Creative Ways to Make Chicken Stew from Scraps

3-26-18

Creative Ways to Make Chicken Stew from Scraps

Are you looking for an affordable, sustainable way to feed your chickens while reducing food waste? Welcome to the world of homemade chicken stew—a hearty mix of leftovers that keeps your flock happy and healthy!

What Is Chicken Stew?

Chicken stew isn’t your typical recipe. It’s a creative blend of leftover meat, vegetables, and grains, simmered in a nutritious broth. Add a pinch of garlic powder or fresh garlic, and you’ve got a treat your chickens will love.

Optional Ingredients to Include:

• Grains: Rice, quinoa, or lentils.
• Legumes: Beans (ensure they’re fully cooked).
• Pasta: A crowd favorite for our girls!

How to Source Ingredients

Feeding your chickens on a budget starts with sourcing scraps. Here are a few ideas:

1. Family and Friends: Ask neighbors or relatives to save food scraps from their meals.
2. Restaurants: Local restaurants may provide leftover vegetable peels or cooked meat.
3. Grocery Stores: Some stores may have slightly expired but safe-to-use items for free or at a discount.

A Stew Success Story

When a neighbor cleaned out their freezer and found year-old, homegrown beef, they offered it to us. After defrosting and confirming it smelled fine, I cooked it in the Instant Pot overnight. By morning, the flavorful beef bone broth was ready to mix with grains and veggies—a perfect meal for our girls!

Tips for Making Chicken Stew:

• Avoid overfeeding with scraps; this should complement their regular feed.
• Cook all ingredients thoroughly to ensure they’re safe.
• Store leftovers in the fridge and use them within a couple of days.

By creating homemade chicken stew, you’re not only reducing waste but also giving your flock a delicious, nutritious treat. Happy feeding!

Let me know if you'd like further adjustments or additions!