Have you ever wondered what chicken has black meat? I sure did when I first encountered this unusual poultry! These mysterious birds aren’t just black on the outside – they’re black through and through, from their skin to their bones, and yes, even their meat. Let’s dive into the intriguing world of these unique chicken breeds that seem to defy everything we think we know about poultry.
What Causes Black Meat in Chickens?
The scientific explanation behind these black-all-over chickens is something called fibromelanosis. It’s a genetic mutation that causes these chickens to produce way too much melanin (the same pigment that gives color to our skin and hair). This excess melanin doesn’t just affect their feathers – it seeps into their skin, muscles, bones, and organs.
When I first cut into a black meat chicken, I was shocked! Everything from the skin to the flesh was this deep, inky black color. It’s not something you see everyday at the grocery store, that’s for sure.
The Top Black Meat Chicken Breeds in the World
There aren’t many chicken breeds that truly have black meat. Only a select few possess this rare genetic trait. Here are the main breeds with genuine black meat, skin, and bones:
1. Ayam Cemani
The Ayam Cemani from Indonesia is often called “the blackest chicken in the world.” These chickens are completely black – feathers, beak comb, wattles tongue, meat, bones, and even internal organs! Their appearance is striking with a beetle-like iridescent sheen to their feathers.
Ayam Cemani is incredibly expensive compared to other chicken breeds, sometimes selling for thousands of dollars for a single bird They’re medium-sized birds, with roosters weighing about 44-5.5 lbs and hens around 3.3-4.4 lbs.
Interestingly, despite their black everything, Ayam Cemani hens lay cream-colored eggs, not black ones (that’s a common misconception).
2. Chinese Silkie
Known in China as “Wu Gu Ji” or “Black-Boned Chicken,” Silkies are famous for their unique appearance. Unlike the Ayam Cemani, Silkies often have white, fluffy feathers that look more like fur than typical chicken feathers (earning them the nickname “poodles of the chicken world”). But underneath those soft white feathers lies black skin and bones!
Silkies are small, adorable chickens that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They’re much more common and affordable than Ayam Cemani, usually costing between $10-$30 per chick.
3. Kadaknath
The Kadaknath (also called Kali Masi) comes from India and is another breed with black meat, skin, and bones. It’s considered sacred in some parts of India and is often offered to the goddess Laxmi after Diwali.
What makes Kadaknath especially interesting is its incredibly low fat content – only about 0.73-1.03%, compared to 13-25% in regular chicken. This makes it a healthier alternative for those watching their fat intake.
4. H’Mong Chicken
From the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, the H’Mong chicken is named after the indigenous H’Mong people who first domesticated them. These striking black chickens have been raised for generations in the remote highlands.
H’Mong chickens are excellent foragers and well-adapted to their native environment. The males develop some color as they mature (around 5 months), while females remain deeply black.
5. Svarthöna (Swedish Black Chicken)
Svarthöna (which literally means “black chicken” in Swedish) is another fibromelanistic breed. Despite its name, it’s believed this breed was imported to Sweden from Mozambique rather than originating there.
Svarthöna chickens lay large eggs with larger yolks, though the eggs are off-white rather than black. They’re smaller birds and quickly become friendly with humans.
6. Ulikba
“Ulikba” means “black skin” and refers to chickens in the Philippines that show the fibromelanosis trait. These aren’t technically a distinct breed but are closely related to both Kadaknath and Ayam Cemani.
These birds have gained popularity in urban chicken farming communities in the Philippines in recent years. They’re more affordable than pure Ayam Cemani, typically costing around $5-10 per chick.
Common Myths About Black Meat Chickens
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about these unique birds, so let’s clear up some confusion:
Do Black Chickens Lay Black Eggs?
No! This is probably the biggest myth. Despite their black everything else, no chicken breed lays black eggs. Most black meat chickens lay cream or light brown eggs. The images you might see online of black chicken eggs are either from other birds (like Cayuga ducks) or have been artificially colored.
Here’s what eggs from various black chicken breeds actually look like:
| Black Chicken Breed | Egg Color | Annual Egg Production |
|---|---|---|
| Ayam Cemani | Cream/tinted | 60-100 |
| Kadaknath | Cream/small | 100-120 |
| Silkie | Cream/small | 100-120 |
| Svarthöna | Off-white/large | Around 250 |
| H’Mong | Brown | Varies |
Are Their Bones Completely Black?
While their bones do have a blackish or dark gray appearance due to the melanin, they aren’t always pitch black. It depends on the individual bird and how strongly the fibromelanosis gene is expressed.
Are Black Meat Chickens Healthier?
