What is heirloom chicken breast?

Heirloom chicken refers to traditional breeds of chickens that were commonly raised on homesteads and small farms before the rise of industrial agriculture and confined animal farming operations (CAFOs). Heirloom chickens have unique genetic lineages that allow them to thrive in outdoor, pasture-based systems.

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What makes heirloom chicken special?

There are several key characteristics that distinguish heirloom chicken breeds from conventional commercial broiler chickens:

Genetic diversity – Heirlooms have greater genetic diversity and have not been selectively bred to the extremes of commercial broilers.
Flavor – The meat is often regarded as having superior flavor and texture due to the birds’ diverse diets and higher activity levels.
Appearance – Heirlooms exhibit a wider range of plumage and body sizes and shapes compared to commercial chickens.

Slower growth – Heirlooms grow slower and are harvested later than commercial breeds, typically around 16-24 weeks vs 6-7 weeks for commercial.
Outdoor rearing – Heirlooms are well-adapted to outdoor rearing and pasture-foraging unlike commercial chickens.
Disease resistance – Their genetic diversity provides greater ability to resist disease naturally.

Popular heirloom chicken breeds

Some of the most common heirloom chicken breeds include:

Rhode Island Red
Plymouth Rock

Jersey Giant
Wyandotte
Orpington

Cochin
Sussex
Brahma

Cornish
Hamburg

Benefits of heirloom chicken meat

Heirloom chicken meat offers several benefits over conventional chicken:

Nutrition – More diverse diets and slower growth generally results in more nutritious meat higher in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats compared to commercial chickens.
Flavor – The rich and diverse flavors are a key reason heirlooms are prized by chefs and gourmets.
Humane rearing – Their ability to thrive outdoors makes heirlooms well-suited to more humane pasture-based systems.

Sustainability – Heirlooms preserve genetic diversity and are an important part of maintaining sustainable poultry populations.

Where to buy heirloom chicken breast

There are several options for sourcing heirloom chicken breast:

Farmers markets – Check for local farmers that specialize in heirloom poultry. This ensures the chickens were raised humanely and sustainably.

CSA farm boxes – Join a community supported agriculture (CSA) program to receive a regular supply of heirloom chicken from a local farm.
Online mail order – Companies like Joyce Farms, Green Circle Chicken, and Amish Country Poultry sell heirloom chicken online and ship nationwide.
Specialty butchers – Many local butchers work directly with heritage breed farmers and can source heirloom chickens.

Higher-end grocers – Stores like Whole Foods and health food co-ops sometimes carry heirloom chicken options.

How to prepare heirloom chicken breast

Heirloom chicken breast can be prepared using most recipes suitable for conventional chicken. However, heirlooms generally have a richer, more succulent flavor profile. Simple preparations are often best to appreciate their distinctive taste:

Pan searing or grilling over medium-high heat to develop a nice crispy skin while keeping the interior moist.

Roasting in the oven at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Poaching or simmering in broth or wine to make incredibly moist, tender meat for salads, sandwiches, casseroles etc.
Using in stir fries, curries, and other skillet meals near the end of cooking to retain juiciness.

Enhancing the flavor with herbs, spices, citrus, and other ingredients but avoiding strong marinades that may mask the delicate flavor.

Heirloom chicken breast recipes

Here are some tasty recipes highlighting heirloom chicken breast:

Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken

Ingredients: heirloom chicken breast, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, pepper

Instructions: Combine maple syrup and mustard for marinade. Marinate chicken for 1-2 hrs. Grill chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through.

Pan Roasted Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans

Ingredients: heirloom chicken breast, potatoes, green beans, garlic, rosemary, olive oil
Instructions: Roast chicken in oven with potatoes and green beans seasoned with garlic and rosemary. Finish with drizzle of olive oil.

Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients: cooked and shredded heirloom chicken, mayo, curry powder, apple, celery, almonds, bread
Instructions: Combine chicken with mayo, curry, apples, celery, and almonds. Serve chicken salad between slices of bread.

Nutrition facts of heirloom chicken breast

Heirloom chicken breast is packed with nutrition:

Nutrient	Per 100g
Calories	143
Fat	3.9g
Saturated fat	1.2g
Protein	25.8g
Iron	0.9mg
Zinc	1.1mg
Selenium	24.6mcg
B6	0.5mg
B12	0.3mcg

Is heirloom chicken breast expensive?

Yes, heirloom chicken breast tends to be more expensive than conventional chicken:

Heirloom chickens take roughly twice as long to reach harvest weight compared to commercial broilers.
The slower growth, outdoor access, and diverse diet increases labor, land, and feed costs.

Smaller scale production compared to industrial operations means fewer efficiencies and economies of scale.
There is greater loss and waste from slower growth, outdoor exposure, and lack of drugs/hormones used in commercial production.

However, the significant differences in flavor, texture, nutrition, and ethical farming practices make heirloom chicken worth the premium price for many consumers.

Is the higher price of heirloom chicken breast worth it?

Whether or not the higher price is worth it depends on your budget and values:

If cost is the main concern, commercial chicken may be the better option.
For superior flavor and texture, heirlooms are considered worth the price premium by many chefs and foodies.

Those focused on humane, sustainable farming practices often feel the extra cost contributes to an important cause.
If prioritizing nutritional density, the more diverse diet and genetics of heirlooms deliver added health benefits.

While not affordable for everyday use for all households, heirloom chicken can be a sensible splurge for special occasions or an ethically/environmentally conscious investment for those who can afford it.

Conclusion

In summary, heirloom chicken is special, flavorful, and nutritious – but also expensive. For the budget-conscious, commercial chicken breast is widely available at a lower cost. However, the premium price of succulent, humanely-raised heirloom meat is worthwhile to many consumers for taste, nutrition, ethical farming practices, and preserving genetic diversity.