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What is a Roaster Chicken?
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
The term roaster chicken is a type of chicken distinguished by the time at which chickens are slaughtered and sold. Typically, roaster chickens are slaughtered when they are about 14 weeks old, which means they are usually larger in size than broilers and fryers which are usually butchered when they are 7 weeks old. Due to its larger size, a roaster chicken is usually roasted whole, though they may also be cut up and fried.
Sometimes people identify a roaster chicken by weight rather than its age at butchering. A roaster chicken will weigh between 5-7 pounds (2.27-3.18 kg), whereas broiler and fryer chickens are less than 6 pounds (2.72 kg), at least according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some other sources define a roaster chicken as between 6-8 pounds (2.72-3.63 kg). Larger chickens like roasters are noted for having a slightly stronger and richer flavor, which develops well when they are roasted.
Despite the name, roaster chickens are not only prepared by roasting. They may be cut up and used in dishes like chicken cacciatore where they are allowed to simmer slowly for hours with tomatoes, mushroom, garlic, and spices until the meat literally falls off the bone. Roaster chickens can also be used as a base for chicken stock, since they do have a little more flavor, which they’ll impart after hours of boiling. Alternately, roasted chicken carcass can be used to create stock.
One of the benefits of a roaster chicken's size is that these chickens can easily be prepared to serve a larger family. An 8-pound (about 3.6 kilograms) roaster is likely to serve a family of four to six people quite easily. These chickens may also be roasted over things like potatoes or mixed vegetables to employ single pot cooking methods that are very easy to prepare.
As with all poultry, it’s important to cook chicken until it's completely done. A meat thermometer is usually the surefire way to achieve this if it is placed in the thickest part of the chicken breast and the inner part of the thigh or wing. Cooked chicken should measure at 165°F (about 74°C). Roaster chickens often go on sale, and can be frozen if it's not going to be used within one to two days.
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent DelightedCooking contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
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Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent DelightedCooking contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
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![Roaster chickens are slaughtered at about 14 weeks old.]()
By: xalanxRoaster chickens are slaughtered at about 14 weeks old. -
![A meat thermometer, inserted in the thickest part of the breast, determines if the chicken is thoroughly cooked.]()
By: nspoonerA meat thermometer, inserted in the thickest part of the breast, determines if the chicken is thoroughly cooked. -
![A roaster chicken is often used to make slow-simmering chicken cacciatore.]()
By: Joe GoughA roaster chicken is often used to make slow-simmering chicken cacciatore. -
![Whole raw chicken can be purchased from most grocery stores.]()
By: BillWhole raw chicken can be purchased from most grocery stores. -
![A roasted chicken should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before carving.]()
By: mipstudioA roasted chicken should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before carving.
Discussion Comments
@Sara84- You can make a lot of recipes from a roasted chicken. My mom has a chicken roaster machine and she puts chickens in there all the time. She then has meat to make tons of things to eat with. She makes chicken salads, soups, and sandwich filling just to name a few. Invest in a stand up roaster or machine--you won't regret it.
My friend has a stand up chicken roaster that she uses. She buys the bigger chickens and puts them on the chicken stand. After the meat is done, it is very juicy and has a great flavor.
I am thinking about getting a stand up roaster too. They save time and cook a lot of meat at once. Then you can use the meat in other dishes throughout the week.
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