By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor

In the nine months since the COVID-19 pandemic first began, retail chicken sales have increased $1.3 billion, up 19.5 percent year-over-year, according to IRI and 210 Analytics.

A new survey from the National Chicken Council (NCC) also shows that half of Americans who eat chicken said they have eaten it more than any other protein during COVID-19, making chicken the top “quarantine protein.”

“With everyone adjusting to a new way of life this year, chicken has been a reliable source of nutritious protein in an unpredictable time,” Tom Super, NCC spokesman, said. “This research shows how the hard work of the entire chicken industry during this challenging time has supported many Americans who are looking for an easy-to-prepare, affordable and healthy meal.”

The survey provides interesting metrics and insight into the pandemic’s impact on American chicken consumption habits.

Forty-eight percent of survey respondents increased the amount of chicken they prepared at home during the pandemic, while 39 percent said they increased the ways they prepare chicken.

Just over half, or 52 percent, of Americans prefer grilled chicken, while the remaining 48 percent said they prefer fried.

When it comes to wings, boneless wings just edged out traditional bone-in wings as the favorite, with 53 percent of respondents preferring the boneless option.

Two in five Americans said chicken breast is their favorite cut, but wings (20 percent), thighs (17 percent) and drumsticks (14 percent) were all close competitors.

Almost three-quarters, or 74 percent, of chicken consumers said they prefer to eat real chicken over plant-based alternatives.

Chicken consumption may see a continued boost throughout the holiday season, too. Many are reinventing traditional holiday meals as social distancing and stay-at-home orders remain in effect.

Half of those surveyed said they would prefer chicken over ham or turkey at a holiday meal, and more than half would eat chicken wings as part of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

For more facts on chicken consumption and poultry farmers, as well as recipes and cooking tips, visit NCC’s website.