The Most Expensive Chicken Costs About $6K Per Bird

Dong Tao Chicken — This Dong Tao chicken may not be a looker in your opinion, but it's one of the most expensive breeds out there, selling for thousands of dollars each. Johnwoodkim / Shutterstock

Chickens might not seem like luxury items, but in the world of rare poultry, the most expensive chicken breeds can fetch thousands of dollars.

These birds stand out for their striking appearance, rarity, or culinary reputation — sometimes all three.

1. Ayam Cemani

Dubbed the "Lamborghini of poultry," the Ayam Cemani is known for its all-black appearance. This Indonesian breed owes its black feathers, skin, bones, and even internal organs to a rare condition called fibromelanosis, a genetic mutation that causes extreme pigmentation.

Ayam Cemani chickens can sell for around $6,000 per bird, making them one of the most expensive chicken breeds in the world.

2. Dong Tao Chicken

Also known as the dragon chicken, the Dong Tao breed from Vietnam is famous for its thick, scaly legs. Originally bred exclusively to be served at the royal family’s banquets, this rare breed is now a high-demand delicacy.

The bird's meat is prized for its quality and texture, though its bulky legs make egg production and breeding more difficult.

Some Dong Tao chickens have sold for up to around €1,850 (approximately $2,000) each.

3. Bresse Chicken

Native to France, the Bresse chicken is often considered the gold standard for white meat. Known for its marbled fat and exceptional flavor, this breed is legally protected and only considered true Bresse if raised in a specific region of France.

Served in fine dining establishments, Bresse chickens are prized not only for their taste but also for their distinctive blue legs and red combs.

4. Serama Chicken

The Serama chicken may be small in size, but it comes with a big price tag. This Malaysian breed is the world's smallest chicken and is often bred for shows.

Despite its tiny stature, its proud posture and unique appearance make it a favorite among breeders. Top-quality Serama birds can sell for several hundred dollars each.

5. Orust Chicken

Hailing from Sweden, the Orust chicken is a rare breed known for its black-and-white feathers and high adaptability. These birds lay eggs reliably and have a unique look that sets them apart from other chicken breeds.

Due to their scarcity and distinctive coloration, they’re sought after by collectors and poultry enthusiasts.

6. Liege Fighter

The Liege Fighter is a large and powerful Belgian breed originally developed for cockfighting. Though no longer used for that purpose, this rare and muscular bird remains a symbol of strength.

Its rarity and impressive size make it one of the more expensive chicken breeds available today.

7. Olandsk Dwarf

This small Swedish breed is among the rarest in the world. The Olandsk Dwarf is prized for its compact size and colorful plumage.

While it doesn’t produce much meat or lay many eggs, its rarity and charm make it a must-have for specialty breeders and collectors.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.