Many people believe that black meat chickens offer superior health benefits compared to regular chickens. There’s some evidence to support this:
- Higher protein content: Black chicken meat contains approximately 25% protein versus just 18% in regular chicken meat
- Lower fat content: As mentioned, Kadaknath chickens have incredibly low fat (less than 1%)
- More antioxidants: The melanin itself acts as an antioxidant
- Higher mineral content: Black chicken meat typically contains more iron, calcium, and phosphorus
In traditional Chinese medicine, black chicken meat (especially from Silkies) is considered beneficial for women’s health and is often recommended during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
What Does Black Chicken Meat Taste Like?
I’ve tried black chicken myself, and honestly, the flavor isn’t dramatically different from regular chicken. It’s perhaps slightly gamier and more tender with a somewhat sweeter, more savory profile. The texture tends to be softer and juicier than regular chicken.
The biggest difference is obviously the appearance – seeing that black meat on your plate is definitely a conversation starter at dinner!
How to Cook Black Chicken
Black chicken can be used in pretty much any chicken recipe. However, in Asian cultures, it’s particularly popular in soups and broths where its unique properties can infuse into the liquid.
Here’s a simple recipe I’ve used for black chicken:
Basic Black Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
- Black chicken meat
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- Chili powder or fresh chilies (according to taste)
- Turmeric
- Chicken masala spice mix (optional)
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Mustard oil or butter for cooking
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a thick-bottomed pan
- Sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 more minutes
- Add the black chicken pieces, turmeric, masala, and chili
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken releases its fat
- Add water and simmer for another 15 minutes
- Garnish with coriander and serve hot
Where to Find Black Meat Chickens
These unique birds aren’t typically found in your local supermarket! If you’re interested in trying black chicken meat, your best bet is specialty Asian markets, particularly Chinese or Vietnamese grocery stores. Some high-end butchers might also carry them occasionally.
If you’re thinking about raising them yourself, be prepared for a significant investment, particularly for Ayam Cemani which can cost thousands for breeding pairs. Silkies are much more affordable and make good backyard chickens with their friendly temperament.
Final Thoughts
Black meat chickens are one of nature’s fascinating oddities – a reminder that the world of poultry is far more diverse and interesting than the standard white meat chicken we’re used to seeing in stores. Whether you’re interested in their unique appearance, potential health benefits, or just want to try something different, these chickens definitely deserve their reputation as something special.
I personally find these birds absolutely fascinating. The fact that a genetic mutation can create such a dramatically different appearance right down to the bones and internal organs is pretty incredible. If you ever get the chance to try black chicken meat or maybe even raise some of these unique birds, I’d say go for it!
Have you ever encountered black meat chickens? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
The 5 Fibromelanistic Breeds
While many chickens can have black feathers, there are very few breeds of fibromelanistic aka black-skinned chicken breeds in the world.
Not only are their feathers black but so is their skin, and even insides. These breeds are very popular in Asian countries and very rare in North America where the appearance can be bizarre or even off-putting.
Some breeds express the fibro gene less than others. The Silkie, for example, can come in many feather colors and their flesh can have a bluish tint whereas the Ayam Cemani is the blackest creature on earth, a true inky black color.
What is fibromelanosis (frequently shortened to “fibro”) in chickens?
fibromelanosis is a genetic mutation, a complex rearrangement in the genome that occurred hundreds (or thousands) of years ago in a single chicken from which all known fibro breeds originate from.
This mutation is so complex and peculiar, that scientists are sure that it occurred once.
There is one notable exception, eggs. As noted, black chicken eggs do not exist. The pictures you see online are faked by unscrupulous people.
Chicken eggs do come in many colors though. There are shades or green eggs, blue eggs, brown eggs, and even purple and pink eggs.
Scholarly References:
Let’s look at some pictures and facts about these beautiful and rare black-skinned breeds:
- Primary Use: Dual Purpose (meat & eggs)
- Size (Roosters): 4 lbs – 4 1/2 lbs
- Size (Hens): 2.5 lbs – 3 lbs
- Egg Production (Annual): 100-120
- Egg Size: Small
- Egg Colour: Cream
- Origin: India
The striking Kadaknath, also called ‘Kali Masi’ (“fowl having black flesh”), is an all-black chicken breed originating in India where it is a treasured meat bird purported to be the tastiest and healthiest of all chicken breeds.
It is also unusually iron-rich for chicken flesh.
Due to the popularity of the meat, consumption rates are very high, while breeding rates have been low. The Kadaknath is thus at risk of becoming extinct. Programs are underway in the bird’s native India to protect this unique heritage breed.
- Primary use: Dual-purpose (eggs & ornamental)
- Size (Roosters): 2 lbs -3 lbs
- Size (Hens): 1 1/2 lbs -2 lbs
- Egg production (annual): 100-120
- Egg size: Small
- Egg colour: Cream
- Origin: China
Silkies are an extremely popular Asian black chicken and they come in many colours. They resemble Pomeranian puppies to me with their fluffy feathers that look like fur more than actual feathers.
