Heirloom chickens have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. But what exactly are heirloom chickens? And how are they different from conventional poultry breeds? This in-depth guide will uncover everything you need to know about these unique heritage birds.
A Brief History of Chicken Breeding
To understand heirloom chickens, we first need to look at some chicken breeding history For centuries, chickens were bred for utility – eggs, meat, docile temperaments, etc. Different breeds emerged with traits aligned to the needs of the era.
This changed in the 1940s-1950s when large-scale industrial production took over the poultry industry. Breeders held competitions focused solely on rapid growth and meat yield. The winning hybrids like the Cornish Cross, came to dominate the commercial chicken world.
While these commercial breeds excel at producing cheap chicken meat and eggs, they lack the diversity, flavor, and connection to history that makes heirlooms so special.
Defining the Heirloom Chicken
Heirloom chickens refer to breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) prior to the industrialization of the mid-20th century. While definitions vary slightly, true heirlooms generally have these traits:
-
APA-standardized breed – Have documented breed histories and guidelines.
-
Naturally mating – The ability to reproduce naturally, preserving genetic integrity.
-
Slow growth rate – Reaching market weight slowly, unlike commercial broilers.
-
Long lifespan – Selected for longevity, not just quick productivity.
-
Genetic diversity – Having a wider range of traits compared to highly specialized modern breeds.
Some key distinctions separate heirlooms from commercial poultry:
-
Flavor – Deeper, richer taste profile from slower muscle development.
-
Production – Slower growth and lower egg yields, but higher quality.
-
Appearance – More variety in size, plumage, and colors compared to commercial flocks.
-
Environment – Better suited for small farms and free-range systems.
Why Choose Heirloom Chickens?
Here are some of the main motivations for choosing heirlooms over conventional chickens:
-
Superior taste – This slower grown, free-ranging poultry simply tastes better according to avid foodies.
-
Sustainable agriculture – Heirlooms support smaller scale, pasture-based farming.
-
Genetic diversity – Preserving these unique genetics keeps poultry more resilient.
-
Connects to history – Heirlooms represent a link to older culinary traditions and farming practices.
-
Adaptable temperaments – Many heirlooms adjust well to small farms and backyards.
While less efficient for mass production, heirlooms offer an unmatched flavor experience and promote biodiversity.
Popular Heirloom Chicken Breeds
There are numerous heirloom breeds to choose from:
-
Rhode Island Red – A classic dual-purpose bird, raised both for eggs and meat.
-
Plymouth Rock – A cold-hardy, dual-purpose breed developed in Massachusetts.
-
Wyandotte – A hardy, cold tolerant breed noted for its beautiful feathers.
-
Orpington – A large dual-purpose English breed prized for meat and eggs.
-
Dominique – One of the oldest American chicken breeds, valued for its foraging ability.
-
Cochin – A fluffy, gentle breed originating from China often raised for exhibition.
-
Leghorn – A lively Italian breed that are prolific egg layers.
Each heirloom has unique qualities, so research thoroughly before choosing breeds for your needs.
Finding and Cooking Heirloom Chickens
Being rarer than commercial breeds, heirlooms take some effort to source. Here are some tips:
-
Check local farmer’s markets for pasture-based poultry producers.
-
Visit traditional butchers that work with regional farms.
-
Look for farm-to-table restaurants that highlight heirloom breeds on their menus.
-
Purchase online from heritage breed specialists.
Due to their leaner meat and firmer texture, heirlooms require some special preparation:
-
Cook using slower methods like roasting, braising, or pressure cooking.
-
Brine the meat thoroughly before cooking to retain moisture.
-
Bring the meat to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
-
Use the bones for flavorful homemade chicken stock.
The effort to find and prepare heirlooms is rewarded in full when you take that first succulent bite. There’s nothing else quite like the rich taste of a well-raised heritage bird.
