Stewing hen?

[vjbakke]

Anyone ever cooked one? We have local fee range ones and the price is nice. I have heard they are a tougher meat thats why they are called stewing hens. Are they easy to cook in a crock pot?

[Leah52]

I think they would be great done in the crock pot. I've never cooked one before but I've been looking ahead to when my chicks progress to laying hen and then stewing hen.
Also, if you have a pressure cooker it makes the most tough meat tender without a long cooking time.

[goingfor3]

Meat hens are generally 6-8 weeks, so their meat is more tender (and less flavorful). A stewing hen is much older. They are probably quite a bit larger and not laying many eggs anymore. They are best slow cooked and will give you a real chicken flavor for soups, broth, stews, etc. Being free range will give them great flavor too. The crock pot should give you a tender meat. You may want to eat it as is or cut up in meal of your choice. When the meat is done, you can still continue cooking everything to add more flavor to your broth if need be.

[vjbakke]

Thanks! I think I will be ordering one with my next order!