The Secret Behind Chicken’s Dark MeatChicken has become a staple protein source for many over the years From whole roasted chickens to chicken wings and chicken nuggets, we just can’t seem to get enough of this lean, versatile meat. But have you ever wondered why some parts of the chicken appear darker than others? What is the difference between dark meat and white meat chicken, and what makes them that way? Keep reading to uncover the secrets behind chicken’s dark meat
The Main Types of Chicken MeatChicken meat comes mainly from two areas – the breast and the legs/thighs
White Meat
White meat comes from the breast and wings of the chicken. This meat has a pale color when unseasoned and cooked. White meat is known for being mild in flavor and leaner than dark meat.
Dark Meat
Dark meat chicken comes from the legs and thighs. It has a darker color, even when cooked, thanks to a protein called myoglobin. Myoglobin helps deliver oxygen to muscles that are used frequently, like the leg and thigh meat. The result is a richer, deeper flavor compared to white meat.
What Causes the Color Difference?
The main reason for the color difference between white and dark chicken meat comes down to myoglobin content. Myoglobin is a protein that helps store and transport oxygen in muscle tissues. The more myoglobin a muscle contains, the darker the meat will be.
Since chickens use their legs frequently for standing, walking, and movement, their leg and thigh muscles contain higher levels of myoglobin This gives the meat a darker reddish-brown color.
In contrast, breast meat and wings don’t get used as often. These muscles contain less myoglobin, resulting in lighter colored meat.
Other Factors Contributing to Dark Meat Color:
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Higher fat content – Fat mixed into the muscle can make it appear darker. Dark meat contains more fat than white meat.
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Greater blood flow – Increased blood circulation to active muscles also influences color. Leg and thigh muscles need more blood flow than breast and wings.
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Higher iron content – The mineral iron has a reddish hue and is found in greater amounts in dark meat.
Why Choose Dark Meat?
Though dark chicken meat has more fat and calories than white meat, it provides some potential health and cooking benefits:
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More vitamins and minerals – Dark meat contains more iron, zinc, B vitamins, selenium, and other nutrients than white meat.
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Juicier texture – The higher fat content keeps dark meat deliciously moist during cooking. It’s harder to dry out.
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Richer flavor – With more fat and myoglobin, many people find dark meat more flavorful and tender than white.
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Budget-friendly – Dark chicken cuts like thighs and drumsticks cost less than white breast meat per pound.
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Faster cooking – The fat and connective tissue allow dark meat to cook quickly without drying out.
Which Parts of the Chicken Are Dark Meat?
The darkest parts of the chicken come from the legs and thighs. Here are the specific cuts where you can find chicken dark meat:
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Thighs – The meatiest, most tender dark meat comes from the thighs. Skin-on, bone-in thighs are juicy and full of flavor.
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Drumsticks – These are the lower part of the chicken legs. Drumsticks contain a higher bone-to-meat ratio but plenty of taste.
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Leg quarters – Also called thigh/drumstick, these contain a portion of both the thigh and drumstick in one. Lots of tasty dark meat.
Other areas with dark chicken meat include:
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Wings – Though considered white meat, wings do contain some darker flesh near the tips.
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Back – The meat along the chicken’s back between the breast and thighs has a darker appearance.
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Giblets – Organs like the heart, liver, and gizzard are very dark from myoglobin and iron.
Go For the Best of Both Worlds
While dark chicken meat shines in terms of flavor and moisture, the mild taste of white meat still has its place. For the best of both worlds, choose recipes that incorporate a mix of thigh or leg meat along with breast meat. This balances out the flavors and textures beautifully. Or, simply enjoy them separately in meals throughout the week.
The next time you bite into a juicy chicken thigh or drumstick, you’ll have a new appreciation for why it tastes so good. Remember, the dark color comes from natural compounds like myoglobin that deliver flavor and nutrients. So don’t be afraid to try new ways to cook with nutritious, tasty dark chicken meat. Your taste buds will thank you.
Should You Use White Meat or Dark Meat?
Watch this video to decide whether white or dark meat is best for your recipe.
What Pieces of Chicken Are Dark Meat?
Dark meat typically refers to the pieces of chicken that are found in the leg, drumstick, and thighs. The leg cut of meat includes both the drumstick and thigh. The drumstick is the lower part of the leg, while the thigh is the upper part. While not a common cut, chicken tail meat is dark meat as well. Learn more about the cuts of dark chicken meat below.
- Leg – The perfect cut for a single-person meal, chicken leg meat is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It contains both fat and bones, making it extremely flavorful.
- Thigh – Rich in fat, moisture, and flavor, thighs are typically prepared with a marinade to accentuate their natural juiciness. They are an economical choice compared to chicken breasts.
- Drumstick – Drumsticks are an economical choice and beloved finger food. This succulent cut pairs wonderfully with strong seasonings and can be fried, barbecued, or grilled and paired with beer.
- Back – The back cut includes both white meat and dark meat, with the dark meat being near the legs.
- Tail – Fatty chicken tail meat is sometimes served alongside a cut of back, leg, or thigh meat. Some chefs roast or pan-fry it and then serve it as a delicacy, and its high-fat content certainly makes it an indulgent choice.
White Meat vs. Dark Meat Chicken: Nutrition, Flavor, and More!
FAQ
What part of the chicken is dark meat?
Dark meat in chicken refers to the thighs, drumsticks (legs), and tail.
What is the healthiest part of the chicken?
Chicken breast is the healthiest part of the chicken, as it is low in calories and high in protein. Darker cuts like the thigh and drumstick contain more fat and calories. Frying chicken or keeping the skin will also add saturated fat.
Is dark chicken meat healthy?
Yes, dark chicken meat can be part of a healthy diet. While it contains more fat and calories than white meat, it also offers more iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Are chicken wings considered dark meat?
Chicken wings are technically considered white meat despite being fattier than the breast and containing a higher proportion of skin.