Chicken nuggets are in fact typically made of the same meat that you see in the supermarket, that is, broiler meat.
Most chicken nuggets start as a split breast of chicken. You might read on the package that the product contains, “rib meat. ” Rib meat is simply a natural extension of the breast meat. It is NOT an additive or a filler.
For taste and texture, you could add other boneless chicken meat, like from the legs and thighs, or the skin from the meat. The meat might then be marinated to enhance the meat’s juiciness and flavor.
The meat is then ground and formed, just like you would form a meatball from a ground meat product. It is then breaded and cooked, usually baked or fried in oil.
There are an abundant amount of choices of chicken nuggets when it comes to feeding your family, based on your budget, taste, values or dietary restrictions. There are gluten-free nuggets, nuggets that are lightly-breaded or have whole-grain breading, all-white meat nuggets, grilled nuggets or organic nuggets.
Keep in mind, too, that all federally inspected chicken processing plants follow strict food safety standards and operate under the watch of USDA inspectors at all times.
Chicken nuggets are excellent sources of protein, especially for growing kids, which are part of a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
When you buy chicken at the store, have you ever seen the words “with rib meat” on the label? You might have wondered if you’re getting less for your money or if there’s something fishy about this addition. I got lost too! Now that I’ve cooked and studied for years, I can tell you exactly what “chicken breast with rib meat” means and why it’s important for your meals.
What Exactly Is Chicken Breast with Rib Meat?
When foods are packaged with the words “chicken breast with rib meat,” it just means that the breast meat has some extra meat from the chicken’s shoulder. This isn’t the meat from the ribs, like you’d find in pork ribs. Instead, it’s the meat that sits next to the ribs and connects to the breast.
The chicken breast, which is in the chest area of the bird, is mostly white meat. The rib meat that is attached to the scapula is a little darker and tastes a little better than the breast meat on its own.
Why Is Rib Meat Included with Chicken Breast?
There are several practical reasons why chicken processors include rib meat with chicken breast
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This way of cutting the chicken makes it easier and faster for the butchers. When they take the breast off the body, it’s hard to separate it completely without some of the attached rib meat.
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Cost Effectiveness: This efficient cutting method reduces labor hours, which can make the chicken less expensive for you as a consumer.
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Reduced Waste: Including the rib meat means less of the chicken goes unused, which is both economical and more sustainable.
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Enhanced Flavor: The rib meat adds a bit more flavor due to its slightly higher fat content and darker color.
Is Chicken Breast with Rib Meat Lower Quality?
This is a common misconception! Chicken breast with rib meat isn’t inferior to pure breast meat – it’s just different. Here’s why:
- It’s still real, natural chicken meat – not an additive or filler
- The rib meat often provides more authentic chicken flavor
- It may help keep the breast meat more moist during cooking
- It’s typically cheaper than chicken breasts without rib meat
As Chef Marcus from Culinary Insights told me, “The inclusion of rib meat can actually be a blessing for many recipes where you want a bit more flavor complexity without switching to dark meat entirely.”
Nutritional Differences
Let’s talk nutrition. There are slight differences between pure chicken breast and chicken breast with rib meat:
| Nutrient | Pure Chicken Breast | With Rib Meat |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | High | High |
| Fat | Very Low | Slightly Higher |
| Calories | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Vitamins | B6, B12, Niacin | B6, B12, Niacin, slightly more iron |
The nutritional differences are minimal in most cases. The rib meat contains slightly more myoglobin (a protein that delivers oxygen to muscles), which gives it a darker color and marginally higher fat content. But we’re talking about very small differences that shouldn’t significantly impact your diet.
For Weight Watchers followers, it’s worth noting that the points might be slightly higher for chicken with rib meat included.
How to Identify Rib Meat in Your Chicken
If you’re curious about whether your chicken has rib meat, here’s how to spot it:
- Look for darker colored sections attached to the breast
- It will typically be on one side of the breast piece
- The texture may be slightly different than the rest of the breast
How to Cook Chicken Breast with Rib Meat
The good news is you don’t need to change your cooking methods! Here are some tips:
- Cook as usual: The rib meat cooks at essentially the same rate as the breast meat
- Temperature: Still aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for food safety
- No special treatment needed: You don’t need to remove it unless you want to
I’ve found that in most recipes, you won’t even notice the rib meat after cooking. It blends in with the breast meat and might even add some welcome moisture and flavor.
