Looking to get your hands on some raw chicken feet but not sure where to find them near you? I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide on sourcing this unique ingredient locally.
As a lover of broths, stocks, and global cuisines that frequently call for chicken feet, I used to struggle to locate them close to home However, with some research and trial and error, I’ve found several reliable places to buy fresh, raw chicken feet no matter where I’m living
In this article I’ll share the best places to purchase raw chicken feet both in-store and online. I’ll also provide tips on how to select high-quality chicken feet proper storage methods, and even some creative ways to use them in the kitchen. Let’s get cracking!
Check Local Butcher Shops and Meat Markets
My first stop when I want to source chicken feet is always the local butcher or specialty meat shop. Many butcher shops get whole chickens from nearby farms and will have feet in stock or be able to source them for you.
I’ve found the highest quality chicken feet at butcher shops since they work directly with farmers. The feet are super fresh, having never touched a freezer. Local butchers can also ensure the chickens were raised humanely and without antibiotics or hormones.
Ask at the counter if they have chicken feet available and whether you can place a special order if they don’t stock them regularly. Building a relationship with a butcher can help ensure you get first dibs when feet come in.
Look in the Freezer Section at Asian Grocery Stores
Another reliable spot to buy chicken feet is at Asian supermarkets. Chicken feet are widely used in various Asian cuisines, so stores that stock lots of Asian ingredients usually carry them.
I typically find frozen bags of chicken feet in the freezer section of my local Asian market. They come pre-packaged, making them quick and convenient to grab. The only downside is that the feet may have been frozen for a prolonged period.
Check the packaging date and look for ice crystals or freezer burn before purchasing the biggest bag. The fresher, the better when it comes to chicken feet.
Scout Your Local Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a fantastic place to source all kinds of specialty animal parts like chicken feet, duck feet, even whole rabbit and lamb. Seek out vendors that sell poultry and ask if they have or can get fresh chicken feet.
I love buying chicken feet from the farmers market because I can ensure they come directly from a local farm. The chickens are usually pasture-raised and the feet will be harvested just before market day.
Farmers markets let you buy feet in smaller quantities, which is perfect if you just need them for a special recipe and don’t want pounds of extras.
Order Online for Convenience
If you strike out finding chicken feet locally or just want a convenient option, there are several places to order them online and have them shipped frozen straight to your door.
Many specialty meat purveyors like Moe’s Meats sell chicken feet online, available in both bulk and smaller packages. Delivery services like Thrive Market also carry chicken feet.
Be sure to check the processing date and read reviews before purchasing chicken feet online. Carefully inspect your shipment for signs of spoilage or damage before freezing.
Tips for Selecting High-Quality Chicken Feet
Once you find a supplier for fresh chicken feet, use these tips to choose the best quality:
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Look for plump, meaty feet – Avoid feet that look shriveled or emaciated
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Check for uniform color – Feet should be pale yellow/white, discard any with discoloration
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Give them a sniff – Raw feet have a mild odor, pass on any with a strong “off” smell
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Inspect texture – Feet should be slick and a bit sticky, not dry or slimy
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Confirm freshness – Fresh feet feel firm, discard any that seem mushy or limp
Proper Storage Methods
Chicken feet are highly perishable and need to be stored carefully to preserve freshness and avoid spoilage. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate immediately – Raw feet can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days
- Wrap loosely – Place feet in a bowl or tray lined with a paper towel then cover with plastic wrap
- Freeze for longer storage – Chicken feet keep for up to 3 months in the freezer
- Use freezer bags – Portion feet into meal sizes then freeze in zip-top bags
- Avoid cross-contamination – Store feet on bottom shelf away from other ingredients
Creative Ways to Use Chicken Feet
Once you get your hands on some chicken feet, you may be wondering what to actually make with them. Here are some of my favorite ways to use feet in the kitchen:
- Make broth or stock – Feet contain collagen, perfect for rich, silky broths
- Fortify sauces and stews – Add feet to lentil or bean stews for body and nutrients
- Prepare dim sum – Classic to braise/steam feet for Chinese dim sum dishes
- Deep fry – Coat in batter/breadcrumbs and fry up crispy chicken feet
- Make pet food – Feet contain calcium and glucosamine, great for dogs and cats
Don’t limit yourself – get creative with chicken feet! They add nourishing flavors and health benefits to many dishes.
