Where to Buy Jidori Chicken: The Ultimate Guide

Jidori chicken has become more popular recently because of its high quality and great taste. But with its popularity comes the question of where to buy it. This ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about jidori chicken and the best places to buy it.

What is Jidori Chicken?

Jidori (pronounced jee-doh-ree) is a specialty breed of chicken from Japan that is known for its premium quality. The name “jidori” translates to “local chicken” in Japanese.

Some key facts about jidori chicken:

• Premium breed Jidori chickens are considered a premium high-quality breed. They are bred specifically for their flavor and texture.

• Free-range and antibiotic-free: Jidori chickens are free-range and raised without antibiotics or hormones. This leads to a better flavor.

• Origins in Japan: Jidori chickens originated in Japan and are still most commonly found there. Their popularity has spread to other parts of the world more recently.

• Small local farms: Jidori chickens are traditionally raised on small, local farms in Japan. This allows for better care and feeding of the chickens.

• Costly: Jidori chickens cost more than other grocery store chicken breeds because they are raised on small farms and are the result of premium breeding. Fans say the quality is worth the price, though.

Benefits and Taste of Jidori Chicken

There are a few key benefits that set jidori chicken apart from typical chicken breeds:

• Taste: The deep, rich umami taste is what people love most about jidori chicken. People often say it tastes like red meat and has a juicy, tender texture.

• Marbling: Jidori chicken exhibits more marbling of fat compared to other chickens. This marbleization leads to more juicy and tender meat.

• Size: Jidori chickens are smaller in size than typical broiler chickens. The smaller size contributes to a more concentrated flavor.

• Texture: The meat has a smooth, tender texture while still being firm. It has a pleasantly chewy mouthfeel.

• Consistency: Due to their specialized breeding, jidori chickens offer very consistent size and quality. You can expect consistent flavor and texture.

The incredible flavor and texture of jidori chicken has made it highly coveted by top chefs. It’s often compared to the famous Kobe beef in terms of premium quality meat. The taste lives up to the hype.

Where to Buy Jidori Chicken

Now that you know the basics of this incredible chicken, where can you actually buy jidori chicken? Here are some of the best places to buy jidori chicken:

Online Direct from Farms

One of the best ways to buy jidori chicken is directly from jidori farms online. This gives you access to premium jidori chicken straight from the source. Some popular online jidori farms include:

• JidoriKing: A family-owned jidori farm in California that ships nationwide. They sell individual cuts as well as full chickens.

• Jidori House: A jidori chicken delivery service that sources from jidori farms and ships frozen jidori chicken nationwide. Great for buying in bulk.

• Joyce Farms: A well-known producer of jidori and other heritage breed chickens. They sell individual cuts and full chickens online.

• Marx Foods: A specialty food distributor that partners with jidori farms to sell various jidori chicken cuts online.

The benefit of buying online direct from jidori farms is you know you’re getting authentic jidori chicken. It’s a reliable way to get quality jidori meat.

Specialty Grocery Stores

Certain upscale grocery store chains will carry jidori chicken, primarily in their fresh meat departments. Some chains known to carry jidori chicken include:

• Whole Foods Market
• Eataly
• Bristol Farms
• Metropolitan Market
• New Seasons Market
• Gelson’s Markets

The availability will vary by location. Call ahead to your local stores to check jidori chicken availability and pricing.

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

Many high-end butcher shops and meat markets, especially in major cities, will carry jidori chicken. Some butcher shops known for jidori:

• The Meat Hook (Brooklyn, NY)
• Wexler’s Deli (Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV)
• Olivier’s Butchery (Los Angeles, CA)
• Lindo Michoacán (Chicago, IL)

Again, call ahead to verify jidori availability and pricing at your local butcher shops. Visiting a butcher shop allows you to see and select the exact cuts you want.

Japanese Grocery Stores

Since jidori chicken is native to Japan, Japanese grocery stores will often carry it. Check the refrigerated meat sections or pre-packaged poultry at stores like:

• Mitsuwa Marketplace
• Nijiya Market
• Marukai
• Tokyo Central
• H Mart

Availability and prices will vary based on location. Call ahead to confirm they carry jidori chicken.

High-End Restaurants

Upscale restaurants may serve jidori chicken on their menus, especially Japanese restaurants. Some restaurants featuring jidori include:

• Matsuhisa (Nobu restaurants)
• Morimoto
• Sushi Zo
• n/naka
• Tetsuya’s

You likely won’t be able to buy raw jidori chicken from the restaurant. But it’s a good sign they care about quality ingredients if they serve jidori chicken dishes.

Direct from Japan

For true jidori chicken purists, you can import it directly from Japan. There are certain importers that can ship jidori chicken from Japanese farms to you. This is the most expensive option but ensures authenticity.

The easiest way to buy jidori chicken direct from Japan is through Amazon. They carry jidori chicken imported from Japan’s Akita and Nagano regions. Prices are steep but it guarantees real Japanese jidori chicken.

How Much Does Jidori Chicken Cost?

As a premium artisan product, jidori chicken costs more than typical grocery store chicken. Some general jidori chicken price guidelines:

• Whole chickens – $45 to $60 per chicken
• Breasts – $18 to $26 per pound
• Thighs – $15 to $22 per pound
• Wings – $12 to $18 per pound

At high-end restaurants, a jidori chicken entree will cost $30 to $60. The chicken costs more than typical chicken but jidori fans say the memorable eating experience is worth the price.

How to Cook Jidori Chicken

Jidori chicken shines when prepared simply to highlight the natural flavor. Some cooking methods that work well:

• Roasting – Roast in the oven at 375°F for 1 hour until juices run clear.

• Grilling – Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Get nice char while keeping it juicy.

• Pan searing – Sear skin-side down in a hot pan to get crispy skin then finish cooking through.

• Sous vide – For the juiciest jidori chicken, cook low and slow via sous vide.

• Broiling – Broil 4-6 inches from heat for 18-24 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Avoid heavy marinades or spices that will mask the delicate flavor. Simple salt, pepper, lemon works well. Jidori chicken can be enjoyed hot off the grill or as cold leftovers in salads and sandwiches.

Is It Worth Buying Jidori Chicken?

Jidori chicken clearly demands a higher price tag than typical chicken. But fans of jidori say the memorable eating experience makes it well worth the cost. The incredibly juicy, tender meat with unparalleled flavor is a real treat.

If you’re a fan of high quality meats, enjoy exploring new flavors, or want to treat yourself – jidori chicken is worth trying. It can make for an amazing special occasion meal. For those on a budget, jidori may be too much of a splurge. But overall the quality and cachet of this Japanese specialty chicken makes it a worthwhile indulgence for most.

Finding the Best Jidori Chicken Near You

Jidori chicken offers a truly special eating experience with deep, rich flavor and tender, juicy meat. While it comes at a higher price, fans find it well worth it as an indulgent treat. Use this guide to track down quality jidori chicken from online farms, butcher shops, specialty grocers, and restaurants near you. Savor the jidori difference!