Tag: Cornish cross

A commercial Cornish Cross broiler can reach a market weight of 6 to 8 pounds in as little as 6 to 8 weeks, making it the highest-yield option for those wondering what chicken produces the most meat. However, its rapid growth comes with specific challenges and trade-offs that are important for any farmer or homesteader to consider.

A staggering majority of commercially processed meat chickens have white feathers, a trait selectively bred for cleaner-looking carcasses. But what kind of chicken is a white chicken, and what are its different forms? The term 'white chicken' refers to a plumage color found in a wide variety of breeds, each with unique characteristics and purposes.

While most grocery store chicken comes from the fast-growing Cornish Cross hybrid, its flavor is often considered bland compared to slower-growing heritage breeds. This guide answers the question, 'Which chicken has the best meat?' by exploring the rich flavors of breeds raised on pasture versus those conventionally farmed.

According to the USDA, over 9.2 billion broiler chickens were slaughtered in the United States alone in 2021, and the vast majority of these were destined for the processed food market. The kind of chicken that is processed for food products like nuggets, deli meat, and sausages are typically young, fast-growing birds bred specifically for meat, as well as older hens that are no longer productive egg layers.