Opinion: Eat more Chicken

Plank Article Baron Smith ’27

Chicken is the best meat. Its nutritional value combined with its delicious taste and versatility puts chicken far ahead of other meats.

Chickens have been consumed for nearly 10,000 years, starting with the domestication of the flightless bird in Western China. Its scarcity led to it being considered a delicacy in the United States in the early 1800s, but it has since become one of the most common dishes in the world. The prevalence of chicken has caused it to be cheap, allowing people all over the world to obtain it.

With nearly 25 grams of protein per serving (3-4 ounces), combined with the fact that it contains less fat than many red meats, chicken is a great meat to choose when going on a diet. The high protein content also leads many athletes to choose this meat, as it can provide them with the energy and strength they need to compete at the highest level.

Even if you aren’t going on a diet, chicken’s rich and savory taste is unmatched by any other meat. Chicken is also incredibly tender, making it easier to eat than a tough piece of beef.  It also pairs well with a variety of other foods, like potatoes, beans, and a medley of vegetables. 

Lastly, chicken is one of the most versatile proteins, and as such is used in a wide variety of cuisines. Common dishes that include chicken are buffalo wings, chicken curry, and arroz con pollo, each with their own unique, delicious flavor. Whether it’s grilled, fried, or stewed, chicken always has its savory, salty, and juicy taste.

Whether you are eating chicken for its nutritional value or just for its delicious taste, there is no debate that chicken is the best meat.