Are you on the hunt for that secret ingredient that can transform your cooking from good to mind-blowingly delicious? Well, lemme tell you about chicken fat – or as the cooking pros call it, schmaltz This liquid gold has been my kitchen’s best kept secret for years, and I’m gonna share exactly where you can find it near you!
As someone who’s spent countless hours hunting down quality chicken fat, I know the struggle of trying to locate this versatile ingredient. Whether you’re making traditional Jewish recipes, want to add incredible flavor to roasted vegetables, or just elevate your everyday cooking, finding good chicken fat shouldn’t be a treasure hunt.
What Makes Chicken Fat So Special?
Before we dive into where to buy it, let’s quickly chat about why chicken fat deserves a place in your kitchen:
- It adds incredible richness and depth to dishes
- Creates that homey, comforting flavor that oil just can’t match
- Works amazing for frying potatoes and other veggies
- Makes roast chicken taste even more chickeny (if that’s even possible!)
- Stores well for future use
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – where you can actually buy this culinary wonder near you!
1. Local Butcher Shops: Your First Stop
In my experience, local butcher shops are absolute gold mines for finding fresh chicken fat. These folks often have a wider selection of poultry products than your average grocery store.
When I visit my neighborhood butcher, I simply ask if they have any freshly rendered chicken fat available. If they don’t have it ready-made, many butchers are happy to set aside chicken skin and fat for you to render at home. Some even offer to render it for you if you give them a day’s notice – how cool is that?
The best part about getting chicken fat from butchers is that it’s usually super fresh and sometimes comes from higher-quality, free-range chickens.
2. Specialty Grocery Stores: Hidden Gems
Specialty grocery stores are another fantastic option for finding chicken fat. Places that focus on gourmet ingredients or international foods often stock rendered chicken fat.
Here’s where to look within specialty stores:
- The kosher foods section (often labeled as “schmaltz”)
- Refrigerated specialty oils and fats section
- International foods aisle, particularly near Eastern European items
- Gourmet cooking ingredients section
I’ve had good luck finding chicken fat at stores like Whole Foods Market, where they carry products like EPIC Provisions Organic Chicken Fat in an 11 OZ container. It’s organic-certified, which is a nice bonus if you’re concerned about the quality of your ingredients.
3. Major Grocery Chains: More Options Than You’d Think
Don’t overlook conventional grocery chains! Many have started carrying chicken fat as home cooking has become more popular. Kroger, for example, sells Empire Kosher™ Rendered Chicken Fat in 7 oz containers for about $6.29 (around $0.90/oz).
The Empire Kosher brand at Kroger contains simply chicken fat, water, and dehydrated onions – making it pretty close to homemade. Plus, it’s kosher-certified if that’s important for your cooking needs.
When looking in major grocery stores, check:
- The kosher foods section
- Specialty oils section
- Sometimes near the butter/margarine in refrigerated sections
- International foods aisles
Pro tip: Always check the ingredient list! Some commercial chicken fats contain preservatives or extra ingredients you might not want.
4. Farmers’ Markets: Farm Fresh Options
I absolutely LOVE shopping at my local farmers’ market, and it’s another great place to find chicken fat. Poultry vendors who sell whole chickens often have rendered fat available for purchase, or they might be willing to save fat and skin for you if you ask nicely.
The big advantage here is that you’re getting fat from locally raised birds that likely had better diets and living conditions than mass-produced poultry. This usually translates to better flavor in the final product.
When approaching a farmers’ market vendor, I usually ask:
- If they sell rendered chicken fat
- If they could save fat/skin for me to render at home
- If they have any recommendations for using their product
I’ve built some great relationships with local farmers this way, and they often save the best stuff for regular customers!
5. Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just can’t find chicken fat locally. That’s when online shopping comes to the rescue! There are numerous online retailers that offer high-quality chicken fat delivered right to your door.
Popular online sources include:
- Amazon (carries multiple brands including EPIC Provisions)
- Specialty food websites
- Direct from farms with online stores
- Ethnic food websites, particularly those specializing in Jewish or Eastern European foods
The benefit of ordering online is the wide selection and convenience. The downside? You might pay a premium for shipping, especially if the fat needs to be refrigerated during transit.
6. Make Your Own: The DIY Approach
When all else fails (or when I’ve got some chicken skin and fat leftover from dinner prep), I just make my own chicken fat! It’s surprisingly easy and gives you complete control over the quality.
Quick DIY chicken fat method:
- Collect chicken skin and fat from your chicken preparation
- Cut into small pieces
- Place in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat
- Cook slowly until the fat renders out and the skin becomes crispy
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve
- Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator or freezer
The crispy skin bits (called gribenes) are delicious sprinkled on salads or eaten as a snack – consider them the cook’s reward!
FAQ: Everything Else You Need to Know About Chicken Fat
Is chicken fat healthy?
While chicken fat is high in calories and saturated fat, it can be part of a balanced diet when used in moderation. Many cooks (including me!) prefer using real fats like chicken fat occasionally rather than highly processed alternatives. It’s all about moderation, folks!
How long can I store chicken fat?
Properly stored chicken fat can last several months in the freezer and a few weeks in the refrigerator. I store mine in glass jars, clearly labeled with the date. The refrigerated fat develops the most amazing flavor!
What can I substitute for chicken fat?
If you’re in a pinch, duck fat makes an excellent substitute. For those avoiding animal products, vegetable shortening, vegan margarine, or plant-based oils can work, though the flavor profile will be different.
Is chicken fat the same as schmaltz?
Yes! Schmaltz is simply the Yiddish term for rendered chicken fat. Traditional schmaltz is often rendered with onions for additional flavor, which is why some store-bought versions contain dehydrated onions.
Are there kosher options for chicken fat?
Absolutely! Empire Kosher™ sells a kosher-certified chicken fat that’s widely available at places like Kroger. Many other kosher food companies also produce chicken fat that meets kosher dietary standards.
Making the Most of Your Chicken Fat
Now that you know where to buy chicken fat near you, here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Use it to make the crispiest, most flavorful roasted potatoes ever
- Spread a thin layer on bread before toasting for an incredible base for sandwiches
- Use it instead of oil when making homemade popcorn (game-changer!)
- Add a spoonful to soups and stews for richness
- Use it to make authentic matzo ball soup
- Sauté vegetables for unbelievable flavor
- Make traditional chopped liver
Conclusion: Your Chicken Fat Journey Begins!
Finding chicken fat near you might take a bit of detective work, but the culinary rewards are SO worth it! Start with your local butcher shops and specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods, check major chains like Kroger for brands such as Empire Kosher, visit farmers’ markets for the freshest options, or hop online for the widest selection.
Remember, the best chicken fat is made with minimal ingredients – ideally just chicken fat itself, maybe with some onions for flavor. Check labels carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions about how the fat was rendered.
I’ve found that having a small jar of chicken fat in my fridge has elevated my cooking in ways I never expected. There’s something magical about that rich, savory flavor that just can’t be replicated with vegetable oils.
So go ahead – grab some chicken fat and start experimenting! Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you. And if you find an amazing local source not mentioned here, do share your discovery with fellow food lovers!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your chicken fat adventures!
