So every now and again I like to pick up an item that seemingly no one is talking about. This is a product I had to do a bit more research into to see if there is a bit of a difference. From everything I've put together, most commercial chickens are raised quite quickly. Heirloom on the other hand supposedly tastes more like the way chicken did a long time ago (before even I was born in the 1980s). They are smaller and have spent their lives in a pasture.
Taste
For $2.99 per pound, this is much cheaper than other heirloom chicken I've seen referenced. The bummer here is that it doesn't reference what type of breed it might be. If you are interested in learning more about breeds, you can check out this article by Modern Farmer.
To be fair, I consider myself to be a decent enough home cook. So I opted to keep this simple to see if there was a detectable difference.
When I say simple, I also have to warn you, because this is slow growth chicken, there is a bit more muscle here, so you'll have to cook this slower.
I kept things pretty standard at 350F. This chicken weighed just about 3 lbs so that was about an hour in the oven with be stopping at 45 minutes to brush the fat that had rendered onto the skin. At the end of the hour and a quick temperature check, there was a very necessary 10-minute rest.
Prepping this was pretty standard: I dried it with a paper towel and generously salted and peppered the skin. I also used a whole lemon, halved, and put that in the cavity to put the bird more upright and will lend a mild citrus flavor, and ensure more even heat distribution.
Otherwise, what came out of the oven was moist and had more chicken flavor than regular chicken. Yes, it still tastes like chicken. The breast meat had a much more pronounced flavor than regular chicken cutlets which I oftentimes feel are pretty close to flavorless.
So if you've been curious about one of these birds, don't be afraid of it. But if you are more culinarily adventurous, there are no giblets to neck to speak of in this package.
Frequently asked questions
Below are common reader questions about this product
Yes, they do. They are sold right next to the regular and organic whole birds in the refrigerated case.
Heirloom chicken refers to breeds of chicken that live outdoors, are slow growing, and are often smaller than conventionally sold chicken
Overall
Overall, worth a try. In terms of availability, I would check with your local store. Prior to Father's Day, there was a Cowboy Ribeye only in certain locations. So whether or not this is available across all stores is a bit unclear.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's All Natural Heirloom Whole Chicken again. Even though there was a slight premium it was worth it. Just don't expect those huge chicken breasts, this is a more evenly proportioned bird.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The package of Trader Joe's All Natural Heirloom Whole Chicken:
The nutritional information and the ingredients
And what it looked like fully cooked:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's All Natural Heirloom Whole Chicken
Product Name: Trader Joe's All Natural Heirloom Whole Chicken
Product Description: Trader Joe's All Natural Heirloom Whole Chicken is a different option available if you love whole chicken.
Price: $2.99 per pound
Summary
Trader Joe's All Natural Heirloom Whole Chicken is an extra meat option in the refrigerated case.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- A more flavorful bird
- When prepared right, there is a decent enough difference to justify the extra price.
- Well priced compared to most references on price I've seen online.
Cons
- A slight premium over conventional chicken
- If you are into making gravy you might be disappointed that the neck and giblets aren't here.
- Availability might vary by store
Tammy says
Hi, Would this bird benefit from a marinade do you think?
becomebetty says
As long as you can cook it low and slow it should work
Lou says
Just bought one and haven't cooked it as yet. I found your article and the comments very helpful. I have a couple of questions. How can TJ do this at $2.99/lb.? All other places charge way, way more and they're frozen. I have been looking for PASTURE RAISED with a Humane label. This Heirloom is the closest I've been able to come. Do you consider it truly pasture raised, not just access to pasture? Where is the farm ?
Looking forward to eating it.
Lou
becomebetty says
Hey Lou! I'd ask that question to Trader Joe's directly. They can probably give you more information: https://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/product-feedback
I hope that helps!
Lou says
EXCELLENT! Been looking all over for pasture raised chicken. Heirloom is delicious and what I had hoped for.
I will buy at Trader Joe's exclusively. Will ask them to keep carrying. Cooking easy and juicy (Just use lower temp)
Lou
becomebetty says
Thanks so much for sharing Lou!
Joni Wilhelm says
I love these chickens that taste like chicken should. When I'm at TJoes, I usually buy 3 or 4. I cut some up into pieces and leave 1 whole, vacuum seal and freeze.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Joni!
Phillip says
Hi, this is the best chicken on the market currently. Flavorful, tastes like chicken used to taste. These chickens are honestly the best! Meat has real muscle, no woody breast meat, no purge from added fluids and a skin that looks healthy and tastes like pork cracklings! It’s the only chicken I buy now!
becomebetty says
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this Phillip!
Scott Quigley says
Great flavor! I cooked indirectly on the Weber with salt, pepper and squeeze of lemon a couple of times during cooking. Also added soaked cherry wood chips. This is one of the best store bought chickens I have eaten.
Connie says
Can u make chicken soup using this chicken or better in oven?
becomebetty says
Both will yield something delicious and flavorful. Thanks for asking Connie!
Parris LaBeur says
Hi. I received one as a gift from trader Joe's heirloom chicken as depicted in the pictures that you posted, thank you so much. I'm looking for a simple recipe to cook it though. I have an oven and I can buy whatever ingredients but I'm a novice and learning as I go. Please help.
francine Finkel says
I must say this is the best chicken I have had since I was a young person. I grew up on kosher fresh chickens and this tastes like I remembered. I just roasted one in my Oster oven and my husband even loved it and he is very fussy. Thanks TJ
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Francine!
Oana says
Unfortunately I have tried that and TJ Customer Relations won’t reveal which farm they get it from. That is a big NO NO from a company with their reputation bc they are not transparent. First yes, it does matter if they are pasture raise 100% or that they only have access to pasture. Second I want to know what those chickens eat. Do they consume soy? Corn? Very disappointing!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Oana!