is meat and chicken the same

Best Meat Chicken Breeds

When we think of meat chicken breeds, we often have a picture-perfect, fat, heavy-breasted, white bird in our minds.

But the truth is, there are many different breeds of chickens to choose from.In fact, limiting your options will only guarantee that youll miss out on different flavors, experiences, and opportunities to get more out of your chicken.

In this article, youll soon discover that theres a lot more to consider (and choose from) when looking for the right meat chicken to raise for you and your family.

Best Meat Chicken Breeds: What To Consider When Selecting

Selecting a meat chicken comes down to your own preferences. Because, when all is said and done, you can eat any type of chicken (or bird for that matter).

Some just tend to have a larger body and will provide more meat than others.

If youre looking for that picture-perfect chicken, the one youve probably seen in the grocery store or on TV, then your best bet is the Cornish Cross.

But if youre interested in learning about other breeds of chicken that are often raised for meat, then youll want to take look at the following considerations to make your selection.

If you are not sure when to process your chickens, read our complete guide here.

Size of the Bird

Its no surprise that the larger the chicken (usually) the more meat on the dinner table.While the Cornish Cross is the standard for large meat chickens, there are many heritage and dual-purpose breeds that have plenty heft to bring to the table as well.

If youre looking for a good meat-to-bone ratio, go for the standard broilers rather than heritage, but if youre ok with a little less meat but an equally tasty meal, a heritage breed might be just right.

A Controversial Consideration

Some chicken owners arent comfortable with raising breeds that were developed for commercial processing.

That is because these chickens were developed to grow extremely fast to keep up with supply and demandand make more money.

Whats wrong with fast-growing chickens, you ask?

Unfortunately, these chickens can have a slew of medical problems due to unnaturally rapid growth rates. In fact, some chickens grow so fast, and abnormally large, that their legs cannot support their bodies.

They may also overeat and have heart and respiratory problems which can lead to death before they get to processing weight.

Since youre probably not in the business of raising meat chickens (yet) youre most likely ok with a slower growing bird too.

Keep reading to learn about alternatives to the Cornish Cross chicken.

The Right Time for Everything

If time is a concern for you, and youve got a deadline to hit, youre not going to find a faster-growing meat chicken than the Cornish Cross.

However, you can always check with your hatchery for recommendations on their favorite fast-growing meat breeds.

Taste-Testing Different Best Meat Chicken Breeds

Believe it or not, not all chickens taste exactly the same. In fact, some say that heritage breeds, or chickens raised on pasture, taste different from one another.

While the taste difference, from breed to breed, isnt always noticeable, there is something to be said for how a chicken is raisedand how it affects the taste.

All that to say, there are some breeds of chicken that are touted for their amazing flavorlike the Bresse, for example.

So if youre looking for something new, dig around and see what people are saying about flavorful chicken breeds and how to raise them.

The appearance of A Processed Meat Bird

The first time I saw a dressed heritage breed (I think it was a Rhode Island Red) I was a bit put off.

The breast bone was much more prominent than the broilers Id purchased in the store.The skin color was a bit different, almost yellow, and I wasnt sure what to think of it.In hindsight,

I now realize that I was seeing a regular chicken for the first time (not a Cornish Cross). And it did in fact, taste great.

If these differences make your tummy turn, then consider sticking with the Cornish Cross and its large carcass and pearly white skin.

If youre up for something new, go for one of the heritage breeds I talk about later in this guide.

Temperament

Perhaps youre not all that interested in how your meat chickens will behave, but if youre planning to raise them as a dual-purpose breed, they might be around for longer than 9 weeks as a typical broiler.

And you might prefer a friendlier resident rather than a feisty one.With that being said, Cornish Crosses are quite lazy and calmie. easier to catch on processing day.

But if youre looking for a pet-like chicken (and you can stomach butcher day) then consider researching the personality of your options before making a selection.

Other Desirable Qualities of a Best Meat Chicken Breed

Other things to consider are characteristics like free-range ability, egg-laying frequency, and even ornamental talents.

Are these traits important to you? If so, Ive got a few interesting breeds for you to consider below.

Each of the following categories has something to offer, and theres really no wrong choice here. So have fun and read on to learn even more about your meat chicken options.

Fast-Growing Broilers

Commercial breeds are typically a breed of chicken that was developed for quick growth and a large carcass. These are the birds that have been painstakingly bred for commercial farming.

Cornish Cross

When you think of the typical chicken breast in your local grocery store, youre probably going to envision a white meat piece of chicken with some heft to it.

In most cases, that breast comes from a Cornish Cross.

• Size: Large (5lbs+ processed)
• Taste: What youre used to
• Appearance: Pearly white flesh, large breast, picture-perfect
• Growth Rate: Rapid!
• Egg Production: Barely any (not recommended for egg production)

Again, the controversy surrounding the Cornish Cross stems from some of the health complications that develop in the chicken due to unnatural growth rates and overeating. Some consider it inhumane.

Rangers

Luckily, there is an alternative to the Cornish Cross, which is also considered an excellent broiler with fast growth and large carcass.

Youll often find this chicken referred to as a variety of names, depending on the hatchery: Rainbow Ranger, Grey Ranger, or Freedom Ranger (among others)

From here on out most chicken carcasses skin will not be pure white or pinkish like the Cornish Cross broiler, so keep that in mind if you prefer the photo-perfect chicken on your dinner table. (and as a side note, its merely a difference in colornot quality or flavor).

