I’m sure I’m not alone in my quest to make healthier choices. I’ve started buying organic produce whenever possible (especially those on the “dirty dozen” list) and choosing sustainable meats. They may be more expensive, but you can keep dinner affordable by bulking up the vegetable and starch portions of the plate. The biggest problem I’ve encountered while making these changes is that feeling of decision paralysis.
As soon as I see all those chicken labels, I freeze up. I mean, when you’re confronted with so many options—organic, antibiotic- or hormone-free, air-chilled, natural—how are you supposed to know the best chicken to buy?
The Most Common Terms, Defined
It turns out some of these terms do indicate a level of quality, but many of them are throw-away marketing terms. Let’s break them down to help you pick the best option for making a perfect roast chicken.
Organic
If you want to keep things simple, buy organic chicken. These birds are fed USDA-certified organic feed, so they’re free of any pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, additives or animal by-products. They also meet the “free-range” criteria—meaning they have access to the outdoors. What this label doesn’t tell you is anything about the welfare standards and living conditions of the chicken. If you have the opportunity to meet your farmer, that’s always best.
Air-Chilled
It’s all about air-chilled chicken! After processing a chicken, you have to cool it down as quickly as possible. Some facilities dunk their birds into cold water, which is effective but can water-log and dilute the poultry’s flavor. Air-chilled chicken is cooled using cold air, reducing the chicken’s temperature without introducing any extra water.
These chickens are especially tasty for making smoky grilled chicken, as smoke adheres better to dry chicken skin.
Antibiotic- or Hormone-Free
Antibiotics are great when you’re sick, but you wouldn’t want to take them to kill bacteria and ward off disease. It’s the same for animals: Using them on healthy animals can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Buying antibiotic-free chickens is a great way to guarantee that farmers aren’t using the pills as a magic disease-prevention method.
While antibiotic-free labels do tell us something, hormone-free labeling is all about marketing. The USDA prohibits the use of hormones in all poultry, so hormone-free applies to every chicken! Putting the label on the chicken doesn’t exactly set any one type of bird apart.
Natural
Here’s another one that doesn’t mean too much, but it’s one of the most widely-used terms when it comes to commercial poultry. It doesn’t distinguish any specific living conditions, treatment of the animals nor quality (or type) of feed. All it specifies is that no additives or preservatives were introduced after processing.
Funny enough, sodium solutions and broths can still be added to plump-up “natural” chickens, so take a close look at the ingredients label if you’re buying one of these chickens.
Free-Range
This one is a USDA-regulated term, but it only means the chickens are granted access to the outdoors. It doesn’t guarantee they’re pasture-raised or that they’re allowed to roam free—just because there is a door in the coop doesn’t mean they’ll actually use it! In the end, this term doesn’t tell us too much about the life of the chicken.
Farm-Raised
This term means even less than “natural.” It’s an unregulated label, so anyone can slap it on their chicken at any time. Don’t trust this one unless you actually know your farmer.
Pasture-Raised
While pasture-raised is an unregulated term, it does tell us a lot about the life of the chicken. Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) defines pasture-raised as chickens who live outdoors year-round with access to housing to go inside at night. They must also have 2.5 acres of roaming ground per 1,000 birds. Knowing your farmer is the best way to guarantee that they’re actually following the practices defined here.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled
This is one of the few labels that defines living conditions and welfare standards for raising chickens. Certified Humane birds meet precise standards for humane treatment of animals including access to nutritious feed, engaging in natural behaviors, housing design and considerate processing practices. If you buy a bird with this label, you can be pretty sure it lived a happy life.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the most important thing to look for on the label is the word “enhanced.” If the packaging contains this word, or you see anything on the ingredients label other than chicken or water, put it back and make another choice. These chickens are injected with a sodium solution or chicken broth to plump them up. You’re not only adding unnecessary salts to your diet, but you’re also paying for water weight!
If you can afford Certified Humane chickens, that’s probably your best bet. Otherwise, look for organic, air-chilled chickens for the tastiest option. If you’re hesitant about purchasing raw chicken, rotisserie chicken recipes can be made with chicken that’s already cooked.
Use Your Bird to One of the Year's Most Popular Chicken Recipes
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, thisÂ
type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Editor's Tip: Check how long does cooked chicken last in the fridge.
Go to Recipe
Fried ChickenThis crispy fried chicken recipe uses a batter instead of a flour coating. That helps the flour adhere to the chicken so it won’t fall off after cooking!
Wondering,Â
can you freeze chicken? It all depends on how it's prepared.
Buffalo Chicken DipIt is creamy, cheesy and packed with Buffalo hot wing flavors. This easy Buffalo chicken dip recipe is sure to be a party hit.
Chicken FajitasSizzling chicken fajitas are super easy to make and full of flavor. The secret is in the skillet, which can go from stove to table for restaurant-quality presentation.
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Chicken Piccata with Lemon SauceOnce you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Creamy White ChiliYears ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana
Million-Dollar Chicken CasseroleMillion-dollar chicken casserole is a rich and creamy combination of cooked chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese and cream of chicken soup. We sprinkle this chicken casserole with a buttery Ritz cracker topping to create a delightfully crunchy finish.
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Also, for dinner tonight, whip up one of our quick and delicious
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Huli Huli ChickenThis huli huli chicken recipe will bring island flavor to your backyard. These grilled chicken thighs are marinated and finished with a sweet and savory sauce.
Chicken Pasta CasseroleThis is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Sunday ChickenThis was my mother's favorite recipe for Sunday—hence the name. It makes an excellent recipe for Sunday dinner, because it can be prepared ahead of time and left to bake while you attend church. The leftovers also freeze well. —Don Harksen, Dothan, Alabama
Chicken Broccoli CasseroleWhen you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.
