Heirloom Whole Chicken
In search of a wholesome and mouthwatering whole chicken? Your quest ends here with our pasture-raised whole chicken. This exceptional poultry offers a myriad of benefits, including 20% less fat, 50% more vitamin A, and a remarkable three times the omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally-raised chickens. Not only is it a fantastic source of protein and minerals, but its flavor is delightfully delicate with a subtle hint of sweetness. For an effortless cooking method, simply roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately an hour, or until the meat reaches the desired level of doneness.
Cooks Venture Heirloom Chicken
Raised outside on fresh pasture, for the most flavorful and healthy chicken you can find anywhere.
Cooks Venture chickens instinctively forage through pasture and forest for bugs and grubs on an expansive, Certified Humane 800-acre farm in Decatur, Arkansas. The heirloom chickens also enjoy a supplementary, locally-grown non-GMO feed — made exclusively from crops grown on nearby Missouri farms.
Cooking Instructions
Flavor Profile
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Sustainably Sourced
All of our meats are sourced from small, independent farms and fisheries that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Enjoy high-quality cuts with a clear conscience.
Transparency & Traceability
We provide full transparency about where your food comes from. Every product includes details about the farm, farmer, and sustainable practices, so you know exactly what you're serving.
Exclusive, Premium Quality
From Japanese A5 Wagyu to pasture-raised beef, our selection offers premium, restaurant-quality meats not found in grocery stores. Indulge in top-tier cuts that make every meal unforgettable.
All Cooks Venture heirloom chickens are pasture-raised on locally grown non-GMO feed for the best tasting chicken - more flavorful, juicier and more tender.
Slow-Growth Heirloom Chicken Bred for Flavor
In the US, over 99% of chickens descend from the same two breeds. You might think chicken is just chicken, but that’s because you probably haven’t tried the heirloom varieties from Cooks Venture. Decades of breeding and animal husbandry, free from genetic companies, bring you these exceptional chickens.
Heirloom chickens are a cross between heritage breeds, which are naturally slow-growing and thrive on pasture. This translates to healthier, happier birds and results in nutrient-packed, flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken.
Cooks Venture chicken is also air-chilled for superior quality, locking in natural juices and maintaining a deeper, richer flavor.
Pasture-Raised, Non-GMO for Healthy Chickens
Cooks Venture chickens thrive outdoors from morning to nightfall, foraging for bugs, grubs, and grasses on an expansive, Certified Humane, 800-acre farm in Decatur, Arkansas. They are certified by the Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare program (Pasture Raised - Level 4), ensuring they are raised on pasture from 4 weeks of age with proper shelter and enrichments.
These heirloom chickens enjoy a supplementary, locally-grown non-GMO feed, made exclusively from crops produced on nearby Missouri farms practicing regenerative agriculture. This premium feed, combined with their heirloom breed and truly pasture-raised lifestyle, results in chickens that are healthier and healthier for you. They are higher in antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamin A, and oleic acid—which makes for crispier skin when cooked.
The richness and juiciness of Cooks Venture chickens are unparalleled, and you can taste the difference from the very first bite.
Regenerative Agriculture & Sustainability
Cooks Venture is dedicated to raising some of the best chickens while protecting the environment. They collaborate with scientists and farmers to develop their regenerative agriculture plan. This holistic approach ensures animals, crops, and the land work in harmony.
Their goal is to remove carbon from the atmosphere and return it to the soil, creating a cycle that can positively impact millions of acres. This process helps reverse global warming and improve the food system drastically.
FAQ
Q: What is heirloom chicken?
A: USDA defines Heirloom as Heritage breeds. Cooks Venture’s heirloom chickens are bred from Heritage lines.
Q: What breed does Cooks Venture grow?
A: Cooks Venture’s heirloom chickens are Pioneer breed.
Q: Where and how are Cooks Venture’s chickens pasture raised?
A: Cooks Venture’s chickens have unrestricted access to Cooks Venture’s wooded, 800 acre farm in Decatur, Arkansas, 24 hours everyday, 365 days a year. Heirloom chickens are bred to thrive outdoors.
Q: What kinds of grasses are found in Cooks Venture’s pastures?
A: Tall fescue, Bermuda Grass, Johnson Grass
Q: How does air-chilled compare to water-chilled?
A: Most processors cool chickens in vats of ice cold water, where they also absorb water, known as water-chilled. Water chilling tends to dilute meat quality and flavor. Air chilled chickens pass through several chambers of cold, purified air, which takes longer, but produces no added moisture, a retention of natural juices, and a tender, more flavorful meat, which cooks faster.
Q: Are Cooks Venture chickens GAP certified?
A: Cooks Venture chickens Global Animal Partnership (GAP) Step 4 certified, which requires the following:
- birds have daily access to pasture starting at the age of fourweeks
- the pasture is to be maintained
- use of a breed that is bred to live outdoors
- shade and enrichments to be made available
Q: Does Heirloom Chicken cook differently?
A: Pasture-raised heirloom chicken will cook faster — up to 30% quicker! We recommend using a meat thermometer to check your chicken while cooking, removing it from the heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.