• Size: Large, second to the Cornish Cross 5lbs+
• Taste: Mildly sweeter
• Appearance: Smaller breasted, variety of skin colors
• Growth Rate: Fast!
• Egg Production: Not recommended for egg production
• Special Note: Some enjoy raising this as a free-range meat bird as it is savvier than the Cornish Cross in the yard.

Either of the above-mentioned breeds will grow faster than the heritage or specialty breeds Ill be covering in the following sections.

Heritage Breeds

The Livestock Conservancys definition of a heritage breed is, A Heritage Chicken is hatched from a heritage egg sired by an American Poultry Association Standard breed established prior to the mid-20th century.

It is slow-growing, naturally mated with a long productive outdoor life.

In short, these chickens are your typical farm chickens. In most cases, they do well living in a free-range or outdoor environment.

They dont have the same genetically developed health issues as the Cornish Cross and they dont need to be processed before their body cannot support itself anymore.

While the skin and appearance of the finished product may be different than the Cornish Cross, some swear the flavor is much better.

Ill let you make the call!

The following two breeds are common favorites for heritage breed meat chickens.

Buff Orpington

The Buff Orpington is only one of many Orpingtons in this breed category. They come in different colors, like splash, lavender, black, and even blue.

The Buff Orpington is a large-bodied chicken with fluffy feathering and an extremely docile temperament.

They are also very good layers and do well in both hot and cold climates with the appropriate accommodations.

• Size: Large (8-10 pounds prior to processing)
• Appearance- whiteish skin (also depends on variety)
• Taste: Mildly sweeter, more flavorful and fatty than other breeds (in a good way)
• Growth Rate: Slow (process at 18 weeks)
• Egg Production: Good Can lay up to 180 eggs per year

Jersey Giant

As the name suggests, the Jersy Giant is a very large bird. If youve got some extra time on your hands, the Jersey Giant will mature slowly but provide a large carcass.

The Jersey Giant is also considered a gentle giant, and a good breed for those with kids. They are gorgeous chickens with iridescent black feathers.

• Size: HUGE 11-13 pounds live
• Taste: Full-flavored
• Appearance: Yellow skin
• Growth Rate: 6 months to 1 year
• Egg Production: Good- Approximately 200 per year

Dual-Purpose Breeds

While the heritage breeds, mentioned above, are also good layers, the following two breeds are known to be fantastic dual-purpose breeds because they tend to both finish out well and provide plenty of eggs over a year.

Rhode Island Red

Usually prized for its egg production abilities, the fact that this large breed is also a fantastic meat chicken is often overlooked.The Rhode Island red can lay up to 250 eggs per year and will dress out at around 4 lbs.

Additionally, the Rhode Island Red is a hardy breed that tends to do well in either a free-range or a confined environment.

While roosters have a reputation for being aggressive, not all are.

• Size 6-8 pounds live
• Taste: Mildly sweeter and full-flavored
• Growth Rate: Medium (5 months)
• Egg Production: Excellent! 250 per year

Wyandotte

If youd like to enjoy a little color and ornamental offerings (as well as eggs and meat) the Wyandotte is perfect for you.

Its a larger heritage breed that lays a fair amount of eggs. The Wyandottes coloring is breathtaking with solid feathers laced with contrasting colors.

This beauty is another friendly, docile breed of chicken that provides plenty of protein for your family.

• Size: 8lbs live
• Taste: Less plump not as juicy, mild flavor
• Appearance: Yellow Skin
• Growth Rate: Medium 4 months
• Egg Production: Excellent! 200 per year

Specialty Breeds

Bresse

The Bresse is a meat chicken that was developed in France and is sought after for its delicious meat.

It may be hard to get your hands on a live Bresse for raising because true Bresses are only available in Bresse, France

If you ever get the chance to try a Bresse, go for it!

• Size: 6lbs processed
• Taste: The best in the world
• Growth Rate: Good 10 pasture weeks plus 2 weeks organic feed
• Egg Production: Excellent 250 per year

Silkie

While the Silkie is small (a Bantam) its an interesting chicken to raise for meat. In a sense, it could be considered a novelty meat chicken.

They are small, tender, and their skin is black.

In fact, this might be a fantastic niche market to try to sell.

• Size: Tiny (cornish hen size)
• Taste: Gamier
• Appearance: Black skin
• Growth Rate: Slow 10 months to 12
• Egg Production: Poor 100 small eggs

Best Meat Chicken Breeds, Final Thoughts

As you can see, when it comes to meat chickens, your options are hardly limited to the Cornish Cross Broiler. In fact, before the broiler was developed, the only chickens people had the pleasure of eating were heritage breeds.

So go ahead, pick something that suits your needs, give a few new chicken breeds a try, and stick with what you like best!

It is important that before you process your meat birds, make sure you have all the processing and butchering equipment you will need. Read our chicken processing equipment guide here.

Meat Without the Footprint

These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.

Ever since the first hamburger grown from bovine stem cells was unveiled in 2013, with a 250,000 price tag (around $280,000), biotechnologists have raced to produce an affordable alternative that tastes the same as meat, no slaughterand fewer emissionsrequired. Startup Good Meat surged ahead when it launched its bioreactor-cultivated chicken morsels in Singapore in 2020, but rival Upside Foods wasnt far behind. On June 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture authorized both companies to sell cultivated meat in the U.S. Now that they are no longer vying for first, the companies can compete on taste and price.

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