Where to Buy Bresse Chicken in the USA: A Complete Guide

Bresse chicken is renowned as one of the finest quality chickens in the world. Originating from the Bresse region of France, this premium poultry is highly coveted for its exquisite flavor tenderness and uniqueness. However Bresse chicken is not readily available in the USA due to import restrictions. This leaves American foodies wondering – where can I buy Bresse chicken near me?

In this complete guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding authentic Bresse chicken or the next best thing in the USA

Bresse chicken hails from the rolling pastures of Eastern France in the historic Bresse region. It boasts a distinctive appearance with blue legs, white feathers and red combs. But it’s the exceptionally rich and nuanced flavor profile that sets it apart.

Bresse chicken meat is tender and succulent with a higher fat content compared to standard chicken. Chefs and gourmands describe tasting notes of hazelnut, butter and cream. The flavor is so remarkable that Bresse chicken has earned the moniker “Queen of Poultry”.

This unique taste is attributed to the traditional production methods. Bresse chickens roam freely outdoors eating insects, grasses and grains. They are fed a diet supplemented with milk and cereals Before slaughter, they undergo a process called épinage – confined to cages and fattened up on cornbread and milk

To protect the quality and terroir, Bresse chickens must adhere to strict Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) regulations. This covers every aspect from breeding, to rearing, to processing. Only chickens following these protocols can be labeled authentic Bresse.

Why Finding Bresse Chicken in the USA is Challenging

Given its elite status in French cuisine, Bresse chicken is understandably coveted by American food connoisseurs. However, there are two key reasons why finding authentic Bresse chicken in the USA is extremely difficult:

Legal Restrictions

Stringent USDA regulations prohibit the import of most poultry products from France to prevent disease introduction. Live Bresse chickens cannot be readily imported either.

Protected Designation of Origin

The AOP status protects “Bresse” as a brand and regional indicator. Birds grown outside of France cannot legally use the Bresse name, even if raised to similar standards.

Essentially, real imported Bresse chicken is prohibited, and the Bresse name can only be used for birds from that region. This poses a roadblock for US buyers.

Alternatives for Finding Bresse-Style Chicken

While you won’t find certified AOP Bresse chicken from France in American stores, there are ways to seek out quality chickens raised in the spirit of the Bresse tradition:

Pasture-Raised Heritage Breeds

Seek small farms raising heritage breeds like White Bresse, Wyandottes, Jersey Giants, Orpingtons and Delawares using sustainable practices. Their genetics and foraging-based diet can produce a similar flavor.

Farm-to-Table & Farmers Markets

Buy directly from local farms with transparent sourcing. Ask detailed questions about their practices to find ones adhering to high standards.

Specialty Retailers

Check ethnic European delis, gourmet butchers and upscale grocers. They source premium poultry and can request birds raised naturally.

Online & Special Order

Websites like LocalHarvest list farms across the USA. D’Artagnan and other online meat companies ship premium poultry nationwide. Ask your butcher to special order.

Pasture-Raised Regular Chicken

Don’t overlook high-integrity farms raising regular dual-purpose breeds like Rhode Island Reds on pasture. They can offer an elevated meat quality compared to factory farmed chickens.

What to Look for When Buying Bresse-Style Chicken

Since you won’t find the actual Bresse label, use these tips to identify high-quality chickens raised with similar attention to detail:

• Pasture-Raised or Free-Range – not just cage-free, but with outdoor access

• Heritage Breeds – traditional breeds grown slower for flavor

• Controlled/Limited Production – avoid mass-produced brands

• Transparent Sourcing – ask about breed, diet and husbandry

• Humane Certifications – Global Animal Partnership, Animal Welfare Approved

• Natural Feed – vegetarian diet without antibiotics or hormones

• Artisanal Processing – hand butchered, air-chilled

• Ethical Farming Practices – supporting biodiversity and sustainability

Essentially, seek out the most flavorful, humanely raised chicken you can find and prepare it according to your taste. It may not be called “Bresse” but with care and research, you can savor poultry produced in the spirit of this premium French standard.

Cooking Your Bresse-Inspired Chicken

Once sourced, cook your premium chicken simply to let the natural flavors shine. Bresse chicken suits roasted whole, pan seared breasts and crispy chicken thighs. For seasonings, fresh herbs, lemon, garlic and butter will complement without overpowering. You can also use the meat in elegant French dishes like coq au vin, poulet à l’estragon (tarragon chicken) or ballotine.

Where to Buy Bresse-Style Chicken: Top Resources

Here are some exceptional producers to seek out Bresse-caliber poultry raised with traditional integrity:

• Joyce Farms (NC) – pasture-raised heritage breeds, Global Animal Partnership Step 4 certified

• Baetje Farms (MO) – heritage breed chickens raised on rotated pastures

• Liberty Delight Farms (NY) – rare breed chickens, Animal Welfare Approved

• Gunthorp Farms (IN) – pasture-raised White Bresse and Redbro chickens

• Green Circle Chicken (IL) – 100% vegetarian diet, rotations on pasture

• Eatwild Farm Directory – nationwide database of pasture-based farms

• Local Harvest – directory of small farms, CSAs and farmers markets

• D’Artagnan – ships premium meat nationwide, including specialty poultry

• La Quercia – artisanal cured meats, sources from sustainable family farms

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I import real Bresse chickens myself?

Importing any poultry meat or live birds directly from France is prohibited by the USDA to prevent foreign animal diseases. There’s also the trademark issue surrounding the Bresse name.

What breeds taste similar to Bresse?

Seek out premium chicken breeds like White Bresse, Rhode Island Red, Jersey Giant, Wyandotte, Orpington and Delaware. The focus should be pasture raising more than breed.

Is pasture-raised chicken expensive?

Yes, expect to pay $6-12 per pound for pasture-raised chicken compared to $2-3 for factory farmed. It reflects the higher costs of humane practices. But the flavor makes it worthwhile for special occasions.

Can I buy Bresse at Whole Foods or specialty stores?

You may find premium chickens humanely raised in the Bresse style, but likely not imported birds labeled “Bresse”. Check high-end grocers and butcher shops.

How long does Bresse chicken last fresh?

Store fresh Bresse-style chicken just like regular chicken. Kept chilled at 40°F or below, it will last 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze it. thawed, it will keep 3 more days refrigerated.

Can I cook Bresse chicken sous vide?

Yes, sous vide cooking works wonderfully to retain moisture and highlight the delicate flavor. Cook boneless, skin-on breasts around 145°F for 2 hours. Legs and thighs around 167°F for 4 hours.

What’s the difference between organic and pasture-raised chicken?

Organic guarantees no antibiotics and vegetarian feed but doesn’t specify outdoor access. Pasture-raised emphasizes free-ranging over certified organic feed. Best is both organic AND pasture-raised.

The Takeaway

Authentic Bresse chicken from the rolling hills of France remains an elusive treasure for American foodies. Thanks to import restrictions, seeking out this ultra-premium poultry takes research beyond your average grocery store. However, small farms across the USA are rising to the challenge, producing chickens with a similar pedigree – heritage breeds, ethical practices and artisanal processing. While it may not bear the official Bresse name, quality poultry raised in the spirit of this French standard can be found with some sleuthing. Check farmers’ markets, specialty butchers, high-end stores and foodie websites. Then prepare it simply to savor those beautiful, buttery notes. With care in sourcing and cooking, you can capture the essence of regal Bresse chicken without crossing the Atlantic.