Rubbery chicken

[Mmmmdanone]

I've recently found that quite a lot of the chicken breast I buy has a rubbery texture and is inedible. It's not how I cook it as I can tell when it's raw if it's going to be like this- it's so hard to chop.

The first time I came across it I just cooked it thinking that would make it ok, but it was like chewing a bouncy balls so all got binned! So now, if it has that feeling when raw I get rid right away.

It's happened quite a lot recently and has put the whole family off chicken.
Anyone else experienced this?

Yes i had this from sainsburys
It looks like its streaked with blood very lightly when its raw. Its awful the texture when its cooked is very off putting.

I’ve had exactly the same, from Tesco and Sainsbury’s. We do eat a lot of chicken but I get a dodgy pack at least once a month now.

Glad I'm not the only one! I've had it from Sainsbury's and Asda ( only places I shop). I couldn't tell by looking though, only when I tried to cut it although it was probably a more pinky colour when I think about it. It seems quite as recent thing too.

Wonder what the issue is. Weightlifting chickens? 😁

I googled and found its been going on for a few years now. Its called woody breast apparently.
www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/3802/why-does-woody-breast-still-have-the-industry-stumped/

Woody breast

Has anyone found if it’s better with organic chicken?

Thanks nouser ! So not weightlifting. Think I might go vegetarian though.

I don't know i might try from the butchers see if thats any better

I buy free range and sometimes it still happens

Yes have had this issue a lot with chicken breast fillets. I've since started buying the mini fillets. The little side cuts off the breasts. They do them 3 packs for €10 in Tesco. They are gorgeous. Lovely and tender. Bought aldi and Lidl ones too and all tender. So no going back to breast for us

Badwifey good tip. If I ever have chicken again I'll get them!

This is why I stopped buying breasts. I only buy skinless, boneless thigh meat now and no longer have that inedible rubberised chicken.

Another good suggestion. Also cheaper than breast. Thanks.

We've only used thighs for years, much tastier and juicer.

thighs all the way.with skin on though ;)

Thighs and mini fillets here too!