How do I age this rooster?

[RoseyBK]

Hi all,

I dispatched my 1st chicken today. I got a Cornish Cross by mistake and he got enormous before I realized what was going on and figured out how to do the deed (at 9 weeks of age). He's in my fridge now and weighed in at over 8.5lbs. I was planning on putting him in a vacuum seal bag, but he was too big. He's just on a wire tray wrapped in wax paper at the moment. Is this OK for the next few days? Is it too early to brine? Would that be better? Help please! I feel sorry for this big boy and want to make sure we put him to good use. Much appreciate your advice!

 

[Parront]

At 9 weeks he will be tender enough to roast even if you do not brine. After a day or 2 check to be sure that a leg or wing moves freely and prepare him like you would any chicken from the store. You did good! Wax paper is fine. I put mine in a small roaster pan that fits in the frig. You can also use those turkey roaster bags that you usually only use at Thanksgiving, if you want to have a bag big enough to hold a big bird.

 

[RoseyBK]

At 9 weeks he will be tender enough to roast even if you do not brine. After a day or 2 check to be sure that a leg or wing moves freely and prepare him like you would any chicken from the store. You did good! Wax paper is fine. I put mine in a small roaster pan that fits in the frig. You can also use those turkey roaster bags that you usually only use at Thanksgiving, if you want to have a bag big enough to hold a big bird.

Thank you for the reply! Is it OK if the wax paper isn't sealed all air tight?

 

[Parront]

Thank you for the reply! Is it OK if the wax paper isn't sealed all air tight?

It will be fine. Some people prefer to have the skin dry a little like that. It roasts better that way! Google "dry aged" meat.

 

[RoseyBK]

It will be fine. Some people prefer to have the skin dry a little like that. It roasts better that way! Google "dry aged" meat.

OK, thanks! Yeah, I always dry my (farm bought) turkey like that after I brine it, but this is my first time with a freshly dispatched bird. I really appreciate your advice! Have a great night.

 

[Parront]

OK, thanks! Yeah, I always dry my (farm bought) turkey like that after I brine it, but this is my first time with a freshly dispatched bird. I really appreciate your advice! Have a great night.

Enjoy your yummy bird! I once raised some to ~10 pounds, they were better roasted than turkey.