Many people say eating healthy is just way too expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you are willing to invest a little time and energy, you can eat healthy without “breaking the bank.” Yes, pasture-raised meats are more expensive, but they have a much greater nutritional value. If you are not sure about the benefits, you can get a quick review in my recent blog, What’s So Great About Pasture-Raised Poultry?
One of the greatest values that we offer in our store is chicken necks and backs. It truly is one the best ways to get more of a “bang for your buck.” When our chickens are cut up at the processor, we are left with not only yummy chicken parts such as breasts, legs, thighs, etc, but lots of necks and backs. We realize that this is not a highly sought after product so we sell it at a greatly discounted price of $2/pound. You will be amazed at how many meals you can get from one affordable priced package.
The packages are vacuum sealed so everything is tightly compressed together. Once you have the package opened, pull apart the backs which are cut into two pieces and the necks. The goal in doing this is to allow for more even cooking. Next step is to rinse thoroughly and place in a kettle with just enough water to cover all.
Put them on the stove, bring them to a boil and then simmer for 1-2 hours. At the end of that time, seperate the meat and bones from the broth. Allow the chicken to cool just enough so that it is a comfortable temperature for you to pick the meat from the bones.
If this is your first time picking meat from necks and backs, you may feel a bit unsure about what you should save and what you should put aside for your bone broth. The more you do this, the more comfortable you will become. Since you are making bone broth from the leftovers pieces, nothing will be wasted even if you miss some meat.
Once all the meat is picked off, you will have three bowls of chicken products - edible pieces of chicken (3-4 cups), chicken stock and finally the skin, bones, and connective tissues.
You will have enough chicken to make a couple of meals for the family. I suggest making one meal with the stock and 1 cup of the chicken. Another meal could be a casserole or possible tacos. If you need some help with meal ideas, check out my blog, Three Meals From ONE Chicken.
I usually accumulate the bones from several chickens and then make bone broth, but you can simply use the bones, skin and, tissues from this package to make your very own “liquid gold.” I did a series about bone broth over the last year. To get started, click here to learn more about making bone broth.
I’ve included a recent video on cooking necks and back if you prefer watching the process.