Chicken: The No. 1 COVID-19 Protein

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Poultry

File photo shows pieces of fried chicken.

As Americans cooked more food in their homes than they had before over the past year, chicken became the top choice for a healthy and convenient protein that the entire family can enjoy. Approximately 75% of Americans who eat chicken say they make it at home at least once a week.

During the past nine months of COVID-19, retail chicken sales have increased $1.3 billion, up over 19% from the same period in 2019. The National Chicken Council unveiled the findings of a new survey on better understanding chicken consumption patterns and preferences in the U.S. The survey includes insight into the impact of the pandemic on chicken consumption habits, showing that half of Americans who eat chicken say they have eaten it more than any other protein during COVID-19.

The survey found that chicken has been popular because it’s easy to prepare and is a versatile protein. With COVID-19 shifting some holiday plans, chicken might help make it a happy holiday as 50% of Americans who eat chicken say they’d prefer it to ham or turkey at a holiday meal. Fifty-two percent of Americans prefer grilled chicken, while 48% prefer fried chicken.

(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)