Where to Buy a Capon Chicken Near Me: Your Complete Shopping Guide

Finding a capon chicken might feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack sometimes. I’ve been there, searching high and low for this specialty poultry only to come up empty-handed or confused about where to look next. If you’re wondering “where to buy a capon chicken near me,” you’re in the right place! I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you track down this delicious option for your next special meal.

What Exactly Is a Capon Chicken?

Before diving into where to buy them, let’s clarify what we’re looking for A capon is a male chicken that has been castrated to produce a bird with larger, more tender meat They typically have a much bigger breast compared to regular chickens, making them perfect for roasting and special occasions.

Capons generally fall into these weight ranges

• Small capons: 4-6 pounds
• Medium capons: 5-6.99 pounds
• Large capons: 7-9 pounds
• Extra large capons: 9-12 pounds

The meat is known for being exceptionally tender and juicy with a milder flavor than regular chicken, which is why they’re often the centerpiece for holiday meals.

Best Places to Find Capon Chickens

1. Specialty Poultry Farms

Farms like Goffle Road Poultry Farm offer capons year-round, though larger sizes might be seasonal. At Goffle Road they price their capons between $4.99-$5.19 per pound and you can even specify how you want your capon prepared

• Cut in half
• Cut into 4 pieces
• Cut into 8 pieces
• Left whole

They also offer options for extras like:

• Feet and giblets/neck
• Giblets/neck only
• Feet only
• No extras

2. Supermarket Chains

Major supermarkets sometimes carry capons, especially during the holiday season. For example, Publix offers frozen capons weighing between 6-8 pounds. These are typically found in the frozen poultry section and may not be available year-round.

3. Butcher Shops

Local butcher shops are often the hidden gems for finding specialty poultry like capons. They might not always have them in stock, but many can order them for you with advance notice.

4. Farmers Markets

Depending on your location, farmers markets can be excellent sources for locally raised capons. The advantage here is that you can often speak directly with the farmers about how the birds were raised.

5. Online Retailers

If you’re struggling to find capons locally, numerous online meat retailers ship nationwide. These options might be pricier due to shipping costs, but they’re reliable when local options aren’t available.

Seasonal Availability of Capons

It’s important to note that capons are often seasonal items. While some specialty farms may have them available year-round, many places only stock them during:

• Thanksgiving season
• Christmas season
• Easter
• Other major holidays

As Goffle Road Poultry Farm mentions, “Larger capons may not be available off season.” So if you’re planning a special meal, it’s wise to call ahead or place an order in advance.

Price Expectations

When budgeting for your capon, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Specialty farms: $4.99-$5.19 per pound (based on Goffle Road pricing)
• Supermarkets: Prices vary but expect to pay a premium over regular chicken
• Online retailers: Higher prices plus shipping costs

Remember that capons are specialty items and priced accordingly – they’re generally more expensive than regular chickens due to the special raising methods and their superior meat quality.

How to Choose a Quality Capon

When you do find a capon, here’s what to look for:

• Size appropriate for your meal (remember they yield more meat per pound than regular chickens)
• Fresh or properly frozen with no freezer burn
• Pink-colored skin if fresh
• No off odors

Preparing Your Capon

Once you’ve tracked down and purchased your capon, you’ll want to make sure you cook it properly! Capons are perfect for roasting and can be prepared similar to a regular chicken but with some adjustments for their larger size:

1. Plan for longer cooking times than regular chicken
2. Season generously inside and out
3. Consider trussing for even cooking
4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally

My Personal Experience Finding Capons

Last Christmas, I was determined to serve a capon as the centerpiece of our family dinner. I called around to six different grocery stores before finally finding one at a specialty butcher shop about 30 minutes from my house. The effort was totally worth it – everyone raved about how juicy and flavorful it was compared to our usual turkey!

Call Before You Go!

The most important tip I can give you is to CALL AHEAD! Since capons are specialty items, even stores that normally carry them might be out of stock when you visit. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip and help you determine if you need to place a special order.

Local Options to Try

Here are some types of stores where you might find capons in your area:

• Specialty poultry farms – Often the most reliable source
• High-end grocery stores – Like Whole Foods or regional premium chains
• Ethnic markets – Particularly European or Asian markets
• Local butcher shops – May need advance ordering
• Food co-ops – Sometimes carry specialty poultry items

Online Ordering Options

If you’ve struck out locally, don’t worry! You can order capons online from several reputable sources. Just be sure to account for shipping times and costs when planning your meal.

Substitutes If You Can’t Find a Capon

If you’ve looked everywhere and still can’t find a capon, here are some alternatives:

• Large roasting chicken
• Small turkey
• Poussin (for smaller meals)

While these won’t have the exact same taste and texture as a true capon, they can still make a delicious centerpiece for your special meal.

Finding where to buy a capon chicken near you might take a bit more effort than picking up a regular chicken, but the delicious results are worth it! Start by checking specialty poultry farms like Goffle Road, then try supermarkets like Publix (especially during holiday seasons), local butcher shops, and farmers markets. If all else fails, online retailers can ship capons directly to your door.

Remember that availability may be seasonal, with larger capons particularly hard to find outside of major holidays. When in doubt, call ahead to check availability or place a special order so you’re not disappointed.

Have you cooked a capon before? What was your experience finding one in your area? I’d love to hear about your capon adventures in the comments below!

FAQ About Buying Capon Chickens

How far in advance should I order a capon?

For holiday meals, I recommend ordering 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability.

Are frozen capons as good as fresh?

While fresh is always preferable, properly frozen capons maintain excellent quality and are often more readily available.

How many people will a capon feed?

A good rule of thumb is:

• 4-6 lb capon: 4-6 people
• 7-9 lb capon: 6-8 people
• 9+ lb capon: 8-10 people

Can I special order a capon from a regular grocery store?

Many grocery stores with meat departments can special order capons with sufficient notice, especially around holiday times.

Why are capons so hard to find?

They’re a specialty item with limited production compared to regular chickens, making them less commonly stocked in standard grocery stores.

Now that you know where to look for capons, you’re well-equipped to find this delicious poultry option for your next special meal. Happy hunting!