There are several similarities and differences between chickens and turkeys. In this comparison, we are going to discover and explore these important factors so that you can be informed about the discrepancies between a chicken and a turkey.
We’ll include covering details like calorie estimates, vitamins, minerals, and also explore several health factors relating to both chickens and turkeys. In addition, we’ll take a look at both birds’ lifestyles and learn about how external factors also contribute to this important comparison.
Chickens and turkeys provide an excellent source of protein in a meal. Chickens have slightly more protein than turkey, but they are quite similar in terms of contributing to your protein diet. Your specific preferences may be determined based on diet-specific goals or preferred taste, but there are several other factors to compare that might also have an impact on your decision as well.
Protein is an important part of a diet. Many things have protein, however, chicken and turkey both provide healthy alternatives, that can give your body what it needs. It has been suggested that every person needs “just over 7 grams for every 20 pounds of body weight” when it comes to protein. Source.
Health Comparison | Chicken vs Turkey
Chicken and turkey can complement your diet and have positive or negative impacts on your health. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the possible health effects that might come from eating turkey and chicken.
Calories
A chicken breast has 5% more calories than a turkey breast, which is a pretty small difference when you compare these two against each other. If you are trying to reduce calories in your diet, it might be important to roast your chicken or turkey instead of frying it. This can help keep the total amount of calories low, which can ultimately have a positive impact on your diet.
Protein
A nearly identical amount of protein can be found in both turkey breasts and chicken breasts. The differences are minuscule between these two meals, so the comparison can be equated to an identical amount of protein. The good news is that both meals provide an excellent source of protein, which can be excellent for individuals that are looking to improve their protein intake for their diet.
Vitamins / Minerals
The final category that we are going to compare between chicken and turkey relates to the vitamins and minerals that come from each potential meal. The differences between turkey and chicken in this category are very minor.
Chicken provides excellent sources of Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and Calcium, while turkey primarily provides excellent sources of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.
Vitamins and minerals can be important to any healthy diet and it’s imperative to consider this as a factor as you plan out your diet. If you’re looking for a well-rounded collection of vitamin and mineral sources, then chicken breast could be an excellent choice. If you believe you may be Vitamin-B deficient, turkey may be an appropriate meal selection.
Does Turkey Taste Better Than Chicken?
Turkey has a more rich flavor due to its fat content and other factors. Chicken can go well with just about anything, which is why it is such a versatile alternative. It comes down to personal preference. On Thanksgiving, turkey tastes better to me, but on an everyday night, BBQ chicken, or chicken and dumplings can be a tastier option.
When it comes to turkey salad and chicken salad, they both have a great flavor. The turkey salad is a great way to get rid of leftovers from the holiday, while chicken salad is a great easy lunch or meal to make on a busy day.
Can I Substitute Turkey for Chicken?
Both of these types of meat are very versatile. You could most likely substitute them both for each other. You can use leftover turkey in so many different ways, turkey salad, turkey sandwiches, turkey for stir fry. When cooked a little, the turkey will start to brown and can be delicious.
I have also had meals where I substituted turkey dinner, for two baked chickens because I didn’t want to deal with the mess. So even during a holiday, a chicken or two can be used in place of a traditional turkey or ham.
Chicken vs Turkey | Average Expected Lifespan
Chickens live between 5 and 10 years, while wild turkeys live for only about half as long. Both populations are exceptionally stable and both birds play an incredibly important role in a human’s diet.
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Comparison Chart | Chicken vs Turkey
Here’s an in-depth comparison chart of some of the most significant differences between a turkey and a chicken. It’s important to understand these differences and similarities so that you don’t easily mistake these two types of birds.
| Chicken | Turkey |
| Chickens have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years and play an important role in the healthy diet of most humans. They are an excellent source of protein and several other vitamins and minerals. | Turkeys have a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years and play an important role in the healthy diet of most humans. They are an excellent source of protein and several other vitamins, including Vitamin B6 and B12. |
| Chickens have a similar calorie content when compared to a turkey. | Turkeys have a similar calorie content when compared to a chicken. |
| Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and Calcium are several of the vitamins and minerals found in a chicken-based meal. They are also an excellent source of protein, just like a turkey. | Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 are some of the main vitamins found in a turkey. They can be great for someone that wants to increase their Vitamin B intake. |
| In terms of overall health benefits, chicken-based meals are an excellent source of protein and can contribute to a healthy diet. | They provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and also contribute to a healthy diet in many different cases. |
This chart helps compare several of the similarities and differences between a chicken-based meal and a turkey-based meal. By understanding these comparisons, you should be able to make a well-informed decision when trying to integrate these two options into your diet.
See our article for Hens vs Roosters
Conclusion
Understanding the calorie content, protein content, and vitamins within these two dietary options can be exceptionally important. There are positive and negative health factors from both of these options and you need to have a complete understanding to make well-informed decisions regarding your diet.
If you spend a little bit of time analyzing the comparison chart above, you’ll start to realize that several factors contribute to the differences between a chicken-based meal and a turkey-based meal
