Kroger Brand Chickens

[dtcunni]

Ok, a couple days ago I bought the generic Kroger brand chicken.  It came packed in the 14 or 15% solution crap that they use for "whatever" reason.  I have never heard good things about these birds and now I can really understand why.  I smoked it with the AMAZEN smoker and used my same "tried and true" brine.  The results were just short of awful.  The skin was like jerky and the meat was like chewing a rubber band with NO flavor.  So, just to ease my curiosity a bit, why do they pack these birds in this solution or did I do something wrong?  Should I have just taken it out of the package and throw it into the smoker because of the solution it was already marinated in?  They were on sale for .39 per pound so I couldn't resist the experiment.  I usually buy the Foster Farms brand.

Thank you all for you input.

 

[roller]

Well thats to bad..

 

[dtcunni]

I just re-read my post and I hope I didn't come off as being negative on the AMAZEN smoker because that thing is awesome.  I reckon I will just shy away from the pre-marinaded meats like I was warned.  I just wanted an explanation as to why they do it....adds to weight maybe?

 

[oldschoolbbq]

No, I wouldn't think it's negitive , that's how they hold them for as long as they do. Surely you have a Chicken processing plant near by...We have Root's Chicken about 8miles away and they don't inject or preserve any ,just go in and ask for what you want and there it is...FRESH!

Next time go to a Butcher and get your Bird...no stuff in it, and taste like they used to back in the Day...

Have fun , have a happy Holiday Season and...

 

[diggingdogfarm]

So, just to ease my curiosity a bit, why do they pack these birds in this solution?

Because there's an incredible amount of profit to be made in selling water!!!!



~Martin

 

[chef jimmyj]

If you were to Rub and Smoke it as it comes from the package, you would get a better result. A lot of what they enhance with is Salt and most likely a Phosphate to retain moisture...JJ

 

[hbt731]

I smoked some Kroger brand leg quarters (the ones in the red white and blue packaging) about 2 weeks ago. Had really good results. Didn't brine...just rubbed with EVOO and rubbed with Rendezvous rub.

 

[rowdyrawhide]

I smoke Kroger brand quite often and they usually come out great.  I use Tip's Slauhterhouse brine and usually smoke at 275-300* to an IT of 170-175*.  I brine for at least 12 hours but prefer 24-36 if I can.  I put my rub up under the skin and leave the skin on to retain the moisture but usually don't eat the skin.  To be totally honest my skin always comes out like crap and I am too lazy to fire up the grill to crisp up my skin, besides supposedly the skin has most of the "bad stuff" in it according to whomever decides that 

 ( of course now eggs are the wonder food 

and coffee is good for you 

 ).

I usually use in house brands for Chix from Dillon's (Kroger), Walmart, and Sams (these are Tyson, but the price is usually good), and as far as I know they are all packaged in solution, I would love to have some fresh ones though.  

Hope this helps

Aaron

 

[oldschoolbbq]

I guess I've spoiled by the "Fresh" birds we get here in N.W.Ohio. Roots is a little higher, but the taste is far superior. The size of their birds is surprising , the Breast are about 2lb. for the whole Breast and the Chix is not full of enhancements. They are all local.

Just sayin'...

 

[dtcunni]

Thank you all for your input.  If the chance does come about again at .39 per pound then I may try Kroger again.  But, I think I will go with the "tried and true" method of brining of 8 hours + method that I love.  This method is well worth the $2 difference and I would love to find a free range farm around these parts. Does anybody know anyone around MidMO? I have just moved here and would LOVE to become part of a team here!

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Take a ride through the Countryside and stop in at some Farms. Ask the Farmer if sells any of his Birds , all they can do is say "No" , and you get a calming day with the little Lady and maybe find a friend in the country, you could work a trade , after-all your Smoker will be hot for yours , so...

Just sayin'

Stan

 

[mdboatbum]

If you were to Rub and Smoke it as it comes from the package, you would get a better result. A lot of what they enhance with is Salt and most likely a Phosphate to retain moisture...JJ

My experience has been the same. I got an enhanced bird for a camping trip and didn't brine, and it was really good. I've also gotten one at home, brined for 5 hours or so, and had the rubbery, nasty result. The best results (for me) have come from natural, un-enhanced birds that I've brined myself.  Long story short, if it's already enhanced,just leave it be, rub it and smoke it and it'll be good. If you do the enhancing yourself, it'll be great.

 

[dtcunni]

Thank you Oldschool that is a great idea!  Mr. Boatbum, I will definitely do that next time the chance presents itself at .39 per pound.  Thanks again guys!