Pasture-Raised Chicken: Benefits, Taste & Where to Buy Online

Pasture-raised chicken has become one of the most sought-after proteins for families who value health, flavor, and ethical farming. Unlike conventional poultry farming, this approach prioritizes animal welfare, soil health, and nutrient-rich food for consumers. At Ferguson Farms, our pasture-raised chicken is more than just dinner—it’s a commitment to better food and better farming.

What Does Pasture-Raised Mean?

Pasture-raised means chickens live most of their lives outdoors, foraging on grass, seeds, and insects while still having access to shelter. This differs significantly from free-range, which only requires minimal outdoor access, and conventional poultry farming, where birds spend nearly their entire lives indoors. True pastured poultry ensures healthier birds, healthier land, and healthier food for your table.

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Chicken

Nutrition is where pasture-raised chicken shines. Compared to conventional poultry, studies show it has higher omega-3 fatty acids, more antioxidants, and a better balance of healthy fats, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These compounds are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellness.

Pasture-raised chicken also contains more vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. Because the birds forage naturally, their diet is richer and more diverse, translating directly into nutrient density for the consumer. This makes it an ideal protein choice for families focused on wholesome, clean eating.

How Pasture-Raised Chicken Tastes

Flavor is another area where pasture-raised chicken stands out. Because of natural foraging, the meat has a richer taste, firmer texture, and improved juiciness. Many customers describe the flavor as “real chicken”—a far cry from bland conventional options. If you enjoy slow cooking, roasting, or grilling, you’ll notice the difference in every bite.

Animal Welfare and Sustainable Farming

Pasture-raising is about more than taste and nutrition—it’s about how food is raised. At Ferguson Farms, chickens live outdoors, pecking, scratching, and dust-bathing the way nature intended. This reduces stress, strengthens immunity, and supports ethical treatment of animals.

The farming model also embraces regenerative agriculture. Chickens fertilize the soil with their manure, improve pasture health through natural grazing, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Over time, this leads to healthier soils, better forage, and a more sustainable food system for future generations.

Pasture-Raised vs. Conventional Chicken

The contrast between pasture-raised and conventional chicken is stark. Conventional chicken often comes from intensive farming systems with overcrowded barns, grain-based feed, and rapid growth cycles. This system prioritizes efficiency, not nutrition or welfare.

Pasture-raised chickens, on the other hand, grow at a natural pace, spend their lives in fresh air and sunlight, and forage for part of their diet. The result is better food for the consumer and a better life for the bird.

Where to Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken Online

You don’t need to drive around looking for a local farm. Ferguson Farms makes it easy to order online and have your chicken shipped straight to your door. Every order is flash-frozen, packed with insulated liners and dry ice, and delivered nationwide.

Customers can order individual cuts, like wings, thighs, and breasts, or explore curated poultry boxes. If you’re looking for convenience, our Subscribe & Save program ensures you’ll always have premium pasture-raised chicken in your freezer while saving on every order.

Cooking Tips for Pasture-Raised Chicken

Because pasture-raised chicken is leaner, it cooks slightly differently than conventional chicken. Here are a few quick tips:

• Cook at lower temperatures to retain moisture.
• Use marinades to enhance natural flavor and tenderness.
• Slow-cook or braise tougher cuts like thighs for deeper flavor.
• Always let the meat rest after cooking to lock in juices.

Why Choose Ferguson Farms?

At Ferguson Farms, we are committed to clean, ethical food. Our chickens are raised without GMOs, antibiotics, or added hormones. Every product is flash-frozen for peak freshness and shipped nationwide with free delivery on orders over $159.

We believe food should nourish both people and the planet. When you shop at Ferguson Farms, you’re supporting small-scale farming, soil health, and a healthier food future.

External Resources

For more on standards and nutrition, see:

• USDA Pasture-Raised Label Guidance
• PubMed: Nutritional Comparison of Pasture-Raised vs Conventional Poultry

FAQs About Pasture-Raised Chicken

Is pasture-raised the same as free-range?

No. Free-range usually means birds have minimal outdoor access. Pasture-raised means chickens live primarily outdoors on pasture, foraging naturally every day.

Is pasture-raised chicken healthier?

Yes. Pasture-raised chicken contains more omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins compared to conventionally raised poultry.

Does Ferguson Farms ship pasture-raised chicken nationwide?

Yes. All orders are shipped frozen with dry ice and delivered to your door.

About the Author

Mike Ferguson is the founder and CEO of Ferguson Farms, a direct-to-consumer farm in Plant City, Florida. He is passionate about regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and providing families nationwide with access to premium, 100% grass-fed and finished meats, pasture-raised poultry, and wild-caught seafood. Under his leadership, Ferguson Farms has grown into a trusted online source for nutrient-rich foods that support both human health and the environment.