We’re excited to now carry what we feel is an exceptionally tasty, ethically produced, healthy brand of chicken. Smart Chicken® is available in both organic and regular versions. There are a lot of things that make this chicken some of the best we’ve tried but here is a short list (check out the Smart Chicken website for more information):

• Ethically raised
• Free-range access to pasture
• No hormones or antibiotics used
• The only “Certified Humane” chicken processor in the U.S.
• Meat is individually air chilled resulting in a greatly reduced risk of bacterial cross-contamination
• No added brine means no excess water weight

Come pick up some Smart chicken and try the recipe below or download the Cafe Tecumseh/Smart Chicken holiday recipe guidesmartchickenrecipes for more ideas.

Sake-Steamed Chicken
Serves 4 to 6

1 whole Smart Chicken
Kosher Salt
1½ cups sake (Manzanita Market carries a full selection of sake to choose from)
1½ cups water
5 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sherry (or sake)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced

Pour sake, water, and scallions into the bottom of a large stockpot with steamer basket. Bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, generously salt the chicken inside and out; set breast side up in the steamer basket. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. Steam the chicken for 1 to 1½ hours, until cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool for about 20 minutes.

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Carve the chicken and serve over rice with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with orange zest, scallions, and black sesame seeds.

Let us know what you think of this recipe and product in the comments below!