What Type of Collagen Does Chicken Have?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

While beef is known for Type I and III collagen, chicken is an abundant source of Type II collagen, which is critical for joint and cartilage health. This protein is predominantly found in the cartilage and skin of the chicken, offering unique benefits for the human body.

Quick Summary

Chicken is a rich source of Type II collagen, vital for healthy joints and cartilage, and also contains smaller amounts of Type I and III. This article explores the specific collagen types in chicken, their benefits, and how they compare to other animal sources like bovine and marine collagen.

Key Points

Predominantly Type II: Chicken is primarily a source of Type II collagen, which is essential for healthy joint cartilage.
Rich in Cartilage: The highest concentration of Type II collagen is found in chicken sternum cartilage, bones, and feet.
Supports Joint Health: It provides the building blocks for cartilage, which helps cushion and lubricate the joints, improving mobility.
Contains Other Nutrients: Chicken collagen naturally includes chondroitin and glucosamine, which also support cartilage formation.
Undenatured vs. Hydrolyzed: Undenatured Type II collagen supplements work via oral tolerance to modulate the immune system for joint support, while hydrolyzed versions are broken down for easier absorption.
Best for Joint Issues: Unlike bovine collagen (Type I & III) for skin and hair, chicken collagen is specifically favored for targeted joint and cartilage benefits.

The Dominance of Type II Collagen in Chicken

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, but it's not a single substance; it comprises several different types, each with a specific function. For chickens, the collagen profile is distinctly dominated by Type II collagen. This type is the main component of cartilage, the flexible, connective tissue that provides cushioning and support for our joints. This is why chicken is a popular source for supplements targeting joint health, mobility, and issues like osteoarthritis.

Where to Find Chicken Collagen

This valuable protein isn't found in the muscle meat of the chicken breast, but in the connective tissues and skeletal parts. Excellent dietary sources for obtaining chicken collagen include:

Chicken Cartilage: Especially from the breast bone, this is the richest source of Type II collagen.
Chicken Feet: Often considered a delicacy in some cultures, chicken feet are packed with collagen that becomes gelatinous when cooked.
Chicken Skin: Contains a mix of collagen types, including Type I and III, which are known for skin and connective tissue benefits.
Bone Broth: Simmering chicken bones and cartilage for an extended period creates a nutrient-dense broth that extracts a high amount of gelatinous collagen.

The Role of Chondroitin and Glucosamine

Beyond just collagen, chicken cartilage is a treasure trove of other beneficial compounds. It naturally contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, two substances the human body uses to build new cartilage fibers. These compounds work synergistically with collagen to support the health of the joints, making chicken-derived products a holistic option for joint support.

Chicken Collagen vs. Other Common Sources

When considering collagen supplements or food sources, it's important to understand the primary differences between chicken and other popular options like bovine and marine collagen. This comparison highlights why each source is better suited for specific health goals.


Feature	Chicken Collagen	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen
Primary Collagen Types	Type II (predominantly), also contains Type I and III	Type I and Type III	Type I
Best For	Joint health, cartilage repair, immune modulation	Skin elasticity, hair, nails, and bones	Skin health, fine lines, wound healing
Source	Chicken sternum cartilage, feet, skin	Cow hides and bones	Fish skin and scales
Composition	Contains natural chondroitin and glucosamine	Contains glycine and proline for bone and muscle	Highly bioavailable due to smaller particle size

The Special Role of Undenatured Type II Collagen

Within the world of supplements, a key distinction exists between undenatured and hydrolyzed chicken collagen. Undenatured Type II collagen is minimally processed, retaining its natural, intact protein structure. This specific structure is believed to work through a unique mechanism called oral tolerance, which helps the body recognize the protein as its own rather than a foreign invader. This process can help modulate the immune system and protect against the breakdown of existing joint cartilage. Hydrolyzed collagen, on the other hand, has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides. While still beneficial, the mechanism of action is different.

Optimizing Your Intake of Chicken Collagen

There are several simple and enjoyable ways to increase your dietary intake of chicken collagen:

Make Homemade Bone Broth: Slow-simmering a whole chicken carcass or parts like feet and wings is the most traditional method. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can help extract more minerals and collagen from the bones.
Include Chicken Skin: Instead of discarding chicken skin, consider incorporating it into meals. Crispy baked or fried chicken skin can be a delicious, collagen-rich addition.
Cook with Chicken Feet: While not a common ingredient in Western cuisine, chicken feet are a highly concentrated source of collagen and can be used to make exceptionally rich broths and stews.
Choose Supplements Wisely: If relying on supplements, select a product with a clear label, specifying whether it contains undenatured or hydrolyzed chicken collagen, depending on your health goals. For example, undenatured Type II is often recommended specifically for joint support.

Conclusion: The Joint-Friendly Power of Chicken Collagen

Chicken collagen is not just a secondary option to other animal sources; it is a distinct and potent source of Type II collagen, with targeted benefits for joint and cartilage health. While sources like bovine and marine collagen excel at supporting skin and bone health with Type I and III, chicken stands out for its specific role in promoting joint comfort, flexibility, and overall cartilage integrity. The presence of natural chondroitin and glucosamine further enhances its value for anyone looking to support their body's connective tissues. Whether you opt for a simmering pot of homemade bone broth or a targeted daily supplement, incorporating chicken collagen is a smart move for anyone prioritizing their long-term joint health.

For more in-depth scientific literature on the benefits and mechanisms of chicken collagen peptides for joint health, you can review publications from reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest concentrations of collagen in a chicken are found in the cartilage, particularly the breastbone and feet, as well as the skin. These parts are ideal for making collagen-rich bone broth.

Yes, chicken collagen is beneficial for skin health. While it's primarily known for Type II collagen for joints, it also contains smaller amounts of Type I and III, which support skin elasticity and hydration, similar to bovine collagen.

You can get chicken collagen by making and consuming bone broth made from chicken carcasses, feet, or necks. Eating crispy chicken skin or incorporating chicken feet into stews are also effective dietary methods.

Undenatured chicken collagen is minimally processed, keeping its native structure to modulate the immune system for joint health. Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller peptides for easy absorption and is used for a wider range of benefits.

The effectiveness depends on your health goals. Chicken collagen, particularly Type II, is most effective for joint and cartilage support. Bovine collagen (Type I and III) is generally preferred for skin, hair, and bone density.

Yes, individuals with allergies to chicken or eggs should be cautious with chicken collagen supplements, as they are derived from these sources. Allergic reactions are possible, so it's best to consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, homemade bone broth made from slow-simmering chicken bones and cartilage is a highly reliable and bioavailable source of whole-food collagen. The resulting gelatinous broth is a clear sign of high collagen content.