Should You Remove the Rib Meat?
It’s totally up to you! If you want to remove it, here’s how:
- Use a sharp paring knife (3-4 inches long is ideal)
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board with the rib meat facing down
- Carefully trim away the darker meat using the tip of your knife
- Don’t worry if you take some white meat with it – you’ll get better with practice!
The trimmed rib meat doesn’t need to go to waste! You can save it for:
- Homemade chicken stock
- Soup additions
- Pet treats (unseasoned)
Price Differences
Generally, chicken breast with rib meat is cheaper than chicken breast without it. This price difference reflects:
- Less labor involved in processing
- Higher yield per chicken
- Consumer perception (some people specifically seek out rib-meat-free options)
For budget-conscious shoppers, chicken breast with rib meat offers good value. You’re getting essentially the same nutritional benefits at a lower price point.
Common Questions About Chicken Breast with Rib Meat
Is the rib meat an additive or filler?
No! It’s a natural part of the chicken, not something added afterward. The labeling is just being transparent about which parts of the chicken are included.
Does chicken breast with rib meat cook differently?
Not significantly. You might notice very slight differences in cooking time, but it’s generally not enough to require recipe modifications.
Is it considered processed meat?
No. While the term “processed” covers a wide range of preparations, chicken breast with rib meat is still considered fresh meat, not a processed product like sausage or deli meat.
Are there regulations about how much rib meat can be included?
Yes! The USDA regulates the maximum percentage of rib meat that can be included, ensuring that the product remains primarily chicken breast.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
When deciding whether to buy chicken breast with or without rib meat, consider:
- Budget: If cost is a concern, the version with rib meat is typically more economical
- Diet restrictions: If you’re strictly counting calories or fat, the pure breast meat might be marginally better
- Flavor preference: Some people prefer the slightly richer flavor that comes with the rib meat included
- Recipe needs: For very specific presentations where uniformity matters, you might prefer rib-meat-free options
Final Thoughts
I’ve been cooking with both types of chicken breast for years, and honestly, in most recipes, I can’t tell the difference once it’s cooked. The inclusion of rib meat is mainly a processing decision that makes chicken more affordable while reducing waste.
If you’re still unsure, try buying both types and conducting your own taste test at home! Cook them the same way and see if you notice any difference in flavor or texture. You might be surprised to find you prefer the version with rib meat included!
Remember, good cooking isn’t about using the most expensive ingredients – it’s about understanding your ingredients and making informed choices that work for your tastes, budget, and nutritional needs.
So next time you see that “with rib meat” label, you can confidently toss it in your cart knowing exactly what you’re getting!
Chicken Nugget Myth vs. Fact
MYTH: Mechanically separated chicken is used to make chicken nuggets.
FACT: Mechanically separated chicken has been used in poultry products since 1969. It is used primarily as an ingredient in frankfurters, lunch meat or other processed products. It is not typically used in the majority of chicken nuggets or patties, and it is not sold directly to consumers.
But mechanically separated poultry is regulated and inspected by the USDA, just like all other meat and poultry products. Products that contain it must list it as an ingredient on the label.
Mechanical systems keep healthy meat from going to waste and keep people from having to do the same motions over and over again to do close trimming by hand.
MYTH: “Meat glue” is used to hold chicken nuggets together.
Some people call transglutaminase “meat glue.” It’s an enzyme that has been sold for almost 20 years and is mostly used in food service to hold pieces of meat together, like a beef tenderloin or a bacon strip to a filet mignon. It is not used to make chicken nuggets. Not needed—salt and phosphate are used to get the protein out of the chicken breast or thigh meat, which is then ground or chopped and easily shaped into nuggets. The breading helps hold the nugget together, as well.
MYTH: “Retired Egg Layers” are used to make chicken nuggets.
FACT: “Retired egg layers” are NOT used for chicken nuggets. Cage layers possess little meat and many of them are not processed for meat at all. The birds that produce the eggs that become broilers (which are not kept in cages and do not produce eggs for the table) usually become “stewing hens” or go into soup or other products that involve long cooking.