3 Chickens Tough and Stringy... help!

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I've eaten three of my own chickens now, all different ages (9 to 20 weeks) and processed on different days and different breeds. The first two I thought I over-cooked, the third one I KNOW I didn't. After processing I rinse extra well in cold water and rest in the fridge for 48 hours.... WHY oh WHY are all my chickens tough and stringy!!!!

 

[PatS]

Hmm, they're not too old, and you've rested the meat. Maybe cooking method/high heat? I'm not a super experienced cook, but we've had pretty good results with cooking on lowish temps (325ish) with some liquid in the roasting pan.

 

[dragon86]

i like to cook them in a slow cooker for a long time then make dumplins.

 

[Nikkumz]

How are you culling them? I heard if its not quick and easy their body wil release adrenaline and makes the meat become tough..just what i was told not sure if its %100 true though

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

The weird part is, is that none of my "store" birds turn out this way! There must be some other factor besides the cooking... Maybe I will try a different culling method, or let them rest longer... I don't know.

 

[chickened]

Tough and stringy compared to what? an 8 week old CX. A standard dual purpose bird would or should be tender at 8 weeks but not much meat on one. My DP birds are always a little tougher.

 

[Posh Chickens]

Yeah, I heard that about the adrenaline, but also I heard that if there is stress, that their meat becomes tough.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

The first two were cornish, the third was DP... but they were ALL tough and stringy... boyfriend couldn't even eat it.

 

[Nikkumz]

How did you kill them? like i said earlier if they dont die right away it releases adrenaline in thier body which makes the meat become tough

 

[chickened]

I hear killing cones help keep them tender as a slaughter method. Ice water is best for cooling them out. The colder the better.