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Unlocking Culinary Magic with Stewing Hens

written by

Stacie Edwards

posted on

February 13, 2024

pasture-raised-chicken-and-dumplings

Hey there, foodies and culinary adventurers! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of stewing hens. If you've ever glanced over these beauties at our farmers market and thought, "What on earth can I do with that?" - hold onto your aprons, because we're about to uncover the delicious possibilities!

First off, let's talk about what makes stewing hens so special. These lovely ladies (or gentlemen, depending on who's clucking) are mature chickens with rich, deep flavors that come from a life well-lived scratching around the farmyard. While they may not be as tender as their younger counterparts, their meat boasts unparalleled depth and character, making them perfect for hearty, soul-warming dishes.

Now, onto the good stuff - what can you actually do with a stewing hen? Buckle up, because the options are endless!

Classic Chicken Stew

Let's start with the obvious choice - a comforting, steaming bowl of chicken stew. Throw in some root vegetables, fragrant herbs, and let that stewing hen work its magic as it simmers away on the stove. The result? A dish that hugs you from the inside out.

Rich Chicken Broth

Move over, store-bought broth. With a stewing hen and some aromatic veggies, you can whip up a homemade chicken broth that's so flavorful, you'll never go back to the canned stuff. Perfect for soups, sauces, and anything else that calls for a dose of savory goodness.

pasture-raised-stewing-hen-chicken-broth

Chicken and Dumplings

Is there anything more comforting than a bubbling pot of chicken and dumplings? With a stewing hen, you'll achieve a broth so rich, it practically begs for fluffy dumplings to soak it all up. It's like a warm hug in a bowl.

Chicken Pot Pie 

Elevate your pot pie game with the robust flavors of a stewing hen. Picture tender chunks of chicken, nestled in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. It's the ultimate comfort food, elevated to gourmet status.

Coq au Vin

Feeling fancy? Whip up a batch of coq au vin with your stewing hen. This French classic combines chicken, wine, and aromatics for a dish that's elegant yet comforting. Serve it up with a crusty baguette and a glass of red wine for a meal that's fit for royalty.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Last but certainly not least, we have the quintessential chicken noodle soup. With a stewing hen at the helm, you'll achieve a depth of flavor that's simply unbeatable. Add some tender noodles and veggies, and you've got yourself a bowl of pure, soul-soothing goodness.

pasture-raised-stewing-hen-chicken-noodle-soup

    There are just a few of the incredible things you can do with a humble stewing hen. Whether you're simmering up a batch of hearty stew or crafting a gourmet masterpiece, these magnificent birds are sure to elevate any dish to new heights.

    Click here to buy your pasture raised stewing hens.

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