I split them down the middle and pound them to soften the fibers. Then I lightly brouwn them in olive oil and bake in the oven. I have been known to place them after browning in the crock pot with some chicken broth and let them cook on low for about three to four hours. Make great sandwiches. Sounds like you have an old laying hen that was allowed to live a long life. My mom used to use the meat tenderizer products they use on red meat on the tough old chickens; letting the tenderizer sit on the chicken breasts over night. Then she made as stew. Hope this helps.