Texas Chicken SpaghettiThis recipe for Texas chicken spaghetti was given to me years ago by a favorite sister-in-law, a wonderful cook. My whole family has the recipe and enjoys it too. It is easy to freeze or it can be made the day before and kept in the fridge. You can use two cans of cream of mushroom soup instead of one mushroom and one chicken. —Virginia Chamblin, Youngsville, Louisiana
Chicken CasseroleThe ultimate comfort meal that is easy to throw together when you need something quick for a weeknight meal.
White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer SaladThis salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It is easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks marvelous. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
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Slow-Cooker Ranch ChickenSlow-cooker ranch chicken is perfect for busy weeknights! Tender chicken coated in a velvety sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when it's topped with the decadent combo of bacon and cheddar cheese.
Puff Pastry Chicken PotpieCreate a puff pastry chicken potpie with store-bought puff pastry. The recipe is easier to make than classic pie crust versions of potpie, yet it still contains the rich, creamy chicken-and-vegetable filling we know and love.
Chicken and Rice BowlsChicken and rice bowls are the perfect recipe for meal-prep fans—or anyone in need of an easy-breezy dinner.
Chicken Crouton CasseroleThis Chicken Crouton Casserole recipe has practically made my mom famous. When she takes it to get-togethers, it's loved by all who taste it. Whenever she serves it to family, the dish is empty by the end of the meal. —Beth Gramling, Warren, Pennsylvania
Chicken Spinach PastaFor a quick and easy 30-minute meal that won't disappoint, look no further than this creamy chicken spinach pasta recipe.
Herbed Slow-Cooker ChickenI use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Chicken Wild Rice SoupThis easy chicken wild rice soup is hearty, cozy and comforting. Featuring leftover chicken and precooked rice, it's a total winner in terms of taste and time.
Ritz Cracker Chicken CasseroleCombine chicken, rich sour cream and pantry staples to make this Ritz cracker chicken casserole, a classic hot dish that's creamy, crunchy and always inviting.
Five-Spice Chicken Lettuce WrapsWith this lettuce wrap, I get all the satisfaction without all the carbs. The pickled carrots really make it feel special. Use them on other sandwiches and wraps for an extra pop of flavor, crunch and color. —Stacy Schneidmiller, Beaumont, Alberta
Vol-au-VentThis creamy chicken vol-au-vent recipe is an easy yet impressive puff pastry appetizer. Thanks to some simple shortcuts, you'll get all the praise for half the work!
Salsa Verde Chicken CasseroleThis is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Chicken Parm SlidersThese chicken parm sliders are just the thing for the big game, or the big party, or regular ol' dinner! Whatever the event, a cheesy, saucy handheld sammy is sure to satisfy.
Jezebel Chicken ThighsThis easy-to-prepare, sweet and spicy chicken dish is a quick favorite that we make throughout the year. Tender and moist, it's a filling dish for busy weeknights. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisana
Easy Chicken EnchiladasWith a few staple ingredients, these easy chicken enchiladas are so quick to make, dinner will be on the table before you know it.
Chicken Tortilla CasseroleChicken tortilla casserole is a favorite comfort food dinner. The lasagna-like recipe is super versatile, too!
Creamy Chicken and Rice SoupFor an easy meal that's equal parts cozy, comforting and satisfying, turn to this 30-minute creamy chicken and rice soup recipe.
Chicken Cordon Bleu BakeI got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Lemon Chicken OrzoLemon chicken orzo is a one-pot wonder. It's easy enough to make for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough to serve for guests. Customize it with different pasta shapes and your favorite vegetables.
Chicken and Stuffing CasseroleThis hearty six-ingredient chicken and stuffing casserole is a breeze to make, requiring just five minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights and group gatherings.
Creamy Chicken Noodle SoupA batch of this creamy chicken noodle soup is our answer to soup season or flu season. The soup's satiating nature and wholesome taste will deliver warmth and coziness when you need it most.
Creamy Chicken EnchiladasThese creamy and crispy cream cheese chicken enchiladas will satisfy you on every level.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla SoupSlow-cooker chicken tortilla soup is easy and delicious. Simply brown the chicken, then toss everything in the slow cooker, and walk away!
Artichoke ChickenIf you love artichoke hearts, you'll love this easy artichoke chicken recipe! Chicken, artichokes and mushrooms bake in a savory rosemary-infused sauce that keeps the chicken breasts juicy and tender.
Fried Chicken TendersThis fried chicken tenders recipe requires just a few ingredients and quickly cooks up deliciously crispy bites that are full of flavor.
Slow-Cooker Chicken ParmesanEnjoy cozy, cheesy slow-cooker chicken Parmesan without leaving a sink full of dirty pots and pans. Serve with a side of spaghetti or with crust rolls for sandwiches!
Chicken Zucchini CasseroleFast and delicious, chicken zucchini casserole is an effortless weeknight dish to use up your summer harvest of zucchini.
Chicken Enchilada CasseroleChicken enchilada casserole is melty, cheesy comfort in a pan. Made with rotisserie chicken and store-bought sauce, it's a weeknight dinner that you can pull together quickly without a lot of heavy lifting.
Copycat Pasta Da VinciI fell in love with this dish at the Cheesecake Factory and experimented with the ingredients until I could duplicate it. I think mine is just as good if not better! The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Thaw if frozen and warm gently in a large skillet. Cook pasta and you have a delicious dinner on a weeknight. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Fried Chicken WingsOnly salt and the right frying oil is needed for juicy, crispy-skinned fried chicken wings. Pair the wings with any of these three fantastic sauce options.
Also, try out these wing sauce recipes for taking your wings to another level! And in case, you're craving wings and don't have time for making them at home, here are some chicken wings restaurants to try!
Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken SausageDinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan