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Delicious Recipes Using Pastured Chicken and Pork

When it comes to cooking, few ingredients can rival the flavor and versatility of pastured chicken and pork. These meats not only offer a rich taste but also come from animals raised in humane conditions, making them a healthier choice for you and your family. In this post, we will explore a variety of delicious recipes that highlight the unique qualities of pastured chicken and pork, ensuring your meals are both satisfying and nutritious.


Close-up view of a beautifully plated chicken dish with herbs and vegetables
A close-up view of a delicious chicken dish garnished with fresh herbs and colorful vegetables.

Why Choose Pastured Chicken and Pork?


Before diving into the recipes, let’s discuss why pastured meats are a superior choice. Pastured chicken and pork come from animals that are raised outdoors, allowing them to roam freely and eat a natural diet. This results in:


  • Better Flavor: The diet and lifestyle of pastured animals contribute to a richer, more complex flavor profile.

  • Nutritional Benefits: Pastured meats are often higher in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to conventionally raised meats.

  • Ethical Considerations: Choosing pastured options supports humane farming practices and animal welfare.


Now that we understand the benefits, let’s get cooking!


Recipe 1: Herb-Roasted Pastured Chicken


Ingredients


  • 1 whole pastured chicken (about 4-5 lbs)

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 onion, quartered

  • 4 carrots, cut into chunks

  • 4 potatoes, cut into chunks


Instructions


  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then season generously with salt and pepper.

  3. Add Herbs and Aromatics: In a bowl, mix the rosemary, thyme, garlic, and the juice of one lemon half. Rub this mixture under the skin of the chicken and inside the cavity. Place the lemon halves inside the cavity along with the onion.

  4. Arrange Vegetables: In a large roasting pan, arrange the carrots and potatoes. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.

  5. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.

  6. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables.


This herb-roasted chicken is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus elevates the dish, making it a standout meal.


Recipe 2: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pork Chops


Ingredients


  • 4 pastured pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil


Instructions


  1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

  2. Season the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

  3. Sear the Chops: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.

  4. Add the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the pork chops and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, basting the chops with the glaze until they are cooked through and caramelized.

  5. Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.


These sweet and spicy glazed pork chops are a delightful balance of flavors, making them a hit at any dinner table.


Recipe 3: Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry


Ingredients


  • 1 lb pastured chicken breast, sliced thin

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving


Instructions


  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine sliced chicken, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

  5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.


This chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.


Recipe 4: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches


Ingredients


  • 2 lbs pastured pork shoulder

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 4 hamburger buns

  • Coleslaw for topping (optional)


Instructions


  1. Cook the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with sliced onion. Pour BBQ sauce over the top. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

  2. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining sauce.

  3. Serve: Toast the hamburger buns and pile the pulled pork on top. Add coleslaw if desired.


These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are perfect for gatherings or a casual family dinner. The slow-cooked pork is incredibly tender and packed with flavor.


Recipe 5: Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers


Ingredients


  • 1 lb pastured chicken breast, cut into cubes

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)


Instructions


  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.

  4. Grill: Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.

  5. Serve: Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad.


These lemon garlic chicken skewers are a great option for summer barbecues or a light dinner. The marinade adds a refreshing flavor that pairs well with various sides.


Final Thoughts


Incorporating pastured chicken and pork into your meals not only enhances the flavor but also supports ethical farming practices. The recipes shared in this post are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different spices, marinades, and cooking methods to make these dishes your own.


Next time you're at the grocery store or farmer's market, consider choosing pastured meats for your next meal. Your taste buds and your conscience will thank you!

 
 
 

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Laughing Willow Farms and Cattle Co

Robert and Kiesha Baker are based in College Station, Texas, where they founded Laughing Willow Farms out of a passion for raising clean, wholesome food that nourishes the body and supports a healthy lifestyle. In a world where REAL food is becoming increasingly difficult to find, Laughing Willow Farms exists as part of a growing movement dedicated to putting food—raised as God intended—back on your family’s table.

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