You might be surprised that my ten year old used to not eat meat.

Well, he tried to refuse, but with farmer parents he didn’t get away with it.

You see, he was influenced by a vegetarian boy his age living on the farm when our farm boy was 3-4 years old.

His little friend talked about how terrible eating meat was because that’s how his family ate. Everyone gets to choose and often we have meatless meals too.

But most nights when he came in to dinner, there was meat on the menu.

“Is this OUR chicken?” he would ask.

Somehow in his mind, he realized that if he had to eat meat, he would only trust it if we raised it ourselves.

Not a bad idea, actually.

Now my farm boy is grown enough to be the one feeding the chickens, pouring buckets of water into their waterer, collecting and washing eggs.

He also asks for chicken for his birthday supper every year!

I love to help you get connected to your food so you can feed your family well with food you trust. 

So, let’s meet the chickens.

10 Ways to Make the Most of a Whole Pastured Chicken

Cooking a whole pastured chicken is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a smart way to make the most of this nutritious and flavorful bird.

Here are my top 10 tips for using every part of your chicken, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

1. Slow Cooker Delight

Crock-Pot Instructions: Place your whole chicken in a crock-pot or slow cooker for at least 8 hours. Long, slow cooking is crucial for the best flavor and texture. You don’t even need to defrost it first, as long as it fits in the pan! Cover with your favorite sauce before turning on the slow cooker. My two favorites are:

• Thai Yellow or Red Curry Sauce
• A healthy chunk of butter and a whole sliced onion

Instant Pot Instructions: If you’re using an Instant Pot, place the chicken in the pot and add your preferred sauce. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes if the chicken is fresh, or 50-60 minutes if it’s frozen. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid.

Oven Roasting Instructions: My favorite way to roast a chicken is the “Speedy Roast” method. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 155 degrees. With our extra-large chickens, it will take longer than an hour. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Alternatively, you can slow roast the bird for even more tender results. Preheat to 300 degrees and cook for at least 2 hours. Put the butter in the cavity and roast breast-side down for the juiciest white meat. Slow roasting ensures that no part of the chicken overcooks or dries out.

Now Divide the Parts

Once you’ve enjoyed your fill of roast chicken, separate the carcass into two piles: skin, bones, cartilage, and pan juices in one, and the remaining meat picked off the bones in another.

2. Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shred the remaining meat with a fork and add barbecue sauce for pulled chicken sandwiches. We’ve got barbecue sauce with ingredients that meet your high standards to put in your Market Box.

3. Enchilada Filling

Shred the meat for enchiladas. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious filling.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

Chop the meat for a hearty chicken pot pie.

5. Chicken Salad

Mince the meat for a flavorful chicken salad.

We added the last of our stewing chicken pieces to a quinoa and tomato salad to make it a main dish the other night.

6. Soup Chunks

Cut the meat into chunks for adding to soups.

7. Bone Broth

Crock-Pot Instructions: Place the bones, skin, and pan juices back into the crock pot. Fill with water and set on low. Allow to steep for 18-36 hours, adding water as needed. The smaller bones will be soft and crumbly, and lots of vitamins and minerals will be in the broth. Strain out the solids, add salt to taste, and either freeze, pressure can, or prepare for soup.

Instant Pot Instructions: Place the bones, skin, and pan juices into the Instant Pot. Fill with water up to the max fill line. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 2 hours. Let the pressure release naturally. Strain out the solids, add salt to taste, and either freeze, pressure can, or prepare for soup.

8. Electrolyte Replacer

Use the broth as an electrolyte replacer, essential for athletes or those on low-carb diets. Drink a cup with each meal.

9. Soup Base

Use the broth as a base for all kinds of soups. Have you tried my Healing Ginger Chicken Soup?  Recently a farm member told me, “I’m having your healing ginger chicken soup…so delicious. Tossed in some green cubes! Every single think in my bowl is from Willow Haven Farm, Including the homemade broth because I made it with my scraps from Willow Haven organic vegetables.” – Lisa, June 2024

10. Vegetable Purees

Incorporate the broth into vegetable purees, like mashed potatoes or butternut squash, for added flavor and nutrition.

BONUS: Rice Cooking Liquid

Use the broth to cook rice instead of water. This adds a rich flavor and boosts the nutritional value of your dish.

The farm family makes rice every Friday afternoon in the dutch oven with lots of butter and broth for delicious flavorful and nutritious rice. If we are eating a simple carb, it’s going to be infused with nutrition for maximum digestion.

Here’s what I really think…

Now it’s time to add a chicken to your Market Box. Here’s the link to go straight to customizing your cart. 

Just remember to divide the price by the number of meals you’ll get from a SIX POUND + chicken.

If I can get 3 meals out of a whole chicken for a family of ten, just think how far it will go for you.

IF you can stop your family from devouring it the first night because it tastes SO GOOD!

Cooking a whole pastured chicken not only provides multiple delicious meals but also ensures that you make the most of every part of the bird. Enjoy these versatile and nutritious strategies, and let nothing go to waste!

Don’t forget to add a chicken to your cart. Here’s the link again!

Events on the Farm

Are you tired of joint pain? Tummy Aches? Brain Fog?

Sometimes changing your diet isn’t enough.

I’m excited to introduce you to my friend and farm member, Cathy, who has 20 years of experience using doTERRA essential oils – even for serious conditions.

I can’t wait to introduce you to my friend and farm member, Cathy.

With 20 years of experience using doTERRA essential oils, even for serious conditions, Cathy will share information that will give you a tip or strategy to address your pain or hidden dilemma.

I encourage you to reserve your spot at our next class, “EMPOWERING WELLNESS THROUGH ESSENTIAL OILS“

Saturday
July 20
11 am.

Join our Free Class for tips and remedies for your family.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN THE CLASS

As Always…

We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and food on your table that supports that goal.

We’ll keep farming for you!

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
Willow Haven Farm

Coming up:

RESUMING TONIGHT: Brick Oven Pizza Night

Join us every Friday night from 5:00-9:00 P.M.

Relax and enjoy the farm-to-table flavors of Massimiliano’s Homestead’s hand-crafted pizza.

Don’t forget to add a chicken to your cart.

Here’s the link again!