What’s the difference between dark meat chicken and white meat chicken? A lot, actually. The most notable distinction, aside from color, is texture and flavor. Health considerations – cutting calories, heart health and cancer prevention ― may be another reason you choose one over the other. And, lastly, your cooking method and/or recipe may require that meat be this or that type of way. Let’s take a deeper dive.

White Meat Chicken

White meat, which comes from the breast and wings of a chicken, has a mild flavor that’s ideal in Mexican, Italian, Cajun and Mediterranean dishes. Whether oven roasted, grilled or pan fried, white meat always tastes delicious ― just be careful not to overcook it! Breast and wing meat is lower in fat and calories than dark meat, which may be a wise choice for those on a healthy eating journey. White chicken meat is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build muscles, and delivers vital nutrients, including potassium, vitamin D, iron and calcium¹.

Dark Meat Chicken

First off, why the color difference? Dark meat, which comes from the legs, drumsticks and thighs as well as the tail of the chicken, gets its color from myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to muscles while they move. Since the legs and thighs help chickens get around, these parts are darker in color than breasts and wings.

Now for the perks. Dark chicken meat is richer in flavor than white meat, and boasts a juicy, tender texture – these cuts of chicken are nearly impossible to overcook, whether baked, grilled or stir fried! Compared to white meat, dark chicken meat has more immunity boosters, like zinc and iron, and B vitamins, like thiamine, niacin, and B12, which help regulate the body’s metabolism. Further, dark chicken meat is an excellent source of selenium and phosphorous, which have been shown, respectively, to boost the immune system and promote healthy teeth and bones². And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention price. If you’re budget conscious and trying to cut costs where you can, dark chicken meat is a delicious and affordable way to add protein to your diet.

A Cooking Consideration

To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in the thickest portion of meat, without touching bone. Chicken is done when the meat thermometer measures 165 F and juices run clear.

Be sure to invest in a quality digital meat thermometer and keep it at the ready every time you cook chicken to ensure tender, tasty and perfectly cooked results every time.

Sources:
¹Nutrition and Health. National Chicken Council. https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/policy/nutrition-health/.

²The Benefits of Dark Meat. National Chicken Council. https://www.chicken.ca/chicken-school/the-benefits-of-dark-meat/.