Ingredient

Cooked Chicken Dark Meat

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use dark meat chicken as a primary protein ingredient in savory foods. Its …

What it is

Dark meat chicken is muscle tissue from the legs and thighs of a chicken. It is typically darker than breast meat due to a higher concentration of myoglobin, an iron-binding protein. It is often cooked and used as a protein source in various dishes.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use dark meat chicken as a primary protein ingredient in savory foods. Its richer flavor and moister texture make it popular in dishes like canned soups, frozen dinners, casseroles, and stews.

Health notes

Cooked chicken dark meat is a source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers chicken a safe and wholesome food. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not specifically evaluated cooked chicken dark meat as a food ingredient, but they do evaluate food safety broadly. Consuming chicken as part of a balanced diet is generally considered healthy.

Allergen info

Chicken is not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Cooked Chicken Dark Meat

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.