If you are anything like us, you probably love every part of the chicken. But people love to rank stuff, and chicken is no exception. So, which is the best part of the chicken? The answer depends on what you mean by “best.”
The Tastiest Part of the Chicken
If by “best” you mean the tastiest part of the chicken, then thighs and drumsticks are the way to go.
What makes chicken thighs and drumsticks so tasty? Easy: these parts of the chicken are rich in a protein called myoglobin, which gives meat a darker color and a richer flavor.
Myoglobin supplies oxygen to the muscles, that’s why it tends to concentrate in the muscles that chickens use most often.
The Healthiest Parts of the Chicken
Now, if by the “best” part of the chicken you mean the healthiest, that’s a whole different ball game, and a totally different type of meat, too.
With only 0.3 grams of fat per ounce, the breast is widely considered the healthiest part of the chicken.
While the drumsticks and thighs are considered dark meat, the breast and wings are the white meat portion of the chicken.
These parts of the chicken are called white meat because they are extremely pale. The reason, as you may have guessed, is the lack of myoglobin. Chickens use these muscles less that their legs, so they contain smaller amounts of myoglobin.
Hungry for More Facts About Mexican Food
We love all the curious facts that surround authentic Mexican food. If you are hungry for more stories, then check out these previous posts:
- 8 Interesting facts about tacos
- What is the best taco topping?
- 5 Words Mexicans use to talk about food
- Why are refried beans called like that?
- Why Are chili peppers so important in Mexican cuisine
Enjoy the Best Chicken at El Pollo Norteño!
If what you want is great grilled chicken in, Santa Ana, or Garden Grove, El Pollo Norteño is the place to go.
Visit today any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!