Chicken is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. From rotisserie chickens to chicken breasts for easy weeknight meals, it’s a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. However not all chicken is created equal. The quality can vary greatly depending on how the birds are raised and processed. This guide will walk you through the key things to look for when shopping for chicken as well as provide recommendations on the best places to buy fresh, high-quality poultry.
What Makes for Higher Quality Chicken?
There are a few key factors that determine the overall quality of chicken:
1. Organic or Certified Humane Production
Chickens that are certified organic or humane are raised in better living conditions than conventional poultry. They have access to the outdoors and are fed an organic, GMO-free diet. The use of hormones and antibiotics is also prohibited. While organic/humane chicken costs more than conventional the higher standards result in better flavor and quality.
2. Pasture-Raised
Pasture-raised chickens live outdoors with shelter and eat a natural diet of grass, bugs, and seeds (in addition to supplemental grain feed). This more natural lifestyle results in chickens that are healthier and have better-tasting meat and eggs.
3. Air-Chilled
After slaughter, some chickens are chilled in cold water, while others are air-chilled. Air-chilling helps prevent contamination and results in less water retention, which leads to better flavor and texture.
4. Freshness
The fresher the chicken, the better it will taste. Look for use-by dates as far out as possible or purchase from retailers with high turnover to maximize freshness.
Where to Buy Quality Chicken
Now that you know what defines higher quality chicken, here are some of the best places to purchase it:
Local Farms and Markets
Buying directly from a local farm, farmer’s market, or food co-op is a great way to get high-quality, fresh chicken. You can ask questions directly about how the birds are raised and handled. Prices are competitive, and you’re supporting local agriculture.
Online Mail Order Companies
Online retailers like Thrive Market, ButcherBox, and Porter Road offer organic, certified humane, pasture-raised poultry shipped right to your door. Some require subscriptions, while others allow one-off purchases. Online can be more expensive but offers convenience and selection.
Specialty Grocery Stores
Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Earth Fare offer natural and organic chicken options superior to regular supermarkets. Prices are a step up from conventional chicken but usually lower than online sources. Selection depends on individual locations.
Costco
For budget-friendly quality, Costco’s $5 rotisserie chickens can’t be beaten. They are not certified organic but come from chickens raised with no hormones or steroids. The flavor and freshness are hard to match at this price point.
Direct from Family Farms
More family farms are selling poultry directly to consumers. Check websites like Eatwild and LocalHarvest to find farms near you. Prices vary but are often very reasonable, and you can ensure the chicken was humanely raised.
High-End Butchers and Meat Markets
Butchers that source from small, quality-focused farms offer premium chicken. Some options like Bell & Evans are certified humane and air-chilled. Prices are higher but so is the quality. Ask your butcher lots of questions.
What to Look for When Buying Chicken
Now that you know where to shop, here are some tips on what specifics to look for when purchasing chicken:
-
Air-Chilled Label: This indicates superior flavor and texture.
-
Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved Seals: Denotes humane living conditions for birds.
-
USDA Organic Label: Means chickens were raised organic without hormones/antibiotics.
-
Pasture-Raised Claim: Valid if verified by farm, but unregulated. Ask questions.
-
Use-By Date: Look for latest date possible to maximize freshness.
-
Color: Chicken should be pale pink to creamy white, not gray.
-
Packaging: Leaks or tears can indicate compromised quality.
-
Price: Can reflect higher standards, but not a guarantee. Compare prices.
-
Odor: Raw chicken should have little to no odor. Avoid off-smelling packages.
Tips for Proper Handling and Storage
To get the most out of your fresh chicken purchases, be sure to handle and store them properly:
-
Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent juices from dripping on other food.
-
Place chicken in a bowl or tray to catch any leakage.
-
Use ground chicken within 1-2 days, bone-in parts within 3-4 days, and whole chickens within 5 days.
-
Freeze chicken if you won’t use it within recommended time frames.
