Are you on the hunt for raw chicken feet but not sure where to find them? Trust me, I’ve been there! As someone who loves making rich bone broths and exploring global cuisines, I’ve spent years figuring out the best places to source this unique ingredient.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all my insider knowledge on where to find raw chicken feet locally, how to select the best quality ones, and even some creative ways to use them in your kitchen. Let’s dive right in!
Why Chicken Feet Are Worth Seeking Out
Before we get into where to buy them let’s quickly talk about why chicken feet are so awesome
- Rich in collagen (about 70%!) which is great for your skin and joints
- High in protein (around 14g in just two feet)
- Excellent source of calcium for bone health
- Contains hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate that can help with arthritis
- Makes the BEST bone broth with that perfect gelatinous texture
Now that you’re convinced (or maybe you already were), let’s find out where to buy these golden nuggets of nutrition
Top 8 Places to Buy Raw Chicken Feet Near You
1. Local Butcher Shops and Specialty Meat Markets
In my experience, local butcher shops are absolute gold mines for finding chicken feet. These places typically get whole chickens from nearby farms and either have feet in stock or can order them for you.
The biggest advantage here is freshness – these feet have usually never touched a freezer and come from chickens that were raised humanely without antibiotics or hormones. I always start my search at the local butcher.
Pro tip: Build a relationship with your butcher! They’ll let you know when fresh feet arrive and might even save some for you.
2. Asian Grocery Stores
Asian supermarkets are another reliable spot to find chicken feet since they’re widely used in various Asian cuisines. I’ve found that most Asian grocery stores keep them in the freezer section in pre-packaged bags.
The convenience factor is huge here – you can just grab a bag and go. However, do check the packaging date to make sure they haven’t been sitting in the freezer for months.
What to look for: Avoid packages with heavy ice crystals or signs of freezer burn.
3. Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are fantastic for sourcing specialty animal parts like chicken feet. Look for vendors selling poultry and simply ask if they have chicken feet available.
What I love about buying from farmers markets is knowing the feet come directly from local farms where chickens are typically pasture-raised. Plus, you can buy smaller quantities if you’re just experimenting.
Market tip: Go early! The best stuff sells out fast.
4. Whole Foods Market
Surprisingly, Whole Foods carries organic chicken feet! I was pretty shocked when I first discovered this, but it makes sense given their focus on whole animal butchery.
Their organic chicken feet are certified by accredited organic-certifying agencies, which means they come from chickens raised according to strict organic standards.
Note: Availability varies by location, so use their store locator on their website to check if your local Whole Foods carries them.
5. Instacart for Convenience
If you’re short on time or prefer not to shop in person, Instacart offers chicken feet from various retailers, including:
- Bell & Evans
- Mary’s Chicken
- David Elliot Poultry
- Gelson’s
- Pete’s Fresh Market
- PICS
- Super King
- And many store brands
What’s amazing is that you can have chicken feet delivered to your home in as little as 2 hours! That’s what I call convenience.
6. Local Farms
Contacting local farms directly can be a great way to source high-quality chicken feet. Many small-scale poultry farmers will sell you feet if you ask, even if they don’t advertise them.
I’ve had great luck finding pasture-raised, beyond-organic chicken feet this way. Some farms even offer no-soy, no-GMO options if that’s important to you.
7. Specialty Online Retailers
When all local options fail, online retailers like Moe’s Meats and Thrive Market sell chicken feet that can be shipped frozen directly to your door.
These come in various package sizes – from 1lb packs for occasional use to 10lb bags for the serious broth maker. Just be prepared to pay a bit extra for shipping since they need to be kept frozen.
8. Ethnic Markets Beyond Asian Groceries
Don’t forget about Hispanic, Caribbean, and African markets! These cultures also use chicken feet in their cooking, so their markets often carry them fresh or frozen.
How to Select High-Quality Chicken Feet
Now that you know where to look, here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best quality:
- Look for plump, meaty feet – skinny feet won’t give you much collagen
- Check for uniform color – they should be pale yellow or white
- Give them a sniff test – fresh feet have only a mild odor
- Inspect the texture – should be slightly sticky but not slimy
- Confirm freshness – they should feel firm, not mushy
Proper Storage Methods
Once you’ve scored your chicken feet, proper storage is crucial:
- For short-term storage (2-3 days): Keep refrigerated, loosely wrapped in a bowl lined with paper towel
- For long-term storage (up to 3 months): Portion into meal-sized amounts and freeze in zip-top bags
- Avoid cross-contamination by storing on the bottom shelf of your fridge away from other foods
Creative Ways to Use Chicken Feet
Got your feet but not sure what to do with them? Here are my favorite uses:
Rich Bone Broth or Stock
The most popular use! Chicken feet make the most amazing silky, gelatinous broth due to their high collagen content. Just simmer with aromatics for 5-6 hours.
Dim Sum Style
A classic Chinese preparation involves braising and steaming the feet with black bean sauce, oyster sauce, and spices.
Add to Soups and Stews
Toss a few feet into your next bean stew or lentil soup for added nutrition and body.
For Pet Food
If you make homemade pet food, chicken feet are excellent for dogs and cats due to their calcium and glucosamine content. (Just make sure to cook them thoroughly or consult your vet about raw feeding).
Deep Fried Chicken Feet
Popular as street food in Mexico, Jamaica, and Trinidad – deep-fried and served with various sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are raw chicken feet good for dogs?
Yes, they can be beneficial in moderation! They’re a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. However, always supervise your pet when giving them chicken feet.
How many chicken feet are in 1 pound?
You’ll typically get about 10-15 feet per pound, depending on their size.
Are free-range chicken feet better?
In my experience, yes! Beyond-organic, pastured, free-range chicken feet from chickens raised without soy or GMOs offer maximum nutrition and gelatin content in your broth.
How do I prepare chicken feet for cooking?
Before cooking, you should:
- Clean thoroughly with water and salt
- Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes
- Transfer to ice water
- Peel off yellow membranes
- Chop off nail tips (optional)
My Personal Experience
I remember the first time I tried making broth with chicken feet – I was honestly a bit grossed out by their appearance. But the resulting broth was so rich and flavorful that I was instantly converted!
Now I buy them in bulk whenever I find a good source. My favorite place is still my local farmers market, where I’ve built a relationship with a poultry farmer who saves me a bag each week.
For those new to using chicken feet, I recommend starting with a simple stock. Once you taste the difference they make, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Final Thoughts
Finding raw chicken feet might take a bit more effort than picking up ordinary chicken parts, but the nutritional benefits and culinary possibilities make it totally worth it. Whether you’re making healing bone broth, exploring international cuisines, or just looking to use every part of the animal, chicken feet are a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire.
Have you found a great local source for chicken feet? Or do you have a favorite recipe? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Happy cooking and happy hunting for those chicken feet!