Silkies are known for being docile, gentle birds that are excellent at going broody and hatching out eggs laid by the rest of the flock (breed doesn’t matter to chickens!) and can be a great choice for this purpose if you do not wish to incubate and hatch your own eggs at home.
Because of their diminutive size, they are rarely utilized for meat in North America — at least not as a primary reason. And the egg-laying can be inconsistent too.
The flesh and skin of these chickens is completely black regardless of feather colour and they are prized in China for the taste of the meat and the health benefits — especially for women according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and tradition.
- Primary use: Ornamental
- Size (Roosters): 4.4-5.5lbs
- Size (Hens): 3.3–4.4lbs
- Egg production (annual): 60-100
- Egg size: Small
- Egg colour: Cream
- Origin: Indonesia
The Ayam Cemani is a stunning example of a black chicken breed. This is “The King of Chickens” and the breed stands out in terms of both beauty and uniqueness.
Commercial hatcheries do not sell the Ayam Cemani and procuring good stock from a reputable and honest private breeder can be very pricey.
They are well-known for being completely and utterly black in every way. Their skin, feathers and even tongue are pitch black. Their bones and blood and bone marrow is similarly a dark inky colour.
They are kept as a decorative breed primarily for the fortunate few who own them, and they are a sight to behold. Of course, you can also eat them and their eggs too.
- Primary Use: Egg-laying
- Size Rooster): 7lbs
- Size (Hens): 5lbs
- Egg production (annual): 250
- Egg size: Large
- Egg colour: Off-white
- Origin: Sweden
Svart Hona literally translates to “black hen” in Swedish. The first Svart Honas are supposed to have been imported from Indonesia before being developed into the beloved Swedish bird we know today.
This breed is sociable and gets along well with people. They are phenomenal egg layers and go broody as well.
Primary use: EggsSize (Roosters): UnknownSize (Hens): UnknownEgg production (Annual): 200-260Egg size: Medium – LargeEgg colour: Blue, green, etc.Origin: USA
An exciting new hybrid chicken that is fibromelanistic and lays BLUE eggs! From the look of the bird on the hatchery website, it definitely has some Ameraucana in it. I’m guessing a black Ameraucana crossed with an Ayam Cemani or similar.
From the breeder:
Black Skinned Chicken Meat
Black chicken meat can be very bizarre if you’re not used to it.
I saw my first black-skinned chicken in a Chinese grocery store in Toronto and, naturally, I had to buy it and cook it. The chicken came plucked and gutted but every part, from the head to the feet, was attached.
I braised the chicken in various spices and the resulting meat was very flavorful.
I will perhaps post a recipe with more photos soon. I’ll make sure to update this article when I do with a link to the recipe.
No. That is a myth that follows certain black chicken breeds around, the Ayam Ceyami particularly. Black chicken eggs do not exist. There are, however, other birds that do. Cayuga ducks will lay an egg with a black bloom although the colour fades as the laying season goes on and the intensity of the black colour varies greatly. There are also a couple of wild birds that lay a black egg.
Some do. Most black chicken breeds do not have black skin or flesh underneath their black feathers. Their skin is just the same pinkish-yellow hue you are accustomed to. However, there are some notable exceptions (as noted above in the breed list) and they owe that unusual internal black colouration to something called fibromelanosis, a rare genetic mutation of hyperpigmentation believed to have originated in China.
Yes. Black chickens will get hotter than white or lighter-feathered chickens. It is very important that your black chickens always have access to cool drinking water, dust baths, and shade in the summer.
Black-skinned chicken breeds taste like regular chickens. How a chicken is raised has more impact on flavor than breed or color. So whether a chicken is free-ranged or pastured in a tractor set up makes a difference. The feed they receive makes a difference. Age matters greatly to taste too.
Maybe. They may have more iron in their flesh and higher levels of an antioxidant called carnosine. In Chinese medicine TCM the black skinned silkie is considered beneficial for women’s health particularly.
7 Black Chicken Breeds with Black Meat Even
FAQ
What breed of chicken has black meat?
Ayam Cemani or Dongxiang Lukedanji. Specifically bred for their mutation that makes them all black.
Which two pieces of chicken are dark meat?
Dark meat, which comes from the legs, drumsticks and thighs as well as the tail of the chicken, gets its color from myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to muscles while they move. Since the legs and thighs help chickens get around, these parts are darker in color than breasts and wings. Now for the perks.
What breed of rooster is black?
The Ayam Cemani is a breed originating from Indonesia. They are known for having black feathers, skin, and organs due to a genetic mutation called fibromelanosis. 4 that are 2 weeks old 6 that are a few days old (not pictured) 3 of them do have pink toes which are Not breed standard & are reduced cost.