Chickens: what size do you like, and are you able to find it?

[weinoo]

3 hours ago, rotuts said:

BTW , out of curiosity , @weinoo  what do those Belle Birds cost ?

 

As I checked today, it has gone up from $5.39/lb. to $5.99/lb. for whole birds (which run around 4 lbs.).

 

I often buy only thighs - and they are currently $6.99/lb.

 

Another high quality chicken they offer, Snowdance Farms, run $7.49/lb. for whole birds.

 

All of the above products are greatly enhanced by pre-salting - I usually try for somewhere between 24 - 48 hours, and leave the bird or parts partially uncovered at the bottom of my refrigerator.

[TdeV]

28 minutes ago, weinoo said:

All of the above products are greatly enhanced by pre-salting - I usually try for somewhere between 24 - 48 hours, and leave the bird or parts partially uncovered at the bottom of my refrigerator.

 

I did as you suggested and dry brined my last chicken thighs. Was a very tasteful bird!

[blue_dolphin]

On 9/2/2025 at 7:43 AM, rotuts said:

@blue_dolphin

 

I think its terrific you tried it .

 

how do you rate it taste wise ?

Both the flavor and, perhaps more importantly, the texture were excellent. No hint at all of the dreaded cottony breast meat, it was moist and flavorful throughout. I followed the Zuni dry brine method with a full 48 hrs in the fridge, loosely tented with foil. I pre-heated the cast iron skillet and used the convection roast setting on my oven that uses both upper and lower heating elements plus the fan which is perfect for a roast chicken. 30 min breast up, flip for 10 min, flip again for 5 more min to re-crisp the breast. 
I won’t be buying $35 chickens on the regular but if I were entertaining someone I knew loved roast chicken, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.