Preserving Poultry Biodiversity
By seeking out heirloom chickens, you’re helping maintain valuable genetic diversity while supporting small sustainable farms. This is crucial for the future resiliency of our food system.
If you want an authentic poultry experience, look to the past. Let heirloom chickens strut their stuff on your plate for a flavor that cannot be replicated by industrial agriculture. These birds connect us to generations of farmers who took pride in raising traditional breeds adapted to local landscapes and tastes. With every bite of heirloom chicken, we preserve history while securing a vibrant culinary future.
Where are you sending this gift?
Enter their ZIP code and well make sure the cuts you want to give are available in their area. CHICKEN
Flavorful and farm traceable, humanely raised. No antibiotics or added hormones ever.
Raised outdoors in natural grassy habitats, heirloom chickens thrive with ample space to roam and forage. Their slow growth and natural lifestyle yield meat thats richer in nutrients, incredibly flavorful, and exceptionally tender—a true step above grocery store offerings. Pasture Raised
Organic Free Range Chicken
Certified USDA Organic, raised with utmost care using humane, clean, and safe practices. This commitment guarantees a healthy, nutritious option for your table, delivering chicken thats tender, juicy, and bursting with irresistible flavor. Organic Free Range
People increasingly want to know where their food comes from and how it’s cared for. At Farmer Focus, you get free-range, organic chicken that’s 100% traceable to the farm where it was raised. This commitment ensures you have the information you need at your fingertips.
How to Use the Whole Chicken
Whether youre roasting or breaking down the whole bird for multiple meals, using the entire bird maximizes your nutrient-rich, pasture-raised chicken. It’s incredibly versatile for various meals throughout the week. Check out these four delicious recipes using just one whole chicken.
Since launching Crowd Cow over 2 years ago, we’ve been connecting members with top ranchers producing some of the best beef in the world. We make it easy to support them, and now were expanding beyond beef with the same dedication to transparency and quality.
These are the best chicken wings I’ve ever had. Pastured Chicken Wings from Pasturebird stand out with the creamy richness of Manuka honey and the tangy heat of Sriracha Chili Sauce. Manuka honey is a superfood known to promote digestive and immune health, and it adds a special taste.
| Chicken Cut | Stove/Oven Temp | Avg Time | Finish Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast | Medium Heat (sear) | 15 mins | 165 °F |
| Thigh | Medium Heat (sear) | 20 mins | 165 °F |
| Drumsticks | 400 °F (oven) | 30-50 mins | 165 °F |
| Whole Chicken | 350 °F (oven) | 1.5 hrs | 165 °F |
Note: The above guidelines are only guard rails. Stove tops, grills, and ovens all vary. Cook times should also take into account thickness of meat. To achieve a perfectly cooked chicken, always check temperature intermittently; a meat thermometer comes in handy.
HERITAGE Breed Chickens! (And Why They’re SUPERIOR)
FAQ
What is the difference between heirloom chicken and regular chicken?
Unlike their heavily genetically modified counterparts, heritage breeds have not been bred solely for the purpose of maximizing yield and profit. Instead, heritage birds are selected so they can reproduce naturally, have a stronger immune system, and can thrive outdoors.
Do heirloom chickens taste better?
The really nice thing about heritage chicken is that they have more flavor. You get chicken that tastes like CHICKEN, without having to inject it with “a solution” to enhance the flavor. The meat is pinker, the fat is yellower. And people say over and over that they taste “better”.
What is a heirloom whole chicken?
And unlike so many other chickens raised very quickly on processed meal and antibiotics, these Heirloom Chickens are slow-growth, pasture-raised birds. This means they are allowed to mature at a natural rate and forage for food in a natural environment. They also have never been given antibiotics.
What is the difference between heirloom and heritage?
While often used interchangeably, “heritage” and “heirloom” primarily differ in scope. Heirloom specifically refers to old, open-pollinated plant or animal varieties passed down through generations, often with unique characteristics.