Salad
- Baby greens toppped with almond-crusted chicken tenders and a sweet orange
teriyaki-honey dressing.
Chicken Scaloppini with Porcini Powder
and Rosemary Sauce -
Recipe from
Mitobi.com provides an array of
mushroom products, wholesale.
T
30 Minute Chicken Tamales
- esus's 30 Minute
Chicken Tamales from the makers of Maseca masa.
Warm Chicken Salad with Pine Nuts
A South Beach Diet Phase I friendly recipe. Recipe copyright EatingWell, The
Magazine of Food & Health
Chicken Piccata -
A quick and
flavorful chicken dish which is quick enough for everyday meals or elegant
enough for company. For a 'special' presentation get all ingredients
prepared and placed in small glass dishes. Do the cooking at the table using
a chafing dish
Chicken Curry with Red Bell
Peppers - spiced with
curry paste and ginger root
Arroz con Pollo
- Classic chicken with rice
Chicken Taquitos - Crisp fried tortillas
filled with shredded chicken then topped with a warm salsa made of tomatoes,
onion, chiles, and cilantro. Recipe by
Cacique, producers of Mexican cheeses and
dairy products.
Related Articles
How To Cut Up A Chicken - step by step
instructions on the most economical way to cup up a whole chicken.
Chickens - Don't know a capon from a squab?
Our hand chart describes each term including best cooking methods.
More
Poultry Recipe
Suggestions
Rock cornish hens
Squab
Capon
All Poulty Recipes |
