5 Best Kosher Chicken Brands to Enjoy Delicious and Healthy Meals
Kosher chicken brands meet strict standards, taste slightly different, and are raised and processed uniquely. Top brands include Empire Kosher, Aaron’s Best, Kosher Valley, Grow & Behold, and Wise Organic Pastures, offering delicious and healthy options for various meals.
There are several different brands of kosher chicken available on the market today, and all must meet the same rigorous standards to be considered kosher (same as other foods and some other religions). While each chicken tastes slightly different, all are delicious and perfect for any meal.
Kosher chicken does taste different than other types of chicken. Some say it has a more delicate flavor, while others find it a bit saltier. However, the main difference between kosher and non-kosher chicken is how it is raised and processed (and it’s still not vegan).
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The Best Kosher Chicken Brands
These are some of the best kosher chicken brands available on the market today:
Empire Kosher
Empire Kosher is the leading producer of kosher poultry in the United States. The company was founded in 1938 and currently processes more than 240,000 kosher chickens weekly.
Empire Kosher raises chickens on family farms within ninety miles of Empire’s headquarters. The chickens are fed a vegetarian diet and never receive antibiotics or growth hormones.
Aaron’s Best
Aaron’s Best Kosher Chicken is produced in Iowa by the AgriProcessors plant, the largest meat packing facility in the US. This company makes many kosher products and acts as a restaurant wholesaler.
Kosher Valley
Kosher Valley is another newer brand of kosher chicken. The company started in 2009 in Plainville, New York. Trained farmers raise Kosher Valley chickens, and the chickens are given a vegetarian diet of corn and soybeans and never antibiotics or growth hormones.
These birds live stress-free and have room to scratch and peck. Kosher Valley is certified by the Orthodox Union.
Grow & Behold
Processed and pasture-raised on family farms in Pennsylvania, Grow & Behold chickens are heritage breeds, meaning they are slow-growing and have a better flavor. Grow & Behold does not use any antibiotics, growth hormones, or animal by-products in their chicken. The company is certified by the Orthodox Union.
Wise Organic Pastures
The chickens from Wise Organic Pastures are free-range and fed chemical-free. All products are certified by the US Department of Agriculture, Central Rabbinical Congress, and Star-K for the company’s commitment to sustainability, organic farming, and humane treatment of animals.
What Makes Chicken Kosher?
Jewish law requires slaughtering Kosher chicken in a specific way; the bird must be killed with a single, swift cut to the throat without stunning it first. This method of slaughter is said to be more humane and results in less suffering for the animal.
A shochet, someone appropriately trained to slaughter animals, must kill the chickens and then inspect the bird’s internal organs for signs of disease before removing the blood entirely from the chicken by brining in salt.
The final result is a delicious, healthy, and humanely raised chicken perfect for any meal.
Is Kosher Chicken Healthy?
The health benefits of eating chicken are many. Chicken is a lean protein that is low in fat and calories. It is a source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
Chicken is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from disease. Finally, chicken provides your body with omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for brain and heart health.
There are several things to remember when preparing kosher chicken (similar to halal as well). First, it is vital to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before eating it. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also important to avoid cross-contamination when cooking chicken. Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from raw chicken come into contact with other food, like cooked chicken or salad. To avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands after working with raw chicken.
Finally, it is essential to avoid overcooking chicken. Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. To ensure that your chicken is completely cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
When cooked properly, kosher chicken is a delicious and healthy option for any meal.
What Are Common Ways To Prepare Kosher Chicken?
There are many different ways to cook kosher chicken. Some people prefer to roast chicken in the oven, while others grill it on the barbecue. Some people even like to pan-fry their chicken.
However, the most popular way to cook kosher chicken is by using a slow cooker. Slow cookers are an excellent way to cook chicken because they produce moist and tender meat.
They are also straightforward to use; simply put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
What Are Some Popular Jewish Foods To Eat With Kosher Chicken?
Some popular Jewish meals include chicken soup, matzo ball soup, brisket, and latkes. These meals are simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Jewish cooking often uses simple ingredients like garlic, onions, and potatoes.
Jewish cooking is also known for its use of spices and herbs. Some popular spices used in Jewish cooking include paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Herbs like parsley and dill are also commonly used.
FAQs about Kosher Chicken
Still wondering about Kosher chicken brands? Let’s look at some frequently asked questions.
Which chickens are Kosher?
Chickens are kosher if raised, slaughtered, butchered, and cleaned in ways that satisfy Jewish dietary laws. Chickens must be fed kosher food.
Are Perdue Chickens Kosher?
No, Perdue Chickens are not Kosher. Some Perdue products are certified Halal, which shares some characteristics with Kosher food but is not the same.
Who Makes Kosher Chicken?
All of the companies included in this article make Kosher chicken.
Does Publix have Kosher chicken?
Yes, Publix sells Empire Kosher Chicken and Aaron’s Best Kosher Chicken.
Why do I sometimes find a feather on Kosher chicken?
Kosher cleaning processes include using cold water to rinse chickens. This closes follicles and makes feather removal challenging.
What does OU mean on Kosher chicken packaging?
OU stands for Orthodox Union, a kosher certification authority. This Rabbinic group verifies that products meet kashrut (Jewish dietary laws.)
What does P mean on Kosher chicken packaging?
P means the chicken is kosher for Passover. Some products are marked P only during Passover, and some are always marked P.
How do I know if Kosher chicken is high quality?
Fresh chicken should be pink. Avoid chicken with too much liquid in the package because this pooled liquid often results in soggy chicken.
Look for evidence the chicken is vegetable or grass fed. Some producers will try to sneak in animal by-products to reduce costs.
Don’t purchase chicken bruised or damaged from transport because this may impact the freshness of the poultry.
Final Thoughts
Kosher chicken is a type of poultry certified as meeting the religious dietary laws of Judaism. These laws are extensive and cover every aspect of raising, handling, slaughtering, and processing a Kosher bird.
For many people, the preparation of kosher chickens following such specific requirements makes them feel confident that they are eating something healthy and wholesome.
But does kosher chicken taste different? In general, most people say that kosher poultry does have a slightly distinct flavor when compared to non-kosher brands. It is also usually slightly more expensive.
Some people prefer to buy Kosher chicken that is certified organic, while others simply look for a brand that offers good value for the price. Whatever your preference, there is a brand of Kosher chicken that’s the right choice for you and your family.
