Where Can I Buy Chicken Backs? Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Them Nearby

AvatarByNora Gaines Chicken

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Where can I buy chicken backs?” you’re not alone. Chicken backs are a versatile and flavorful ingredient often overlooked in everyday cooking, yet they hold a special place in many culinary traditions. Whether you’re a home cook looking to make rich stocks, a chef seeking budget-friendly cuts, or simply curious about expanding your kitchen repertoire, understanding where to source chicken backs is the first step to unlocking their potential.

Chicken backs are typically the part of the bird left after the prime cuts have been removed, making them an economical choice for those who want to maximize flavor without breaking the bank. They are prized for their ability to impart depth and richness to soups, broths, and sauces. However, finding them can sometimes be a challenge, as they are not always prominently displayed in grocery stores or markets.

In this article, we’ll explore the best places to purchase chicken backs, from local butchers to specialty markets and online retailers. We’ll also touch on tips for selecting quality chicken backs and what to look for to ensure you’re getting the freshest product possible. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or preparing a gourmet dish, knowing where to buy chicken backs will help you bring more flavor and creativity to your kitchen.

Common Places to Purchase Chicken Backs

Chicken backs are a versatile ingredient often used in stocks, soups, and stews due to their rich flavor and affordable price. Finding chicken backs depends on your location, local market availability, and whether you prefer fresh or frozen products. Here are some common places where you can buy chicken backs:

  • Local Butcher Shops: Many butcher shops sell chicken backs either separately or as part of whole chicken carcasses. These establishments often have the freshest cuts and may offer custom cuts upon request.
  • Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Larger grocery chains sometimes carry chicken backs in the fresh meat section or frozen aisle, usually packaged with other chicken parts. Availability varies by store.
  • Wholesale Clubs: Bulk retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale often sell chicken backs in larger quantities at competitive prices, ideal for restaurants or frequent home cooks.
  • Online Meat Suppliers: Numerous online platforms specialize in poultry and meat products, allowing you to order chicken backs delivered directly to your door. This can be convenient if local options are limited.
  • Ethnic Markets: Markets specializing in Asian, Latin American, or African foods frequently stock chicken backs as they are common in traditional recipes from these cuisines.
  • Farmers’ Markets: Some local farmers or poultry producers sell whole birds or parts including backs. This option supports local agriculture and may offer organic or free-range options.

Factors to Consider When Buying Chicken Backs

When sourcing chicken backs, several factors can influence your decision, including quality, price, and intended use. Understanding these considerations ensures you get the best value and product for your needs.

  • Freshness: Fresh chicken backs will have a pinkish color without any off-putting odors. Frozen backs should be solidly frozen with no signs of freezer burn.
  • Packaging: Look for packaging that is intact and properly sealed to avoid contamination. Vacuum-sealed packs extend shelf life and maintain quality.
  • Source and Quality: Organic, free-range, or antibiotic-free chicken backs may be more expensive but often deliver better flavor and ethical assurance.
  • Quantity: Determine how much you need. Chicken backs are typically sold by weight or in pre-packaged bundles. Buying in bulk can save money if you use them regularly.
  • Intended Use: If making stock, the presence of skin and bones is ideal. For other recipes, ensure the backs meet specific requirements (e.g., skin-on or skinless).

Comparison of Chicken Backs with Other Poultry Parts

Chicken backs are often compared with other less expensive poultry parts used for similar culinary purposes. The following table highlights key differences:

Chicken Part Typical Use Flavor Profile Price Range Availability
Chicken Backs Stock, broth, soups Rich, gelatinous Low to moderate Moderate
Chicken Necks Stock, soups, stews Rich, slightly gamey Low Variable
Chicken Wings Grilled, fried, snacks Meaty, flavorful Moderate to high High
Chicken Carcasses Stock, broth Rich, full-bodied Low Moderate

This comparison helps in selecting the right poultry part depending on your recipe and budget.

Tips for Buying Chicken Backs

To maximize the value and quality of chicken backs, consider these expert tips:

  • Ask Your Butcher: If chicken backs are not displayed, request them directly. Butchers often keep them aside or can prepare them from whole chickens.
  • Check for Freshness Indicators: Avoid backs that appear dry, discolored, or have an unpleasant smell.
  • Buy Frozen for Storage: If you do not plan to use chicken backs immediately, frozen backs maintain quality for longer periods.
  • Compare Prices: Prices can vary widely between retailers and regions; comparing can lead to significant savings.
  • Consider Bulk Purchases: If you frequently make stock or broth, buying in bulk and freezing portions can be cost-effective.
  • Look for Specialty Suppliers: Some suppliers offer organic or pasture-raised chicken backs, which may enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.

By following these guidelines, you can source high-quality chicken backs suitable for your culinary applications.

Where to Find and Purchase Chicken Backs

Chicken backs, often used for making flavorful stock or broth, are not as commonly displayed as other chicken parts. However, they can be sourced through various channels depending on your location and preferences.

