Where to Buy Black Chicken Meat: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding This Exotic Delicacy

Black chicken, also called Silkie chicken or Ayam Cemani, is being cooked more and more in American homes. Have you ever seen those strange jet-black chickens that look like they’ve been dipped in ink? I looked into where to find this special meat for weeks, and I can’t wait to tell you what I found!

What Exactly is Black Chicken?

Black chicken is unique. Let’s talk about that before we talk about where to buy it. Black chicken isn’t just dark on the outside; its skin, bones, and even organs are all black. This is because of a genetic condition called fibromelanosis, which makes the skin and bones too dark.

The two main types you’ll encounter are

• Silkie Chicken – Originally from Asia, with fluffy feathers and black skin and bones
• Ayam Cemani – From Indonesia, completely black throughout (even more so than Silkies)

Where Can You Buy Black Chicken Meat?

Finding black chicken meat can be tricky since it’s not typically stocked in regular supermarkets. Here are your best options

1. Asian Grocery Stores

Most likely, the best place to find Silkie black chicken is in an Asian market. Especially in places with a lot of Asian people, these specialty stores often have different cuts of black chicken meat.

2. Online Specialty Meat Retailers

Several online retailers specialize in exotic meats and ship nationwide:

Weee! Asian Market (sayweee.com)
This online Asian grocery store offers multiple varieties of black chicken:

• Wingtat Silkie Black Chicken (Frozen, 1-1.5 lb) – $12.99-$15.99
• Young Silky Chicken, Female, HOFO (Premium Frozen, 1.5-1.8 lb) – $15.99-$17.79
• Farm Fed Buddhist Style Silkie Chicken (Frozen, 1.8-2.2 lb) – $15.99-$16.99
• Palmetto Farm Silkie Chicken (Frozen, 1-1.5 lb) – $12.99
• Palmetto Farm Silkie Chicken Large (Frozen, 2.3-2.5 lb) – $14.99

Exotic Meat Market
Specializes in unique meats including Ayam Cemani chicken:

• Ayam Cemani Chicken – 1 Dressed Bird – $299.99
• Ayam Cemani Chicken Exotic Eggs for food – 6 Eggs – $99.99

3. Specialty Butcher Shops

Local specialty butchers sometimes carry black chicken or can order it for you. This is a great option if you prefer to see your meat before purchasing.

4. Farmers Markets and Local Farms

Some local farmers raise Silkie chickens and sell them at farmers markets. This is a wonderful way to get fresh black chicken while supporting local agriculture.

5. Direct from Poultry Farms

Some farms raise Silkies or Ayam Cemani chickens as their main breed. Sometimes you can buy straight from these farms, especially if you want whole birds.

Price Range for Black Chicken

Black chicken is generally more expensive than regular chicken due to its rarity. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

What Does Black Chicken Taste Like?

If your wondering about the flavor, black chicken has a distinct taste compared to regular chicken. Many describe it as:

• More intense and flavorful
• Slightly gamey or earthy
• Rich with a subtle sweetness
• Deeper, more complex flavor profile

Popular Dishes Made with Black Chicken

Black chicken is super versatile and can be used in many recipes. Some popular dishes include:

• Black Chicken Soup with Goji Berries – A comforting soup with medicinal properties
• Black Chicken Stir Fry – Simple and flavorful with vegetables and aromatics
• Instant Pot Black Chicken Stew – A hearty stew with Asian spices
• Black Chicken Rice Cooker Delight – A one-pot meal with fragrant rice
• Black Chicken with Bok Choy stir fry – A healthy, quick dinner option

Health Benefits of Black Chicken

Many people seek out black chicken for its supposed health benefits. According to traditional Chinese medicine and some customer reviews, black chicken offers:

• Higher protein content than regular chicken
• Lower fat content
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Considered good for immune support
• Used in traditional medicine for centuries

Cooking Tips for Black Chicken

When I first cooked black chicken, I noticed a few differences from regular chicken:

1. Slower Cooking – Black chicken can take longer to cook, typically 1-2 hours depending on the method
2. Great for Slow Cooking – Works wonderfully in soups, stews, and braised dishes
3. Coloration – The black color will affect the appearance of your dish
4. Bones – The bones are darker and can make a rich, flavorful broth

Storage Tips

To keep your black chicken fresh:

• Refrigerate and use within a few days of purchase
• Freeze for longer storage (most come frozen anyway)
• Use proper food storage techniques to maintain quality
• Look for bright, translucent appearance and sweet, clean aroma when fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute black chicken for regular chicken?

Yes! You can use black chicken in place of regular chicken in most recipes, but remember it has a more intense flavor and darker color that will affect your dish.

Is black chicken meat healthier than regular chicken?

Many believe it is! Black chicken is said to have higher protein, lower cholesterol, and anti-inflammatory properties compared to regular chicken.

Can I raise my own black chickens for meat?

Absolutely! If you have the facilities and knowledge, raising Silkies can provide a sustainable source of black chicken meat. However, Ayam Cemani chickens are quite expensive to purchase as breeding stock.

How can I tell if black chicken meat is fresh?

Fresh black chicken should have a clean aroma and bright appearance without any sliminess or off smells. When in doubt, throw it out!

My Personal Experience with Black Chicken

I bought my first black chicken from an Asian market in San Francisco last year. I was intimidated at first – the completely black appearance was a bit shocking! But I made a simple soup with ginger and goji berries, and it was incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

The meat was darker and had a more complex taste than regular chicken, almost like a cross between chicken and duck. The broth was rich and deeply colored. While it was more expensive than regular chicken, the unique flavor made it worth the splurge for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

Black chicken may require a bit of hunting to find, but the unique culinary experience makes it worth the effort. Whether you’re interested in its distinct flavor profile, potential health benefits, or just want to try something new, black chicken is a fascinating ingredient to experiment with.

Have you tried black chicken before? Where did you purchase it? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Remember, the best places to buy black chicken meat are Asian grocery stores, online specialty retailers like Weee! or Exotic Meat Market, specialty butchers, farmers markets, and direct from poultry farms. Happy cooking!