Yes, chicken is meat. More specifically, chicken is poultry, which is different from red meat such as beef, lamb, or pork. In cooking and food-safety guidance, chicken is treated as meat and should be handled carefully and cooked to 165 F.
Chicken Classification at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is chicken meat? | Yes. Chicken is meat from an animal. |
| Is chicken poultry? | Yes. Chicken is poultry. |
| Is chicken red meat? | No. Chicken is usually classified as white meat or poultry, not red meat. |
| Is chicken vegetarian? | No. Vegetarian diets do not include chicken. |
| What temperature should chicken reach? | 165 F measured with a food thermometer. |
Why People Ask This
Some people use the word “meat” to mean only red meat in casual conversation. That is why chicken may be described as “not red meat” even though it is still meat. For menus, nutrition labels, and food safety, chicken belongs with poultry and other animal proteins.
Food Safety for Chicken
- Keep raw chicken separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands, utensils, boards, and surfaces after contact with raw chicken.
- Do not rinse raw chicken in the sink because splashing can spread bacteria.
- Cook chicken to 165 F in the thickest part.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat leftovers to 165 F.
Chicken vs Red Meat vs Fish
Chicken is poultry. Beef and lamb are red meat. Fish and shellfish are seafood. These categories matter because they cook differently, have different nutrition profiles, and carry different food-safety handling rules.
FAQ
Is chicken meat or poultry?
It is both. Chicken is meat, and its specific category is poultry.
Is chicken considered red meat?
No. Chicken is generally treated as poultry or white meat, not red meat.
Can vegetarians eat chicken?
No. Vegetarian diets do not include chicken. Some people who eat poultry but not red meat may call themselves flexitarian or use another diet label.
What temperature makes chicken safe to eat?
Cook chicken to 165 F and check the thickest part with a food thermometer.