Any recipes you'd recommend using tough chicken meat?

[Madhouse Pullet]

I recently had a 5 year old hen processed for the first time not knowing that the meat would be tougher. It's been in the freezer since. I was thinking a crock pot stew?
Does anyone have any recipes they'd recommend?

 

[SmiYa0126]

Definitely a low and slow braise, a crockpot us perfect.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It's been in the freezer since.

Did you refrigerate long enough for rigor to pass? If not then you'll wanna do so after defrosting and before cooking.

In addition to the slow, low, and wet method.. you could consider brining before cooking.

I like to make enchiladas with the shredded chicken meat. I also enjoy chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie.. but a stew would be a good option.

In addition to the toughness (or being toothsome).. the flavor is usually MUCH stronger than standard super market chicken.. calling for much stronger seasoning/spices for my family's liking.

Sometimes we grind it and use it as ground meat in any recipe that accommodates that method.. tacos, etc.

Best wishes enjoying!

 

[Timmy59]

Pressure cook save broth and then make chicken and dumplings .

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Did you refrigerate long enough for rigor to pass? If not then you'll wanna do so after defrosting and before cooking.

Oh, I didn't know that part. I just put it in a zip lock and put it in the freezer.

In addition to the slow, low, and wet method.. you could consider brining before cooking.

What is brining?

I like to make enchiladas with the shredded chicken meat. I also enjoy chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie.. but a stew would be a good option.

In addition to the toughness (or being toothsome).. the flavor is usually MUCH stronger than standard super market chicken.. calling for much stronger seasoning/spices for my family's liking.

Sometimes we grind it and use it as ground meat in any recipe that accommodates that method.. tacos, etc.

Best wishes enjoying!

Thank you so for all the information! I love all those recipe ideas. My family especially love tacos!

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

After looking this up online, I hope I didn't ruin the meat by sticking it straight into the freezer. Really new at this.

Just to verify that I'm doing this right, I should...

1. Put the chicken in the refrigerator to defrost.
2. Once defrosted, keep in fridge for 3 days
3. Rinse chicken thoroughly with cold water.
4. Brine the chicken by adding it to water with salt, and lots of seasonings, and cooking it in that for little bit before adding to crock pot for stew.

 

[febane]

Did you refrigerate long enough for rigor to pass? If not then you'll wanna do so after defrosting and before cooking.

In addition to the slow, low, and wet method.. you could consider brining before cooking.

I like to make enchiladas with the shredded chicken meat. I also enjoy chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie.. but a stew would be a good option.

In addition to the toughness (or being toothsome).. the flavor is usually MUCH stronger than standard super market chicken.. calling for much stronger seasoning/spices for my family's liking check more at Herd.

Sometimes we grind it and use it as ground meat in any recipe that accommodates that method.. tacos, etc.

Best wishes enjoying!

Yes, a crock pot stew is perfect for a tough old hen. Add chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, garlic, herbs like thyme and rosemary, salt, pepper, and enough chicken broth to cover. Cook on low for 8–10 hours until the meat is tender. Shred the meat and remove the bones before serving.