Our First Cornish X at 6 weeks had flavor but was tough

[Dreyadin]

Sounds like rigor mortis probably set in. Let it rest for a day in the fridge so the muscles can relax.

 

[bshv]

Dreyadin is correct. Just like anything that dies, rigor mortis sets in. You must let the bird rest for a day before consumption if you want it to be tender. As far as I know, it doesn't matter if it is rested in the refrigerator verses the freezer. Although you could brine the bird, it isn't necessary for good flavor, as long as you rest the bird after slaughter.
Hope this helps, enjoy!

 

[Rochelle1031]

Thanks, we are letting the birds rest before freezing. I have not tried any since freezing, the kitchen is undergoing a renovation so I don''t have a sink or stove. Next week I hope to be back up and cooking like crazy. I just received a poultry infusor so I can roast my chickens in the oven and steamed from the inside out with my favorite beer.

 

[Rochelle1031]

I am SO relieved! We had our first thawed chicken and it was moist, tender, and delicious. I let this batch sit in an ice bath for 48 hours before freezing and I let it thaw in the fridge for another 48 hours. Then we roasted in on a Camp Chef Turkey Cannon on the grill. It was perfect! I am so thankful as after the first chicken we ate immediately after processing that was tough and rubbery, I was thinking we would be eating chicken soup all winter long. Now I know that I can roast whole chickens in the oven and slice those beautiful breasts and serve it any way that I choose. Thank you to all that provided a response to my initial concern. I believe that it was beneficial to let chickens rest before freezing and rest thawing.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

rub it in, rub it in. still waiting for that invite

glad it worked out for you

 

[Rochelle1031]

Granny - you are too funny! I will admit that the chicken we cooked on the grill had the skin on so we did not have to cover in cheese cloth. And we did add a rub with chipotle, garlic, and salt. It was scrumptous!

 

[Granny Hatchet]

Granny - you are too funny! I will admit that the chicken we cooked on the grill had the skin on so we did not have to cover in cheese cloth. And we did add a rub with chipotle, garlic, and salt. It was scrumptous!

oh ya! well, i had chicken too! mcchicken that is.