Woody breast theories?

[TerryBowleg]

So often the chicken breast I buy from the store has woody breast. I can’t stand the texture and crunch of it. Any ideas on what causes it? Is it ever seen in backyard meat birds?

 

[TerryBowleg]

no woody breast eaters here?

 

[aart]

Never heard of it.

 

[Sussex19]

Me neither
I have never had any problems with any of the breast meat (or other meat) of any of mine.
Or the free range chickens from the shops that we used to buy, come to that.

 

[TerryBowleg]

@aart @Sussex19

https://www.today.com/food/woody-chicken-breast-t258881

 

[Sussex19]

@aart @Sussex19

https://www.today.com/food/woody-chicken-breast-t258881

Ok, no I haven't noticed that in any of my home grown heritage breeds.
Maybe try buying a couple of free range, organic chickens to see if they are better? Going by that article, it sounds like extra fast (unnatural) growth is the cause.
Or just start growing your own

 

[Birdinhand]

Is this really a thing? I’ve eaten a lot of chicken over the last half century and never come across it.

 

[TerryBowleg]

Is this really a thing? I’ve eaten a lot of chicken over the last half century and never come across it.

Oh yeah, I’ve ran into A TON the past few years. Anywhere from restaurants to the grocery store. When you bite into it you know immediately.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

I had never heard of this until now. Maybe I've encountered tough store-bought or restaurant chicken in the past, and just chalked it up to poor preparation though.

But I've never encountered this with my home grown chicken and it makes me glad I don't have to buy grocery store chicken anymore. It sounds like the commercial meat operations are having their chickens grow at an even faster rate, and that is what is causing it.

All the more reason to raise your own meat.