Myth: I should remove chicken skin before I cook it to reduce the fat content.

Answer: Busted!

It makes little difference in the fat content if the skin is removed before or after cooking. The meat is more moist and tender when cooked with the skin. You can eliminate about half the fat by trimming away the skin before eating the meat.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service offers more information on poultry preparation. Additional nutrition and health information can be found on the MissouriFamilies website.

Contributor: Maude Harris, Nutrition/Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, harrismau@missouri.edu, (573) 545-3516