From Dinner to Stock: Making the Most of Pasture-Raised Chicken

Cooking Two Pasture-Raised Chickens is a Simple Step Toward Nutrient-Dense Eating

When it comes to cooking with pasture-raised chicken, there’s a simple strategy I follow that makes preparing nutrient-rich meals more convenient and efficient. Every time I cook a Tyner Pond Farm whole chicken, I make two at once. It’s just as easy to roast or grill two chickens as it is one. The first bird serves as the main dish for that night’s dinner. Meanwhile, the second becomes a valuable addition to soups, salads, or lunches throughout the week. Plus, by cooking two at once, I’m left with bones from two whole chickens, perfect for making a rich, nutritious stock. Turmeric roasted chicken. See The Recipe Here

Why Choose Pasture-Raised?

Before diving into the practical reasons for doubling up on chickens, it’s important to consider why pasture-raised chicken is worth the choice. Unlike industrially farmed poultry, pasture-raised birds grow in an environment that prioritizes their health, access to fresh air, and nutrient-dense forage. At Tyner Pond, our chickens spend their days in mobile coops on fresh pasture, giving them daily access to insects, grass, and natural forage. The difference in how these chickens live also makes a tangible difference in their nutrition. Studies have shown that pasture-raised poultry has higher levels of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E compared to factory-farmed chicken. In short, pasture-raised chicken provides benefits that go beyond taste; it’s an investment in the quality and nutrition of your meals. In addition to omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, pasture-raised chicken offers a range of other essential nutrients often sought in supplements:

• Vitamin B12: Critical for energy production and neurological health, B12 is naturally abundant in pasture-raised chicken. Unlike industrially raised birds, pasture-raised chickens have access to diverse forage, enhancing their B12 content.
• Iron: Pasture-raised chicken provides heme iron, a form easily absorbed by the body and essential for red blood cell formation. This is especially beneficial for individuals looking to boost their iron levels naturally.
• Zinc: Known for its immune-boosting properties, zinc is an important mineral that helps with wound healing and supports metabolism. Pasture-raised chicken is a good source of zinc, which many people rely on supplements for.
• Vitamin D: Since pasture-raised chickens spend time outdoors, they have naturally higher levels of vitamin D compared to indoor-raised birds. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation, making it a common supplement for those with low exposure to sunlight.
• Choline: This nutrient is crucial for liver health, cognitive function, and cellular repair. Many turn to choline supplements, yet pasture-raised chicken offers a natural, food-based source.
• Selenium: An antioxidant that supports thyroid function and immune health, selenium is another vital nutrient found in pasture-raised chicken, reducing the need for separate supplementation.
• B Vitamins (other than B12): These include niacin (B3) and pantothenic acid (B5), which support metabolism and energy production, contributing to overall vitality and reducing the need for a B-complex supplement.

Pasture-raised chicken is not only a great source of protein but also provides many essential nutrients that can reduce the need for synthetic vitamins and minerals, supporting a diet based on real, nutrient-dense food.

Rediscovering Flavor

Cooking two pasture-raised chickens allows me to savor a flavor profile often lost in the industrial era. The richer, fuller taste of pasture-raised chicken reminds me of the flavors from before commercial poultry farming became the norm. Pasture-raised chickens have more time to grow and a more natural diet, which translates into a more satisfying meal. The taste is simply what chicken is supposed to taste like—something that’s harder to find in today’s industrial food system.

The Benefits of Cooking Two Chickens at Once

Chicken orzo soup and bone stock simmering on the stove—nutrient-dense and comforting [fusion_button link="https://tynerpondfarm.com/blog/nutritious-chicken-orzo-soup-with-pasture-raised-chicken/" title="" target="_self" link_attributes="" aria_role_button="0" alignment_medium="" alignment_small="" alignment="" modal="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" color="default" button_gradient_top_color_hover="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" button_gradient_top_color="" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="" button_gradient_bottom_color="" gradient_start_position="" gradient_end_position="" gradient_type="" radial_direction="" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="" accent_color="" type="" bevel_color="" bevel_color_hover="" border_top="" border_right="" border_bottom="" border_left="" border_radius_top_left="" border_radius_top_right="" border_radius_bottom_right="" border_radius_bottom_left="" border_hover_color="" border_color="" size="" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" fusion_font_family_button_font="" fusion_font_variant_button_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" stretch="default" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" icon="" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="none" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe[/fusion_button]   Cooking two chickens at once is not only time-saving but also incredibly practical. It provides meals for days, without the added work of preparing a fresh protein every day. After we enjoy the first chicken for dinner, I simply pull apart the second chicken, cutting it into portions that are ready for salads, sandwiches, or snacks. It’s an easy way to make sure we always have pasture-raised protein on hand, and it’s a healthier, cost-effective alternative to processed deli meats or fast food options. Moreover, cooking two chickens results in more than double the benefits. With bones from two birds, I’m able to make a rich, gelatinous stock that becomes a key ingredient for soups and sauces throughout the week. The collagen and minerals in stock from pasture-raised chicken are excellent for gut health, joint support, and overall wellness.

Simple, Sustainable, and Nutritious

Choosing pasture-raised chicken isn’t only about supporting regenerative farming practices; it’s also about enjoying a meal that’s naturally nutritious. When you cook two chickens at once, you’re simplifying your routine while enhancing your family’s meals with nutrient-dense food that truly nourishes. Preparing food this way is a step toward a lifestyle that values whole ingredients and the rich flavors they bring to the table. In today’s busy world, cooking one meal that yields multiple benefits is a strategy worth adopting. Why not make two chickens instead of one? It’s a small change with a big impact on nutrition and convenience, and it supports a more sustainable, healthy food system.