Chicken, Capon or Squab?

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