This is the only chicken stock recipe you’ll ever need. It’s an excellent all-rounder that’s nice and clear, with the ideal balance of flavour, nutrients and richness. Use it for everything from clear soups to rich stews, gravies and creamy sauces.
I like making chicken stock because it’s easy compared to beef stock, and improves just about everything – the main goal here!.
Stocks are the foundation for countless dishes in many cuisines. In Western cooking, chicken stock is one of the most common and useful stocks. It is made by adding the flavors of chicken, fresh root vegetables, and herbs to water. Stocks are always made in-house by good restaurants. This is why their food often tastes more “restaurant-quality” and rich.
Looking to get your hands on some raw chicken feet but not sure where to find them near you? I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide on sourcing this unique ingredient locally.
I used to have a hard time finding chicken feet close to home because I like broths, stocks, and global cuisines that often use them. But after some research and trial and error, I’ve found a few good places to buy fresh, raw chicken feet no matter where I live.
I’ll tell you about the best places to buy raw chicken feet in-store and online in this article. I’ll also tell you how to choose good chicken feet, how to store them, and even some creative ways to use them in the kitchen. Let’s get cracking!.
Check Local Butcher Shops and Meat Markets
When I need chicken feet, the first place I go is always the butcher or specialty meat shop in my area. A lot of butcher shops get whole chickens from farms nearby and will either have feet in stock or be able to get them for you.
I’ve found the highest quality chicken feet at butcher shops since they work directly with farmers. The feet are super fresh, having never touched a freezer. Local butchers can also ensure the chickens were raised humanely and without antibiotics or hormones.
Ask at the counter if they have chicken feet available and whether you can place a special order if they don’t stock them regularly. Building a relationship with a butcher can help ensure you get first dibs when feet come in.
Look in the Freezer Section at Asian Grocery Stores
Asian supermarkets are another good place to buy chicken feet. Since chicken feet are used in many Asian dishes, stores that sell a lot of Asian food usually have them.
I typically find frozen bags of chicken feet in the freezer section of my local Asian market. They come pre-packaged, making them quick and convenient to grab. The only downside is that the feet may have been frozen for a prolonged period.
Check the packaging date and look for ice crystals or freezer burn before purchasing the biggest bag. The fresher, the better when it comes to chicken feet.
Scout Your Local Farmers Market
Farmers markets are a fantastic place to source all kinds of specialty animal parts like chicken feet, duck feet, even whole rabbit and lamb. Seek out vendors that sell poultry and ask if they have or can get fresh chicken feet.
I love buying chicken feet from the farmers market because I can ensure they come directly from a local farm. The chickens are usually pasture-raised and the feet will be harvested just before market day.
Farmers markets let you buy feet in smaller quantities, which is perfect if you just need them for a special recipe and don’t want pounds of extras.
Order Online for Convenience
If you strike out finding chicken feet locally or just want a convenient option, there are several places to order them online and have them shipped frozen straight to your door.
Many specialty meat purveyors like Moe’s Meats sell chicken feet online, available in both bulk and smaller packages. Delivery services like Thrive Market also carry chicken feet.
Be sure to check the processing date and read reviews before purchasing chicken feet online. Carefully inspect your shipment for signs of spoilage or damage before freezing.
Tips for Selecting High-Quality Chicken Feet
Once you find a supplier for fresh chicken feet, use these tips to choose the best quality:
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Look for plump, meaty feet – Avoid feet that look shriveled or emaciated
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Check for uniform color – Feet should be pale yellow/white, discard any with discoloration
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Give them a sniff – Raw feet have a mild odor, pass on any with a strong “off” smell
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Inspect texture – Feet should be slick and a bit sticky, not dry or slimy
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Confirm freshness – Fresh feet feel firm, discard any that seem mushy or limp
Proper Storage Methods
Chicken feet are highly perishable and need to be stored carefully to preserve freshness and avoid spoilage. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate immediately – Raw feet can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days
- Wrap loosely – Place feet in a bowl or tray lined with a paper towel then cover with plastic wrap
- Freeze for longer storage – Chicken feet keep for up to 3 months in the freezer
- Use freezer bags – Portion feet into meal sizes then freeze in zip-top bags
- Avoid cross-contamination – Store feet on bottom shelf away from other ingredients
Creative Ways to Use Chicken Feet
Once you get your hands on some chicken feet, you may be wondering what to actually make with them. Here are some of my favorite ways to use feet in the kitchen:
- Make broth or stock – Feet contain collagen, perfect for rich, silky broths
- Fortify sauces and stews – Add feet to lentil or bean stews for body and nutrients
- Prepare dim sum – Classic to braise/steam feet for Chinese dim sum dishes
- Deep fry – Coat in batter/breadcrumbs and fry up crispy chicken feet
- Make pet food – Feet contain calcium and glucosamine, great for dogs and cats
Don’t limit yourself – get creative with chicken feet! They add nourishing flavors and health benefits to many dishes.