-
Use freezer bags, plastic wrap, or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
-
Thaw frozen chicken slowly in the fridge, not on the counter or in water.
-
Wash hands, cutting boards, utensils, and counters after handling raw chicken to prevent bacteria spread.
-
Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer to destroy any dangerous pathogens.
With some guidance on where to shop, what to look for, and how to store it, you can enjoy delicious, high-quality chicken. Opt for organic, humane, pasture-raised, or air-chilled when possible for the best results. Support small farms whenever you can. And don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to ensure you’re getting the very best chicken for your needs and budget. A little effort goes a long way to improving this dietary staple.
How We Found the Best Chicken Delivery Services
For the best chicken delivery service, we ordered frozen chicken from multiple mail-order companies. We first researched which companies were most likely to catch customer’s eyes when looking for online meat delivery services. We were eager to see if the top results warranted their perceived popularity or if they’d invested more money into their advertising budget than their products. If you’re wondering why you aren’t seeing some of the best-known mail-order meat brands on this list, it’s because they didn’t meet expectations when put to the test.
Additionally, we also ordered meat from several upstart companies that have yet to achieve the national notoriety of the well-established mail-order meat brands but have built plenty of buzz and solid reputations in the short time they’ve existed. Apart from that, we tested a mix of conventional chicken raised without much in the way of transparency, as well as chicken raised to the highest standards regarding humane treatment. These cuts keep eco-consciousness and the use of hormones, antibiotics, steroids and other substances top of mind.
Once the chicken was in the kitchen, it was tested using varying cooking methods, including roasting, grilling and air-frying. We stuck to simple preparations, initially cooking with little more than oil and Kosher salt so that the full flavor of the chicken could shine through. To judge texture, we cooked some to absolute perfection so that we could see if they were juicy and flavorful on the inside.
Our tester intentionally overcooked some chicken because we know that accidents happen, and you shouldn’t pay a premium price for something that can easily be destroyed if you’re distracted by a phone call, boisterous children or any of the other surprises life can throw your way while making dinner. We wanted chicken that remained delicious if your attention was temporarily pulled elsewhere or if it desiccated into a dud.
We tracked our findings in a detailed testing spreadsheet and then assigned each brand a rating. Only the top results made our final list.
Why should you buy chicken online?
Buy chicken online for an affordable way to get top-notch quality while beating the specialty store price tag. Because online retailers may buy and sell in bulk, there’s an opportunity to pass on the savings to the consumer. They’re not only able to provide competitive pricing, but they also tend to have a better selection than your local store. While most grocery stores don’t carry spatchcocked chicken or bone-in chicken breasts, you can find both of those items (and more!) using a chicken delivery service.
Many of the best places to buy chicken online also provide sustainable options. In addition, they list the chicken’s farm, feed and the environment on the farm. You’ll also have options when it comes to labeling, too, which is great if you’re looking for a specific type of chicken (i.e. organic, humanely raised, etc.).
Everything You Need To Know About Buying Chicken At The Grocery Store
FAQ
What is the highest quality chicken?
If you’re looking for the highest-quality chicken that’s good for both you and the animals, pasture-raised, organic chicken is the best choice. (Many pasture-raised chickens are also organic, making them an even healthier option.)
Which company’s chicken is best?
- Skylark Hatcheries Private Limited.
- Sneha Farms Pvt. Ltd.
- Suguna Foods Private Limited.
- Tyson Foods Inc.
- VH Group.
Where does the best quality chicken come from?
Better Chicken is chicken that comes from higher welfare farms, where the birds are healthier, slower growing breeds that have the opportunity to lead happier lives doing more of what’s natural to them like perching, pecking, scratching and playing.
What is the best live chicken to buy?
- Easter Egger. Easter Eggers are gentle, curious, active and friendly. …
- Rhode Island Red. Rhode Island Reds are calm, submissive and active. …
- Barred Rock. …
- Black Australorp. …
- Golden Sex Link. …
- Black Sex Link. …
- White Leghorn. …
- Buff Orpington.