Why do people prefer white meat over dark meat?

Question

It's something that has always baffled me... I personally think dark meat (leg, thigh) is much more succulent than dark meat (breast), which is drier and not as flavorful. Dark meat also takes in flavor better in my opinion. Does anyone else see it this way? I was pretty sad when they turned chicken mcnuggets into all white meat...

I meant to say white meat (breast) and not dark...

Answer 1

It's partly a flavor factor, and partly an asthetic factor.

What others claim is a more "succulent" taste, or more flavorful, is entirely subjective. I think raw oysters are succulent and the brine is flavorful. There will be a host of others who gag and say "ewww."

So who's right?

You cannot proclaim dark meat more succulent or flavorful simply because it's your preference, although one could argue that dark meat has more fat, and is thus more prone to moistness, than white meat. There are too many variables at play, including type of bird, method of cooking, secondary ingredients used in cooking, heat, and more.

I prefer white meat for a number of reasons, chiefly because to me, it's asthetically more appealing. Cooked dark meat looks grey, dirty, and unappetizing. Cook breast (white) looks bright and clean. I prefer my poultry on the drier side, so to me, it has a better mouthfeel than moist dark meat.

Finally, there is simply the nutrient factor. Breast / white meats are lower in fat, and thus leaner, than their dark counterparts. I prefer the lean.

Answer 2

I prefer dark meat and I rarely buy chicken breasts - the taste isn't so good and they are drier and less succulent.

EDIT - I disagree with KF - the taste and texture is not subjective at all. Leg meat is tastier as it is a harder working part of the chicken - and the succulence comes from the higher proportion of working tissue in the meat. Breast meat is far leaner, it has a layer of subcutaneous fat which is the only source of moistness - it does not permeate the meat.

If you think about it in terms of beef - the muscles that do more work are the ones which produce tastier meat. Whereas fillet is tender it comes from an unexcersized part of the cow. Shin is a working part and so has more flavour.

Not subjective but fact.

Answer 3

I love dark meat and can't understand why someone would pay more for less flavorful meat. I know the breast is suppose to be more healthy but why should I sacrifice flavor?

Answer 4

In the US, the two main reasons that white meat is favored because of the low-fat health craze. Also there are people that don't like the dark meat because the flavor is too strong.

Answer 5

Many people do prefer dark meat, but I don't, so I can tell you why.

Dark meat does have a richer flavor, but it has a slightly gamey flavor that I am not crazy about. Some people like it and some don't. It also has a silmier, fattier texture. I'll eat it, but it's not my first choice. I prefer the cleaner flavor and texture of white meat, even if it is dry.

Answer 6

i think its a stereotype really. i like chicken breast because there is more of it and i have to work less to get more. as opposed to a leg or thigh where i have to pick most of the meat around the bone. i hate wings, too much effort for too little payoff..

Answer 7

I prefer the darker meat also. for some reason there is more flavor and alot more moist!

Answer 8

white meat is too chewy and blah...
dark meat anyday, lol
my sister likes white meat because its healthier, and thats probably the exact same reason why Mcnuggets are now white meat...

okay i just said "white meat" like 3 times and now it sounds weird...lol

=)

Answer 9

They said "I personally think it's more succulent" so stop being rude. And I agree with you I hate white meat! But apparently it's healthier

Answer 10

the white meat has better flavor