Get Your Chicken Foot Fix
Now you’re equipped with all the insider knowledge on where to source fresh, raw chicken feet close to home. From the local butcher to Asian supermarkets and online stores, you have plenty of options to get your hands on this underrated ingredient.
With some wise selection tips and proper storage methods, you can enjoy chicken feet in all sorts of mouth-watering recipes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with new ways to savor those feet!
Bones for chicken stock
I use chicken bones to make chicken stock. I find that it makes a great all-rounder, clear stock with good flavour at store-bought strength. Specifically, I use chicken carcasses, also known as chicken frames, (see photo below) which litre for litre are the most economical cut.
What is a chicken carcass? A chicken carcass are the bones and cartilage “frame” of the chicken after all the meat has been cut off (breast, drumsticks, thighs, wings). There’s usually a decent amount of meat left on it, but it depends how nifty the butcher is with his knife skills! The balance of meat, bone and residual fat on a chicken carcass gives an excellent balance of flavour, valuable nutrients and collagen, as well as making a nice clear stock. They’re readily available here in Sydney from butchers and even grocery stores.
Some recipes will opt to use chicken pieces with meat and skin to make stock. I share my thoughts on this below! (Spoiler: I don’t agree!)
Brown vs white chicken stock
A brown stock refers to a stock where the bones are roasted and the tray deglazed before simmering, as you would do with beef stock. A brown chicken stock has a deep, complex, roasted flavour as well as a darker colour.
A white chicken stock on the other hand simmers raw bones. The result is a cleaner, more neutrally flavoured and fresh-tasting stock that’s overall more versatile for cooking – versatile enough to be used even with seafood or non-chicken meat dishes, such as Fish Chowder. This is the type of stock that is mass produced and sold at grocery stores, and it’s the type of stock we are making today.
Chicken Feet at Costco! #chickenfeet #chickenpaws #costco #costcofinds #costcodeals #costcobuys #yt
FAQ
Are raw chicken feet good for dogs?
Yes, raw chicken feet can be a beneficial and safe treat for dogs when given in moderation, especially for dental health and joint support. They are a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are important for joint health.
Why do stores sell chicken feet?
Chicken feet which consist of tendons, skin, and cartilage, are rich in gelatinous collagen, and are traditionally believed to be beneficial for infants’ skin, nails, joints, and bone development.
How many chicken feet are in 1 lb?
Roughly 10-15 pieces to a lb.
Where can I buy chicken feet?
You can buy chicken feet from a local farmer or butcher, or find them at a specialty grocery store or online retailer.
Where can I find meat organic chicken feet?
The information provided on this website should not be relied upon to make health-related decisions. Find MEAT Organic Chicken Feet at Whole Foods Market. Get nutrition, ingredient, allergen, pricing and weekly sale information!
Are chicken feet good for You?
Chicken feet are known to have high amounts of calcium and protein, improves blood supply by strengthening blood vessels, and slows the effect of arthritis. Our whole bones are sourced from a local Portland restaurant supplier, offering human-grade, antibiotic and hormone free, awesome bones.
Are free range chicken feet good?
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout. Beyond-organic, pastured, free range, no-soy, no-GMO chicken feet are superb for chicken broth and stock recipes. Maximize the gelatin in your stock and enjoy the ancient health wisdom of free range chicken feet. 1lb Average per pack
How many pound chicken feet are in a bag?
Our chicken feet are available in 2 pound (approximately) and 10 pound bags. Both are awesome and store easily in freezers. Moe Says I watch my chickens run around the yard on these things.
How long does it take to get chicken feet delivered?
You can even expect to have your chicken feet delivered directly to your home in as little as 2 hours! Buy your favorite Chicken Feet online with Instacart. Order Chicken Feet from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.