Lena's Culinary Delights:
Making Broth from Black Chicken
My First Food Experience With Black Chicken
Black Chicken (Silkie Chicken) Has a Fascinating Food History
Silkies trace back over 1,000 years to ancient China, where they were prized by royalty and wealthy families. (But of course! Everything traces back to China or Egypt. LOL.) Chinese records mention them as early as the 8th century, during the Tang Dynasty. They were deeply embedded in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for restorative properties and used in remedies such as “Black Chicken Pills” during the Ming Dynasty. Their meat, skin, and bones appear in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China as medicinal materials.
In Chinese cuisine, they’re known as wu gu ji (“dark boned chicken”). Common dishes include:
Confinement foods for postpartum recovery
Admit it! That's fascinating! But wait! There's more!
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Somehow, black chicken made it to the West.
The black chicken made its way to Westerners. Who do we thank? MarcoPolo. He wrote about a “furry chicken” after his travels to the Far East during the 13th century. By the 16th–17th centuries, Silkies arrived in Europe via the SilkRoad and maritime trade. (Would civilization have survived without the Silk Road?)
Early European sellers even claimed they were hybrids of rabbits and chickens to attract buyers. (As if a black chicken wouldn't get your attention? Why didn't they do like they do in grocery stores? Cook it and hand out samples to taste!)
WHY ARE BLACK CHICKENS BLACK?
(I know you're curious, and so was I!)
Silkies have fibromelanosis, a rare genetic mutation causing black skin, bones, and organs. Their feathers look like fur because they lack barbicels, the tiny hooks that normally hold feather strands together.
REFERENCES:
Silkies, Route 99. “The Fascinating History of Silkies: From Ancient China to Modern.” Route 99 Silkies, 17 Nov. 2025, https://route99silkies.com/learning-center/f/the-fascinating-history-of-silkies-from-ancient-china-to-modern.
The Poultry Pro. “Unlocking Silkie Chicken History: Origins and Evolution.” Feathered Farm Life, 28 Jun. 2025, https://featheredfarmlife.com/silkie-chicken-origin-and-evolution/.
Team, Science Insights. “Where Are Silkie Chickens From? Ancient China Roots.” ScienceInsights, 15 Mar. 2026, https://scienceinsights.org/where-are-silkie-chickens-from-ancient-china-roots/.
hobby-farms-hq. “Silkie Chicken Breed Profile: History, Traits & Care.” Hobby Farms, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.hobbyfarms.com/silkie-2/.
Kilar, Katarzyna. “Silkie Chickens: The Black-Skinned Poultry Breed.” Backyard Chicken Coach, 21 Dec. 2025, https://backyardchickencoach.com/black-chickens-with-black-skin/.
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MY Chicken Blog Posts RoundUp:
- My Best Of Chicken Recipes
- Netflix Series: Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody
- Foodie Nuggets: Who Invented Chicken Nuggets?
- Homemade Soups: Chicken Soup (A Global Comfort Food - Every Country Has One!)
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