Chicken Breast

The Chicken Breast Journey from Chicken Coop To Dinner Plate

Chicken breasts are a go-to favorite for many households, from restaurant meals to backyard barbeques to elaborate dinner parties. But how does this seemingly simple main course make it from chicken coop to dinner plate?

The process of bringing a chicken breast from the farm to your plate is a complex one that involves many different steps, each requiring strict adherence to regulations and quality standards. In this blog post, we'll delve into a detailed overview of the entire journey of a chicken breast, from the moment it's born in a rural coop to the time it final appears on a dinner plate.

Understanding the Basics Of Growing a Chicken

Before diving into the specifics of a chicken's journey, we must first look at the basics of growing a chicken. Chickens begin life as tiny eggs that incubate for approximately 21 days before hatching into a chick. A majority of chickens used for meat production are hatched in farms known as "broiler operations" due to their main purpose of raising chickens for meat production.

In these broiler operations, the chicks grow quickly in large enclosed or semi-enclosed buildings specifically designed for maximizing their growth. During their five or six week stay, chicks are given feed and water, and monitored for health, signs of illness like respiratory issues, and signs of injury.

The Necessity of Careful Transport and Slaughter

When the chicks are 8-9 weeks old, the next step in their journey is transport to the slaughter facility where they will be processed for consumption. This move requires careful planning and timing to make sure it is done humanely and efficiently.

Transport to the slaughterhouse begins with the chickens being placed in special “crate-like” containers to protect them from rough weather while also controlling their environment as best as possible so they don't become injured as they travel.

Once they have arrived at the slaughterhouse, a team of veterinarians and inspectors work together to not only monitor the chickens for disease and injuries, but to also perform an "institutional humane handling" exam, which includes checking the chickens' body and feather condition, as well as their movement and responses.

If all is passed, the chickens enter the processing line and go through various steps, including stunning, killing, bleeding and scalding. These steps are done in a humane and regulated way with minor variations depending on the particular facility.

Skinning, Cleaning and Butchery

After the chicken has been processed and bled, it is then skinned in order to keep the meat fresh for a longer period of time and easier to package for the consumer.

Next comes cleaning, which entails thorough scrubbing and washing to remove any sudden or organic matter. This is done with the help of brushes and automated equipment.

Once the chicken is fully clean, it is ready to be butchered. In this step, the bird is cut into its final pieces and some of the superfluous parts including the neck, feet, and gizzard are removed. Special attention is paid to delicate areas like the breast and wings, since these are the most sought after parts in most households.

Packaging for Preservation and Transport

Once the bird is butchered and inspected for quality and safety, it is ready to leave the Slaughterhouse and be packaged for preservation.

The packaging process usually begins with the birds being placed into sanitary plastic bags in order to seal out oxygen, thus preventing the growth of bacteria. Additionally, these bags lock in the juices and capture the flavor, resulting in a fresher and more enjoyable eating experience.

The birds are then frozen and packaged into boxes. At this point, careful handling is a must since freezing will lock in any potential bacteria already present on the bird and if it is mishandled and/or transported improperly, it can cause the bird to reach unsafe temperature levels which can increase the risk of food borne illness.

Getting to the Dinner Plate

The last step in the chicken's journey is distribution and sale at the local market. Here, the chicken will be inspected one last time through a visual check and in some cases, organoleptic tests to ensure safety and quality.

Once cleared, the chicken is ready to be purchased and prepared for a meal. With the use of proper cooking and handling techniques, the final stage in the chicken’s journey is complete and the bird can proudly make it from chicken coop to dinner plate.

Conclusion

The journey of a chicken breast from the farm to the dinner plate is long and complex. It requires care and attention throughout to make sure the bird is treated humanely and within the limits of the law. As a consumer, it's important to understand the complexities and details that go into bringing the chicken to your table so that you can appreciate it's origin and make the most out of it in your home cooked meals.