What Are Chicken Paws Used For? 8 Surprising Uses You Never Knew About

Have you ever wondered what those strange-looking chicken feet in the grocery store are actually good for? I certainly did! After diving deep into the world of chicken paws (yes, that’s what they’re officially called), I’ve discovered these overlooked poultry parts are actually kitchen gold. At Red Table Meats, we’re constantly exploring unique ingredients, and chicken paws definitely deserve the spotlight.

Chicken paws are the feet of chickens, consisting mostly of skin, tendons, cartilage, and bone While they might look a bit intimidating at first glance, these humble parts pack serious nutritional benefits and versatility that might surprise you

Nutritional Profile of Chicken Paws

Before we dive into their uses let’s check out what’s actually in chicken paws

For a serving of 2 chicken feet (about 70 grams), you get:

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 14 grams (with about 70% being collagen)
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbs: 0.14 grams
• Calcium: 5% of Daily Value
• Phosphorous: 5% of Daily Value
• Folate (vitamin B9): 15% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 2% of Daily Value

The standout nutrient here is collagen – making up a whopping 70% of the protein content! This structural protein is what gives chicken paws their special properties and health benefits,

8 Surprising Uses for Chicken Paws

1. Making Rich, Gelatinous Bone Broth

This is probably the most popular way we use chicken paws in our kitchen. When simmered for hours, chicken paws release collagen, gelatin, minerals, and nutrients into the cooking liquid. The result? A rich, nourishing broth that’s perfect for:

• Base for soups and stews
• Flavorful cooking liquid for rice or grains
• Drinking straight as a nutritious beverage

The natural gelatin gives the broth a luxurious mouthfeel that you just can’t replicate with regular chicken parts.

2. Boosting Skin Health

The high collagen content in chicken paws can work wonders for your skin! Research shows that consuming collagen may:

• Improve skin hydration and elasticity
• Reduce roughness and wrinkles
• Decrease cellulite and skin waviness

One 6-month study with 105 women found that regular collagen intake significantly reduced cellulite compared to a control group. Collagen works by increasing levels of hyaluronic acid, which helps keep skin hydrated and youthful.

3. Relieving Joint Pain

Got achy joints? Chicken paws might help! Their collagen content can:

• Stimulate tissue regeneration
• Reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Decrease pain, stiffness, and physical dysfunction

A 3-month study with 191 people suffering from knee osteoarthritis found that daily collagen supplementation significantly reduced pain markers. Athletes with knee pain also experienced improvements after taking 5 grams of collagen daily.

4. Enhancing Asian Cuisine

In many Asian cultures, chicken paws aren’t just used for stock—they’re the star of the show! Some popular preparations include:

• Dim sum-style steamed chicken feet
• Phoenix claws (fried and then braised in black bean sauce)
• Street food snacks (deep-fried or grilled until crispy)
• Flavor enhancers in soups and stews

The unique texture of chicken paws—gelatinous yet firm—makes them a delicacy in countries like China, Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines.

5. Supporting Bone Health

Looking to strengthen your bones? The collagen in chicken paws has got you covered:

• Improves bone formation and density
• Particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women
• Decreases bone degradation over time

A year-long study found that taking 5 grams of collagen peptides daily increased bone mineral density while reducing bone loss compared to a control group.

6. Serving as High-Quality Pet Food

Your furry friends might benefit from chicken paws too! They’re commonly used in pet food because they:

• Provide affordable animal protein
• Contain natural glucosamine for joint health
• Offer a balanced mix of protein, fats, and minerals
• Enhance flavor in commercial pet foods

Many pet owners also give cleaned, raw or dehydrated chicken paws directly to their dogs as treats. Just remember to monitor your pet when they’re enjoying these treats due to the small bones.

7. Traditional Medicine Applications

In traditional Chinese medicine, chicken paws (known as “feng zhao”) have been used for centuries to treat various ailments:

• Respiratory issues and coughs
• Joint pain and inflammation
• Digestive system strengthening
• Energy boosting and recovery support

While scientific evidence is still limited, the anecdotal health benefits are promising. The anti-inflammatory effects of collagen may provide real benefits when consumed regularly.

8. Creating Export Value

This might surprise you, but chicken paws are a major export commodity! The United States exports billions of pounds of chicken products annually, with chicken paws being one of the top exports due to strong demand in Asian markets.

• China imports around 300,000 tons of chicken paws yearly
• The US exported over 875 million pounds of chicken paws in 2020
• This trade was valued at approximately $175 million

What’s considered a less desirable part in Western countries becomes a valuable export product, creating additional profit for poultry producers.

How to Prepare Chicken Paws at Home

Wanna try cooking with chicken paws yourself? Here’s an easy recipe to get started:

Simple Chicken Paw Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 chicken paws
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• Filtered water
• Optional: vegetables and herbs for flavor

Steps:

1. If your chicken paws have the outer layer of skin, blanch them in boiling water for 10-30 seconds, then transfer to cold water and pull off the outer skin.
2. Place the paws in a multi-cooker and cover completely with filtered water.
3. Add vinegar, salt, and any desired herbs/vegetables.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Skim off any foam that forms on top.
6. Cook overnight (or at least 8 hours).
7. Strain the broth and store in glass jars.

This broth will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Potential Downsides to Consider

While chicken paws have many benefits, there are a few things to be aware of:

Preparation Methods Matter

Deep-fried chicken paws are popular in many cuisines but contain unhealthy trans fats that can increase inflammation and negatively impact heart health.

Cleanliness Concerns

When buying chicken paws, inspect them carefully. Avoid those with ammonia-burned skin (which looks like overgrown calluses) as this indicates poor hygiene management.

Choking Hazards

Chicken paws contain many small bones that pose a choking risk, especially for children. Always be cautious when serving them.

The Bottom Line

Chicken paws are WAY more versatile than most of us realize! From making nutritious bone broth to supporting joint health, improving skin appearance, and even being a valuable export commodity, these humble chicken parts deserve more recognition.

At Red Table Meats, we believe in using every part of the animal respectfully. Chicken paws represent a perfect example of how “less desirable” parts can actually offer unique benefits and flavors that premium cuts can’t provide.

Have you tried cooking with chicken paws? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re new to them, which use surprised you the most?

Remember – sometimes the most overlooked ingredients can be the most rewarding to explore. Happy cooking!

People use chicken paws, or feet, primarily in cooking to make broth and stock, as they are rich in collagen and gelatin that create a thick, nourishing base. They are also consumed directly in various cultures as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, prepared through methods like braising, deep-frying, steaming, or simmering in flavorful sauces. Beyond cuisine, the high collagen content in chicken feet is believed to support joint and bone health.

Chicken feet offer benefits for skin, joint, and bone health due to their high content of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are essential for maintaining cartilage, elasticity, and bone density. They are also a source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, supporting overall bone strength. Consuming chicken feet, particularly in the form of broth, can also aid in digestive and gut health by providing gelatin, which helps strengthen the gut lining and promote beneficial bacteria.

Chicken feet are beneficial for dogs because they are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health, and contain collagen for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues. They also act as natural dental cleaners, helping to remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums.