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Turkey vs. Chicken: Which is Healthier & Cooking and Taste Differences

Updated: September 7, 2023 by Madison Maxwell | Leave a comment

When looking for healthy protein options for your family, turkey and chicken are both great choices, but they do differ. Let’s take a deeper look into turkey vs. chicken and find out how to best utilize what both of these options offer.

a chicken sunset — Turkey and chicken offer a similar protein option but they are very different-looking birds! While chickens are commonly white, light brown, or black, turkeys have dark brown or black iridescent feathers, but no feathers on their heads.
©Moonborne/Shutterstock.com

Turkey vs. Chicken: What is the Difference?

The primary difference between turkey and chicken is their taste, texture, and nutrition. Chicken has a mild flavor and can be tender while turkey has a stronger, more gamey flavor and a denser texture. From a nutrition standpoint, turkey is generally higher in protein while chicken has slightly more calories. Each food has nutrients it's higher in like turkey having more iron whereas chicken is higher in vitamin B6.

In terms of availability, chicken is easier to find and is a staple on most menus while turkey is more specialized. Chicken is used as a protein across international cuisines (Chinese, Mexican, Indian, etc.) whereas turkey is more associated with the holidays and is more popular in deli meats.

Turkey is larger and heavier but it is a leaner meat. Roasted turkey is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas, whereas chicken is used frequently throughout the year.

Let's explore some of these differences in more detail.

Different cuts of chicken displayed on cutting boards — Turkey and chicken have some differences that are important to know based on what you are trying to accomplish with your meal.
©Bon Appetit/Shutterstock.com

Turkey vs. Chicken: Which is Healthier (Calories, Fat, Vitamins in Each)

Turkey is a leaner meat and is often used as a healthier substitute for chicken for anyone who is really keeping an eye on calories, fat, and cholesterol. Here is a turkey vs. chicken nutritional comparison chart to learn more:

Turkey vs. Chicken nutritional information — ©

Here are a few of the main nutritional differences between the two foods.

Protein: While turkey and chicken both contain about 26 grams of protein per 3 ounces, turkey has a higher density of protein calories.
Overall Calories: Turkey has slightly less calories than chicken at 125 per 3 ounces vs. chicken's 140 calories per 3 ounces. It's worth noting that the location of meat will affect calories in both birds. For example, dark chicken meat has about 20% higher calories than white chicken meat. There's a similar relationship in turkey where its dark meat contains about 20 to 30 additional calories for every three ounces. Most of these calories come from added fat.
Sodium: Turkey is often brined for products like deli meats, which can lead to high levels of sodium you may want to watch for. If turkey and chicken are unprocessed, their sodium levels are similar.
Vitamins and Minerals: Turkey and chicken both have vitamins and minerals they're higher in. Chicken is abundant in niacin whereas turkey is rich in magnesium. Overall, while chicken or turkey may have slightly more of certain minerals, there is a heavy overlap in the healthy vitamins and minerals each contains.

Turkey vs. Chicken: Taste

Turkey and chicken are two different birds so although they are similar they do taste different. Turkey has a richer and darker taste than chicken and it is also usually juicier which many people love. Turkey can also sometimes be described as gamier than chicken. If looking for a protein that is neutral to go with anything, many opt for chicken.

Closeup of a raw chicken and stuffing in a pot. Closeup of fresh catnip leaves growing—Closeup of the center of clematis flower petals. Two thistle plants grow in the garden. — Turkey and chicken can be prepared and cooked similarly. They both have dark meat and light meat which offer different flavors. Chicken is often baked or grilled, whereas turkey is most commonly baked.
©iStock.com/Akchamczuk

Turkey vs. Chicken: Preparation

Because turkey and chicken are a similar bird they can be prepared very similarly. Turkeys are usually significantly larger than chickens so you would use a bigger pan, more seasonings, brine it for a longer period of time, and roast it longer than you would a chicken.

For both birds, after preparing it you can easily throw it in the oven and keep an eye as it starts to become golden. The safe cooking temperature for all poultry is 165 ºF. After roasting your bird, it is important to allow it rest time. This allows the turkey or chicken time to remain at the temperature or continue to rise for a few minutes to destroy any harmful bacteria.

Turkey in Michigan forest, Michigan wildlife — Turkeys are native to North America and are raised on farms for meat but can also be found in the wild.
©thangs1/Shutterstock.com

Turkey vs. Chicken: Origin

Turkeys were domesticated around 2,000 years ago in Southern Mexico. The primary ancestor of the turkey is the wild turkey and it’s believed the Mayans were the first to domesticate this animal. The domesticated birds were taken to Europe by Spanish explorers and before long they were in farm yards all over the world.

Chickens were domesticated around 7,000-10,000 in Southeast Asia. The primary ancestor of the chicken is the Southeast Asian Red Junglefowl. The distribution of chickens happened very quickly as they not only provided meat but also produces eggs. It is also believed that they had a quick widespread because of the Cockfighting sport.

A Quick Comparison of Turkey vs. Chicken

Infographic comparing turkey and chicken. — Turkey is preferred by some for its juiciness.

Turkey and chicken are both excellent options, especially if you're looking for a meat that's low in saturated fat but high in protein. Turkey is the healthier option between the two, but both are generally quite healthy. The richer and darker taste of turkey may be preferred by some, while others will like the ability to use chicken's subtler flavor in a variety of dishes. Turkey is more than just a Thanksgiving meal; it has a lot of value in a healthy diet. Give these turkey and chicken recipes a try, and you'll be in love with both of these birds in no time.

Our Favorite Turkey Recipes

Leftover Turkey Casserole

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Author: Moms Who Think
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups finely chopped onion
½ cup finely chopped celery
1 can (14½ ounces) reduced sodium chicken broth, divided
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed whole grain bread
3 cups cubed white bread
2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
½ cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, bring the onion, celery, and ½ cup broth to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat.

2. Stir in the eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and remaining broth until blended.

3. Add the bread cubes, turkey and cranberries; mix well.

4. Spoon into a 2 qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until a thermometer reaches 160°.