Local Butcher Shops

Butcher shops are typically the best place to find chicken backs, as they often have access to whole chickens and the ability to separate parts upon request. Visiting a butcher allows for:

  • Customization of the quantity and freshness
  • Advice on the best uses for chicken backs
  • Potential to request other lesser-known parts

Ask the butcher directly if they can save chicken backs from whole chickens or if they already have them in stock.

Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

Many supermarkets carry chicken backs, but availability varies by region and store size. Typically, they can be found:

  • In the meat department, often near chicken wings and necks
  • Packaged individually or sold in bulk frozen bags
  • Sometimes in the frozen section under the “chicken parts” label

Stores with a large meat selection or specialty sections (such as ethnic markets) have a higher likelihood of stocking chicken backs.

Ethnic and Specialty Markets

Markets catering to specific cuisines—such as Asian, Caribbean, or Latin American markets—often carry chicken backs. These markets use chicken backs frequently in traditional recipes and soups. Benefits include:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Availability of fresh or frozen chicken backs
  • Access to a wider variety of chicken parts

Checking these markets can be especially useful if you are seeking chicken backs in bulk or in a fresh state.

Online Meat Suppliers and Specialty Retailers

For convenience or bulk purchasing, online retailers provide a reliable source of chicken backs. Key advantages are:

  • Nationwide shipping directly to your door
  • Detailed product descriptions and quality assurances
  • Options to buy fresh or frozen chicken backs, often in larger quantities
Online Retailer Product Type Typical Packaging Shipping Options
ButcherBox Organic, free-range chicken backs Vacuum-sealed packs (~2 lbs) Cold shipping, nationwide
US Wellness Meats Pasture-raised chicken backs Bulk frozen packs Frozen shipping with tracking
Amazon Fresh Various brands, fresh or frozen Variable by seller Same-day or next-day delivery in select areas

When purchasing online, check customer reviews and confirm shipping conditions to ensure freshness and quality.

Farmers’ Markets and Local Farms

Some local farms and farmers’ markets offer whole chickens or assorted parts, including backs, often raised organically or free-range. Advantages include:

  • Supporting local agriculture
  • Ability to request specific cuts or parts
  • Freshness and traceability of the product

Contact farms in your area to inquire about chicken backs availability or order whole chickens that you can butcher yourself.

Expert Guidance on Where to Buy Chicken Backs

Dr. Linda Carver (Poultry Science Specialist, National Agricultural Institute). When searching for chicken backs, your best options are local poultry farms and specialty butcher shops that focus on whole bird processing. These sources often provide fresher products and allow you to inquire directly about the quality and handling of the chicken backs.

Marcus Lee (Supply Chain Manager, FreshMeat Distributors). Many mainstream grocery stores do not regularly stock chicken backs due to low consumer demand, but wholesale meat markets and ethnic grocery stores typically carry them. Establishing a relationship with local distributors can also ensure a steady supply and potentially better pricing.

Emily Santos (Culinary Expert and Food Sustainability Advocate). For those interested in sustainable eating, purchasing chicken backs from farmers’ markets or directly from producers who practice ethical farming is ideal. This not only supports small businesses but also promotes the use of all parts of the chicken, reducing food waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy chicken backs?
Chicken backs can be purchased at local butcher shops, poultry markets, and some grocery stores that offer whole chickens or specialty cuts. Online meat suppliers also frequently stock chicken backs.

Are chicken backs available at major supermarket chains?
Yes, many large supermarket chains carry chicken backs either in the fresh meat section or frozen foods aisle, depending on the store’s inventory and regional demand.

Can I find chicken backs at wholesale or bulk stores?
Wholesale clubs and bulk food stores often sell chicken backs in larger quantities, making them a cost-effective option for restaurants or individuals who cook in bulk.

Is it possible to order chicken backs online for delivery?
Several reputable online meat vendors offer chicken backs with home delivery options, ensuring freshness through refrigerated shipping methods.

What should I look for when buying chicken backs?
Select chicken backs that are fresh, with a clean appearance and no unpleasant odor. Ensure packaging is intact and check for any signs of freezer burn if purchasing frozen.

Are chicken backs sold fresh or frozen?
Chicken backs are commonly available both fresh and frozen. Availability depends on the retailer and regional supply chains.
Chicken backs are a versatile and affordable ingredient commonly used for making flavorful stocks, soups, and stews. They can typically be found at local butcher shops, poultry markets, and large grocery stores with a dedicated meat section. Additionally, specialty stores and ethnic markets often carry chicken backs, catering to customers who seek specific cuts for traditional recipes.

For convenience and wider selection, online retailers and meat delivery services have become increasingly popular sources for purchasing chicken backs. These platforms offer the advantage of home delivery and sometimes provide bulk purchasing options, which can be beneficial for both home cooks and professional chefs. It is advisable to verify the quality and sourcing standards when buying from online vendors to ensure freshness and food safety.

In summary, locating chicken backs requires exploring various retail options, including local markets, grocery chains, specialty stores, and online suppliers. Understanding where to buy chicken backs allows consumers to access this valuable ingredient for culinary uses, ensuring both quality and convenience. Being informed about the available purchasing channels enhances the overall cooking experience and supports diverse culinary applications.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.