What Is the Difference Between a Fryer & Roasting Chicken?

Chicken is labeled according to its age when it is butchered.

Chicken is packaged and labeled according to its age and weight at the time of butchering. Knowing the different types of chicken available can ensure success at the dinner table.

Broiler-Fryer

The fryer chicken, also labeled broiler-fryer, is a young, tender chicken that is about 7 weeks old at butchering time. A fryer chicken usually weighs between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 lbs. This type of tender chicken can be fried, broiled or grilled.

Roaster

The roaster chicken is older than a fryer chicken, and is between three and five months old at the time of butchering. A roaster usually weighs between 5 and 7 lbs. This meaty type of chicken is best roasted, but can be prepared by other methods as well.

Capon

The capon is another type of chicken commonly found at the local butcher shop. A capon is a male chicken that has been castrated and then butchered between 16 weeks and eighteen months old. Capons weigh between 4 and 7 lbs. and have a generous amount of tender, flavorful meat. Capons are usually roasted.

References

• USDA Fact Sheet: Focus On: Chicken
• RecipeTips.com: Types of Chicken
• Seattle Times Newspaper Blog: All You Can Eat Chicken...Little?