Get Your Chicken Foot Fix
Now you’re equipped with all the insider knowledge on where to source fresh, raw chicken feet close to home. From the local butcher to Asian supermarkets and online stores, you have plenty of options to get your hands on this underrated ingredient.
With some wise selection tips and proper storage methods, you can enjoy chicken feet in all sorts of mouth-watering recipes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with new ways to savor those feet!
Bones for chicken stock
I use chicken bones to make chicken stock. I find that it makes a great all-rounder, clear stock with good flavour at store-bought strength. I use chicken carcasses, which are also called chicken frames (see picture below), because they are the most cost-effective cut, liter for liter.
What is a chicken carcass? The bones and cartilage “frame” of a chicken that has had all of its meat cut off. This includes the breast, drumsticks, thighs, wings, and tail. There is usually a good amount of meat left on it, but it depends on how good the butcher is with a knife! The balance of flavor, nutrients, and collagen in a chicken carcass comes from the meat, bone, and fat that is still there. It also makes a nice clear stock. They’re readily available here in Sydney from butchers and even grocery stores.
Some recipes will opt to use chicken pieces with meat and skin to make stock. I share my thoughts on this below! (Spoiler: I don’t agree!)
Brown vs white chicken stock
A brown stock refers to a stock where the bones are roasted and the tray deglazed before simmering, as you would do with beef stock. A brown chicken stock has a deep, complex, roasted flavour as well as a darker colour.
A white chicken stock on the other hand simmers raw bones. The result is a cleaner, more neutrally flavoured and fresh-tasting stock that’s overall more versatile for cooking – versatile enough to be used even with seafood or non-chicken meat dishes, such as Fish Chowder. This is the type of stock that is mass produced and sold at grocery stores, and it’s the type of stock we are making today.
Chicken Feet at Costco! #chickenfeet #chickenpaws #costco #costcofinds #costcodeals #costcobuys #yt
FAQ
Are raw chicken feet good for dogs?
Yes, giving dogs raw chicken feet in small amounts can be a healthy and safe treat, especially for their teeth and joints. They are a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are important for joint health.
Why do stores sell chicken feet?
Chicken feet which consist of tendons, skin, and cartilage, are rich in gelatinous collagen, and are traditionally believed to be beneficial for infants’ skin, nails, joints, and bone development.
How many chicken feet are in 1 lb?
Roughly 10-15 pieces to a lb.
Where can I buy chicken feet?
You can buy chicken feet from a local farmer or butcher, or find them at a specialty grocery store or online retailer.
Where can I find meat organic chicken feet?
The information provided on this website should not be relied upon to make health-related decisions. Find MEAT Organic Chicken Feet at Whole Foods Market. Get nutrition, ingredient, allergen, pricing and weekly sale information!.
Are chicken feet good for You?
Chicken feet are known to have a lot of protein and calcium. They also strengthen blood vessels to improve blood flow and make arthritis less painful. Our whole bones come from a local restaurant supplier in Portland. They are human-grade, free of antibiotics and hormones, and really cool bones.
Are free range chicken feet good?
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout. Beyond-organic, pastured, free range, no-soy, no-GMO chicken feet are superb for chicken broth and stock recipes. Maximize the gelatin in your stock and enjoy the ancient health wisdom of free range chicken feet. 1lb Average per pack
How many pound chicken feet are in a bag?
Our chicken feet are available in 2 pound (approximately) and 10 pound bags. Both are awesome and store easily in freezers. Moe Says I watch my chickens run around the yard on these things.
How long does it take to get chicken feet delivered?
You can even expect to have your chicken feet delivered directly to your home in as little as 2 hours! Buy your favorite Chicken Feet online with Instacart. Order Chicken Feet from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.