Chicken

Domesticated fowl descended from the red junglefowl (*Gallus gallus domesticus*) of Southeast Asia. The world's most consumed protein, with an exceptionally mild, slightly sweet flesh that carries seasonings and sauces across virtually every global cuisine. White breast meat is lean and quick-cooking; dark thigh and leg meat is richer and forgiving under long heat. Select birds with plump, unblemished skin, pale flesh, and a clean smell; air-chilled or pasture-raised birds yield noticeably better flavor.